I have a problem; I know of some very lovely, crumbling rock-walls that I would love to dig into in my search for a milksnake, but I have seen several very large timber rattlesnakes on those same walls...

I don't know what to do! The rock walls are on the edge of a field so there is a lot of tall-grass around them, and I am concerned that I may not see the rattlers until too late. I'm also worried about flipping rocks and being within striking range.

I'm prepared with some techniques: I have thick hiking boots, and shin-guards. I walk with a stick ( a shovel handle) which I swing low to the ground in front of me. I also try to use the stick to flip over rocks from a distance, but it it isn't strong enough to flip some of the larger rocks.

What other precautions can I take? What do you do when herping in venomous-snake territory? Is the situation just too risky?

Thank you!