Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/02/20

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Shooting Rattlesnakes in the Wild
From: Mike Leitheiser <flyh2o@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 20:33:08 -0800

I find it easier to concentrate on the work at hand by using a wide
angle...eliminates that spooky feeling you get when looking at a rattler
through a long lens(<:

Seriously, if you can catch the snake using a snake hook, put him in the
cooler on top of the ice for awhile and let him "chill out"....tends to
cool them down and make them MUCH slower and easier to photograph....you
may well need a hook of some kind anyway as in my experience unless it is
rather cool, snake will tend to head for cover and you'll have to dig him
out to get good fotos...

Bill wrote:

> I have heard various things about how to shoot rattlesnakes, but I am
> looking for someone who has some actual experience in doing it.
>
> For lenses I have heard that you want to use a minium of a 100mm or a
> fast 80-200 or similar zoom.  I understand that a good flash can also
> be helpful.
>
> Self protection.  Here I have heard a number of things.  One guy said
> you cut a piece of 1/4 inch plywood 2 1/2 feet wide and 3 feet high,
> put some type of handles on the back side, and paint it dark green.
>
> Second, I have heard that you get a set of shin guards like baseball
> catchers wear, and spry paint then bright hunter orange.
>
> Third I have heard that you can use pieces of stove pipe that can be
> purchased at any hardware store.  You put the pipe around your legs
> and put a couple of rubber bands over them to keep the pipe snug.
>
> Fourth, I have heard that you always carry a 38 cal or 357 cal pistol
> loaded with scatter shot in the event you have a problem.
>
> Fifty, always know the location of the nearest hospital that has
> anti-venom serum, and don't rely on the police or paramedics to know
> where one is.
>
> Sixth, keep a cooler in the car with ice water and towels in it, so
> you can wrap the bitten area with the cold towels.
>
> Seventh, pray a lot.
>
> Does anyone on the group have real life experice with fun projects
> like this?
>
> Regards,
>
> Bill
>
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- --
Mike Leitheiser
Lake Oswego, Oregon

"When the trout are lost, smash the state."
   Tom McGuane