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Venomous Snake Bite - What Would You Do?

2Sloe said:
Recommendation used to be to use a constricting band (that’s not a tourniquet) and seek medical attention.
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I learned that years ago too - looks like that’s no longer recommended. Though in the case of bites from neurotoxic elapid snakes:

“non-spitting cobras, mambas, kraits, coral snakes, sea snakes, and everything in Australia”

a pressure-immobilization bandage applied with the modest tension you would use to support a sprained ankle is proper protocol now.

But most if not all of the neurotoxic elapids are not native to North America.

The protocol specifically states, however, that bites from vipers (rattlesnakes, water moccasins, and copperheads) should NOT be treated with a pressure-immobilization bandage.
 
I have a pair of irish setter snake boots that I wear if it is dry and not cold. Otherwise I wear alpha burly's. I have been struck at a few times by cottonmouths that I nearly stepped on. Dodged a couple that I saw at the last second but was too close for them to not strike and a couple times there was enough vines and crap in the way to deflect the strike. Had a friend get hit by a big cottonmouth the first day he wore snake chaps. About 3.5 footer and as big as my forearm. Have had 2 different times where I put my hand close enough to be hit by copperheads while picking up skwerls I shot but they didnt strike. Lots of pucker factor both times. Havent had a bad encounter with a rattler but am sure I have walked right by some. Most serious encounters with rattlers was in January and we ran into 2 about 5 yards apart that were neck high in some bushes. It was cold though and they didnt move. Made for much more cautious rabbit hunt the rest of the day though.
 
lots of cottonmouths here....ive stepped on one in the dark that luckily didnt strike but ive worn snake shields every day since and have had close calls.. cottonmouths are notorious for always being right behind a cypress knee or on the other side of a log and you dont see them until you take that step and they dont shy away from striking. good thing about snake shields is they slip over what ever foot wear i have and i can take them off before i climb.
 
Weldabeast said:
I think I post this video in every snake thread....... This is what I have experienced also in real life.....I read about u guys being struck at and wonder what u guys doing different than me....

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every snake is different....my experience and what i have heard from people struck at a was from what i mentioned above...stepped over a log or on the other side of a cypress knee and got a reaction strike from the snake (cottonmouths, and most likely stepped on the snake partially) they do tend to be more aggressive than most other snakes. I have also experienced what you showed from the video where i even poked at a fairly large cotton mouth and didnt get much more than the tail shake and open mouth
 
Weldabeast said:
I think I post this video in every snake thread....... This is what I have experienced also in real life.....I read about u guys being struck at and wonder what u guys doing different than me....

Click to expand...
Wish I knew the answer to that question. Guess I just look like a target for snakes and stuff with stingers. Know plenty of folks who have never been stung by bees or wasp. First afternoon in CO, last monday, I got stung 8 times on the left forearm and wrist by yellowjackets. Had 25-30 on me but most were on my left leg and werent hitting meat. Pants were thicker and looser fitting than the core lightweight shirt that was pressed tight by my arm guard. Didnt help that I was in a big mess of blow down and bout broke my right leg trying to get away from the freakin nest.
 
Weldabeast said:
I think I post this video in every snake thread....... This is what I have experienced also in real life.....I read about u guys being struck at and wonder what u guys doing different than me....

Click to expand...
I agree with all that expect that part where they don't typically fall in the boat. I must be a magnet. Happens a lot. Nothing worse than a jon boat with open channels & holes they can dive into. Never fun having to drive up in the edges trying to figure out how to flush them out & catch them at the same time. I think that's the main reason why jon's are aluminum or steel & paddles are a must. So you can bumbercar your way up into the sides without having to worry much about cracking the hull.
 
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