N.E. Spring question regarding snakes

[northwesthunter84]

So I figured I would get back into turkey hunting this year. Hunted Illinois early 2000’s right after they restored the hunting seasons. (Really dumb birds) So this should be a lot different. Anyways, I had to deal with snakes on occasion back home (timber rattlers), so is it an issue in the northeast or more southwestern Wa. Also I would assume elevation plays it’s part as far as temps and activity. Really any info would be appreciated.

[JKEEN33]

I’ve been all over NE and SE in the spring and never seen one. That doesn’t meen they are not around, but I worry more about the ticks than the snakes.

[Mfowl]

I’ve been all over NE and SE in the spring and never seen one. That doesn’t meen they are not around, but I worry more about the ticks than the snakes.

^ This, ticks will be more  of an issue than snakes.

[Skyvalhunter]

So you are talking the Colville area?

[Lincoln4]

I've hunted north of Colville, spring & fall for over 20 years and never saw one.  Ticks, yes...

[baldopepper]

Not a problem in the early week or two of the hunt (mid April) but later in the hunt (late May) hunters around my house have run into them. (Hunters area). Really depends on the spring weather and how fast it warms up.  As others said, ticks are much more bothersome and very common if you don't spray against them.

[boneaddict]

Depends on where you plan to hunt.   If you really want specifics you can pm me.  No worries, I’m not after your turkey spot.     Generally you’ll be ok, but there are some spots you’ll run into them, and that time of year when you run into them, you really run into them. 

[northwesthunter84]

Thanks all for the reply’s and info, not really worried just kind of a cya question as I have snake gaiters. Just wasn’t sure if they were worth packing or wearing. Yes I’m looking at hunting up near Colville. Just kind of trying to figure things out. Ticks always suck. I use Sawyer and Deet. Thank god a Turkeys sense of smell is not like a deer or I would be in trouble. I’m really looking forward to getting back into it. Gonna try and drag a few buddies around if they can get the time away. Worst case I will being running solo.

[boneaddict]

Most are on the kettle side of things, or along the Columbia breaks south of Colville near hunters and south of that.   The Kettle side has some real snake pits.  There are a few pockets near Chewelah but not bad.   

[kevinlisa06]

We have hunted the Chewelah area off and on since 2003 and have not seen a snake yet, thank goodness. I mainly hunt Central Wa now and have not seen a snake in my areas either.


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[Bill W]

plan on getting some tick bites during your hunt.  You may see a snake or two but don't count on it.  I hunted on some Bearpaw leased land about 15 years ago and while it may have had snakes, they weren't out yet.

[Jake Dogfish]

According to my favorite reptile book “Amphibians and reptiles of the Pacific Northwest” Rattlers slither up the middle of the state all the way up into Canada.
The furthest northeast they range however is southern Stevens county well south of Colville.

[MerriamMagician]

In 20 years of hunting the NE the only snake I have ever seen was a rubber boa while turkey hunting in May.