Going Hunting

[abcat1993]

I'm going turkey hunting in southern Illinois and the weather's supposed to be in the mid to hight 60s, but you can never trust weather.com (ever). There is this pond there that has what seems like millions of bullfrog tadpoles every year, and is the perfect spot for finding garters. I'll also have plenty of time (you have to stop hunting at noon). Are there any other snakes I should be looking for there besides garters and water snakes that would be eating those? I'll bring my camera and take some pictures. Last year my dad found a milk snake and a garter, and I found a timber rattlesnake, and I wasn't even looking for them. I probably won't keep anything, but you never know.

[adamanteus]

Matt, make sure you're busy with that camera! I, for one, want to see everything you see! Watch where you step if there are rattlers around.

[abcat1993]

Thanks. I just checked the weather for where I'm going, and it says mid 80'S! It's amazing how much of a difference five hours in the car can make.

[adamanteus]

Thanks. I just checked the weather for where I'm going, and it says mid 80'S! It's amazing how much of a difference five hours in the car can make.

Especially if it's moving! Hope you have a great time Matt. Keep us posted.

[stonyloam]

Good luck Matt! Got my bird opening morning (05/01). Nothing like going out in full camo in the pitch dark and watching the world wake up. You see amazing things. I have had a skunk walk across my feet, been stalked by a coyote and had a chickadee land on my shoulder. A few years back I was set up next to a rock pile and watched three garters play all morning. There is a lot to be said for just sitting still and becoming part of the landscape.

[Cazador]

Hey Matt,

Have a great time, and good luck with the birds. Are you going this weekend?

Rick

[abcat1993]

Yeah, I'm leaving Thursday and hunting Friday-Sunday, but if I fill all the tags then I'll either leave or stay and help with the farm, shoot squirrels, and look for snakes.

[drache]

well
sounds like you're all set for a great time
enjoy

[stonyloam]

Matt: How did you make out??

[abcat1993]

I only found two garters, I think they were T. Sirtalis Parietalis. I spent THREE HOURS looking for them, found nothing. I come back and my dad says, "hey, there's some snakes over there under that board". I don't know why I didn't think about it earlier, I guess because it was just put down the day before. I have some pictures that I'll post later.
I also shot a turkey from roughly 55 yards (a long shot with a shotgun), and a few birds with a .22.