Coyote hunting, Quincy area, snake question.

[cdriver]

I have been calling/hunting coyotes in the Quincy area this spring. Having a great time, so much more wildlife on the Eastern side of the Cascades. My question is about how much should I worry about snakes while I am out. I have done alot of recreating in E. WA in the past but this year I am getting out alot further into the brush, never worried much about it before, should I now? Thanks for any information you can share. This is such a great forum for hunting.

[Buckmark]

Killed one about 15yrs ago camping down on quilomene bay, and have seen a few in the quincy potholes this time of year, but far a few inbetween.

[JLS]

There are a decent number in the Quincy Lakes, more as you go towards the river.

I wouldn't worry about it, they're a fact of life just like ticks and mosquitoes.

[vandeman17]

I wouldn't be scared of them, just be aware of them. There are certain spots where they tend to hang out so just be careful around those and watch where you walk. If you are worried about them, you can buy boots that are snake bite proof or just make sure you have some material on your legs that will protect them. 

[cdriver]

I agree, I am aware but haven't been scared. The warmer weather has me thinking about it more. I am coming over this weekend, ought to be a great trip.  Haven't seen any snakes but sure see lots of deer and coyote sign,  it's a nice change to come over to Eastern WA.

[vandeman17]

Good luck. One bit of advice I can give you is to avoid the Wenatchee area this weekend. It is Apple Blossom festival and all the coasties are over so it is a zoo out!

[cdriver]

Thanks, I like to avoid the crowds! Spending the night in Quincy, days will be out boot hunting and setting up a few stands in the Moses Coulee area.

[rickomatic]

I killed one 2 years ago 2nd day of general deer season hiking out of Ancient Lakes in the afternoon. 40 + plus years of hunting and fishing in Eastern Washington and it was the first one I'd ever seen.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I've heard there are a lot of rattlesnakes along the Ancient Lakes/Dusty Lake trails.  Never seen one there myself.  Maybe I don't move fast enough to surprise them.  Biggest rattler I ever killed was in an area that I had hunted 15 years and never saw a snake, then one exceptionally warm fall they were late getting to the den areas, and they were EVERYWHERE!

[splitshot]

  you could advertise for a pair of snake leggins on this site or ebay or craigs list.  $30-$40 for a decent pair.  mike w

[cdriver]

I had a great weekend, walked about 4 miles today, stopped three times to set up a stand. Rick's great calls did their job, called one in from across the coulee on my second stand. He came to the call after watching for awhile. I was able to coax him in but....I got impatient, took a long shot and missed, I should have waited!!! I am still learning. Not sure who is educating who though. On a side note, I ordered a pair of Turtleskin snake gaitors, I think I am overreacting but will like having them.

[one-eyed Ross]

I grew up in the Okanogan, hunted and fished all over eastern WA.  In all that time, I only once saw a rattler, other than those on the road warming themselves at night.

Mostly, I'm guessing that I make too much noise walking to have snake problems.  They tend to get out of the way of things that are too big to swallow, if they can, and only strike if they really can't get out of the way.