Trad Gang

Well, today was opening day of Arkansas archery season. Two weeks earlier than ever before. Up in the Ozarks mountains, It has been raining for the last couple of days.
 Even though the woods were quiet, for some reason I was watching my steps instead of looking for deer as I made my way to my treesand this afternoon... Good thing too


(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b327/selfbow1/003-4.jpg)

This guy was burried up in the leaf litter dead center of the trail I was walking. I was only two feet away when I spotted him.
(http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b327/selfbow1/001-2.jpg)

Timber rattler, just over 4 foot long. Only one I have ever seen in that paticular spot in 20 years of hunting it.

Good spot, that could have ruined your day.

He will look good on your bow

I hate snakes!......    :scared:     I even bought one for my son years ago.   I ended up liking  that one but all others still spook the heck out of me.   Too many western movies as a kid!    

SNAKES  :scared:

I always have my eyes up watching whats ahead. I might need to keep an eye out on the ground to! Wow!

When it comes to camo, you just cant do better than mother nature.

He would look good on the back of a bow.

Good eye brother.  Keep safe out there

Thats what I don't want to see.

SNAKEBOOTS, boys, snakeboots. Let that be the word of the day.

I too hate snakes!  Good eyes!!!

I'm with Jax... That sucker would look good on a bow!

:scared:  Yikes

Was he docile because it was chilly?  Did he even know u were there?

Since I live and bowhunt in Texas, rattlesnakes are a common occurrence. I'm constantly looking down when bowhunting and/or ahead of me when I'm stalking javelina.

They will hibernate in winter, but sometimes we can have a warm spell in winter and they will come out. In Texas, one always has to be on the lookout for them.

A question but aren't Timbwer rattlers a federally protected species? I do agree they would look good on a bow..

I would have had to make a trip back to camp to change my underwear!

I don't know about Federally, but they are protected here in Arkansas, a little too big for a bow anyway.

That would definitely ruin my day!  Nice picture, but I don't need them in my area!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Just one question. You mentioned something about 'rain'. Just what is that??   :dunno:

the only good snake is a dead one.   :scared:   i would run a mile if i saw that thing on the ground

NOPE- I would have sent him to the snake gods, don't want them where I hunt. I have enough problems hunting as is.

They always seem to surprise me.....guess that's why I don't like them. That is a big one, still cool to see even though it's not my favorite thing.

Good eyes most people would have either stepped on or over him, glad i don't have to worry too much about them here in Michigan.

Looks like good warmup practice to me. Even if it's only 2'. Fulllll Draw hit anchor annnd smmmoooth release..  :scared:

Wow Bondo, Good eye!  that's a hard spot when they are buried like that.  Another reason I like High boots. Happy hunting!