I used to have a 6" barreled Ruger .22/.22WMR Single-Six, before it was stolen out of my pickup. I carried .22 Mag shot cartridges in it when in rattler or cottonmouth stomping grounds, and it was very good on them. When shot in the head/neck area they don't thrash about, usually. They just flinch a bit, start bleeding from the little holes, and die.
Why kill snakes instead of just walking around them?
One is not always walking when one encounters a cottonmouth or rattler. Sometimes one is in a paddle boat with overhead limbs, where they like to lay in the sun. When frightened as one passes underneath, said snake will often drop off the limb and land right in the boat at your feet. Not a good scenario. No. 12 shot will imbed in the wood, but not make a leaking hole in it, and it will do the deal on a big cottonmouth at 3 feet. And, don't
even say that a canebrake won't get wet or sun on a limb over water. I've had big cottonmouths to try their best to get into the boat with me, when swimming. Why, I haven't a clue.................. Okefenokee Joe says they are
not aggressive. Maybe I just mistake their intentions when they clearly see me and come towards me very fast. Perhaps they're just coming over to say hello...............at handshaking distance.
SRH
