Spent half a day in the swamps Sunday. Didn't get on any hogs, but had a good time. The weather was great!

I spent the whole time looking for water mocassins, and didn't see any! I even trolled the sunny river bank for an hour or more, without seeing the first one! I need some big ones to back a longbow.

I've never purposely looked for them, which was probably my problem. I figured they would be in the sun trying to soak up the heat, since it was a cool morning. Anyone have any tips on finding cotton mouths?

Carry a fishing rod instead of a bow.

I would set out some flat rocks, plywood or such around the area the snakes frequent. Check under them now and then. Just remember to pick them up so that they are between you and the potential venomous snake...

Carry nothing that could possibly be used to kill one, and they will come to you!

#1. Go back to the swamp tonight.
#2. Do not turn on your light, but walk blindly  
   around in the dark.
#3. Stop and turn on your light when you feel
   something hitting your boots!

Worked for me while walking into a stand last year!          

The river might still be a bit cool for them this early. Find some backwater sloughs or ponds. This would also have more prey for them at this time.

QuoteOriginally posted by ishiwannabe:
I would set out some flat rocks, plywood or such around the area the snakes frequent. Check under them now and then. Just remember to pick them up so that they are between you and the potential venomous snake...

Very good idea. I like laying pieces of sheet metal around because the sun warms it up fast and it stays warm a while, so snakes especially like to get under the metal to get warm. We don't have cottonmouths around these parts, but I do have metal placed on the ground in my back yard just to attract snakes. I'm wanting copperheads for the skins but all I get is garter snakes!

I know, I know, you all think I'm crazy by wanting to attract snakes and all. But, I have learned through the years since I was a child that most snakes are harmless and are the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. By far, they do more good than harm. I have absolutely no fear of snakes and have kept many, many, of them as pets as a child and I raise my children to respect them but not to fear them and I encourage everyone to learn more about snakes so they don't have to be so afraid of them. My 10 year old son caught his first garter snake(I was there to coach him through it) a couple of weeks ago and was very excited about doing it so I took some pics of him with it.

I think you have to be vewwwwwy vewwwwwy qwiet.  I make lots of noise cause they scare the kaka out of me.

They are there but the cool probably has them sluggish.  At leas they have been here in central MS.  It got really warm for a few days last week and they were out everywhere.  I agree that they may not be so many near the river due to water temp.  Maybe near a still water that receives alot of sun.

Find the bullfrogs.