Snakes and Turtles, Oh My - possible pansy alert

[Hunterhound]

Hey guys,

So I'm not sure where to post this question but this area seems like the most fitting. I'm probably a month or less away from buying a Garrett AT Pro for my first detector. It being waterproof to 10 feet is one of the most appealing features as I want the ability to check waterways for relics and coins. That being said, checking waterways is also a point of concern for me. The first river (small river) I'm considering has murky water that does not move very fast. I don't know much about river wildlife but it seems to me these would be good environmental conditions for water moccasins and alligator snappers. So, my question is this, if you guys check waterways for treasure, are these threats something I need to worry about or am I just being a pansy about considering a trek on the bed of the river? The last thing I want is to check my first waterway and have my interest in this new hobby squashed by an ER trip with a beast hanging off my leg.

A follow up question about the murky water. Is there a way to clear this locally with an underwater fan or something or is this just something I'll have to deal with in slow moving water? A snorkel and goggles won't do much to look underwater if I can't see my hand in front of my face.

Thanks for the advice in advance.

 

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[wainzoid]

If you think there is something there ...hunt it.

If you are uncomfortable going alone ...take a friend.

If you end up in the hospital ...post it here.

Im sure the forum cheerleaders will send you 'well wishes'. Maybe even cards or flowers !!!

 

[fistfulladirt]

Turtles and snakes are...good eatin!

 

[TheRingFinder]

Sorry I can't help ya out - All I have to worry about I Minnesota is a big ole Walleye!!!

 

[BosnMate]

On TV I see those guys noodling for big catfish in murky water, and they don't seem worried. I live out west, Oregon to be exact, and we have rattle snakes, but nothing in the water that I know about, so can't be of much help there. We are a little far north for sharks, but I did hear a tale about a great white getting a seal in Coos Bay, don't know the truth of it though. I was happily swinging along over on the desert, and my coil disturbed a rattler before I saw it, and it took off running sideways and buzzing, probably took a couple of years off my life, but that's wear an tear that will show up on the far end of things. At the time I was in an old sheep herders camp, finding empty 303 brass, coyote trap parts, nothing serious, did find out he wore garters to keep his socks up though, but I didn't let the snake stop me, rather I decided that the coil was a good thing out in front of where you are going to step next.

 

[pat-tekker-cat]

Nothing pansified about having a "healthy respect" for dangerous things. With that said......
ever been on a river/creek bank before?

Besides the side-arm, which may not help if wet and your hands are full, I'd take a big stick and a friend, first few times. All wild-life would hear me coming, and that stick would be thrashing, bashing, and poking anything and everywhere, I was getting ready to step off in to! (unless I was hungry, and was trying to sneak up on my dinner, I do love fried rattlesnake!)
Be careful out there and post us some pics! HH!

 

[Unclebuck257]

You'll have to check the abundance of your local wildlife to see what is and isn't in your area. Here in Texas, we have Cottonmouth snakes and those bugger bears can get agressive around a stock tank (farm pond), depending on their moods. We have rattle snakes, Taurantulas, and Scorpions too. Don't know what you have in your area, but I make a habit of NOT leaning down when in weeds or tall grass in warm weather until I've basically cleared the area. Most times this is done by swinging your MD, but make sure you clear a wide area. A pistol or shotgun being handy doesn't hurt either, if you know there are venemous snakes around the area you're in, AND YOU SHOULD ALREADY KNOW THAT! Most times you won't have a bit of problem though because most critters are more afraid of you and will try and get away from you. However, be aware, be cautious, and don't be stupid by sticking your hand, arm, or face in any area you can't see clearly before you clear it.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

Yep all that was said above! Be aware, go armed, take a friend, check what your about to step into with stick or detector coil. Have a cell phone and air medic on speed dial, oh post pics! Ya know that little voice in the back of your mind that warns you, turn up the volume! Your good to go, and we are all here for you!

Most of all have fun! GL. HH!

 

[OldJerseyGirl]

Well, here in South Jersey where I live we have no poisonous snakes, no cougar, bear or other big things to worry about. But, we do have lots of ticks, chiggars and in some places mosquitoes. Now in the water we have lots of snapping turtles. Mostly the bottom is so muddy you could not go in anyway. I am not a big water person. Creeps me out not knowing what is in there that I can't see. Even the ocean, I don't go deeper than mid thigh. Of course the sharks go that shallow too. In your place No way!!!!! I am a big Pansy!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tired Rooster]

Yes.....snakes (of the poisonous variety) as well as snappin turtles and sometimes other less than pleasant creatures lurk, swim and slither in "murky" waters. Thats where they live.......you would be in their "house". If you find anything be sure to post it.

 

[wingmaster]

Usually the creeks and rivers are so full of trash that they are really tuff to detect, I had found an old park long forgotten in an old little town and was the first to detect it. The bad thing is that it was low ground next to a creek where it floods when the water level in the creek goes up, I was digging new cans at 12" and I did end up finding a merc, IH, and a few wheats but only in one spot that the last flood swept clean. I never went back, now had it have been on high ground off the creek a little I would have cleaned up and been detecting there for weeks. I would check it if you think there might be some old stuff to be found but think of all the trash that gets washed in when it floods. HH

 

[BARKER]

Hi HunterHound; Simple Questions here. -- Are you willing to risk your health for a few coins or relics ??
Secondly, Have you talked to the local game or gator hunters in your area ??
Think about this. You may get more bitten off than they can chew. ok
PEACE:RONB

 

[huntsman53]

If you are worried about snakes and snapping turtles, then I would say invest in some Snake Boots and/or Snake Gaiters/Chaps. You can easily wade a fairly shallow stream or river with them on and they should protect from bites from either of them.


Frank

 

[Peyton Manning]

off the top of my head thoughts ( no guarantee of results)

wear a wetsuit that looks like a great white shark : ever hear of a shark bitten by a snake or turtle?

as you go along in the water, pee constantly : doubt they like pee anymore than we do

don't use barbecue sauce as sunscreen

 

[wainzoid]

mr jeff-gordon
I like your signature !!! But Im still worried, it showed up as pink letters on my screen. lol

 

[smokeythecat]

I'm in Maryland. I had tall water proof boots on and was in a garden pond I had constructed pulling out water plants to sell. Once upon a time ago. I heard a "sploosh" behind me but didn't see anything. A few seconds later felt a bump-bump on the back of the boot. A northern water snake saw me in the pond, got in the pond, came over and bit the boot twice. That's when I found out I could walk on water getting out of there. It took two days of waiting but a 22 took out the beast. It was huge-for it's kind - over 3' long and very fat. Cottonmouths are MUCH MORE aggressive. They are your worse danger.

 

[Talon]

Well, unless you are at the far western edge of Kentucky, and plan on hunting slow moving murky waters you have nothing to fear from Alligator Snapping Turtles. You would have to stick your foot in their mouth to get them to bite you anyways.
Alligator Snapping Turtle Range:

Cottonmouth's are also only found on the far western edge of Kentucky. Generally species are more scarce at the edge of their range. Your chance of encountering a Cottonmouth should be reduced. Be aware of your surroundings. Should one swim near you, your metal detector would make an excellent snake hook. Scoop them up and toss them away.
Range map:

 

[smokeythecat]

Scoop them up and toss them away? Before or AFTER you have to do a clothes change??

 

[DigIron2]

underwater metal detecting would be insanely fun ,usually have to wait for creeks and rivers to get a drought with the machine i use.there is nothing like getting down into a dried up creek bed

 

[Dave44]

No Offense Talon. But swinging My excaliber in the water fast is not easy. Scooping a snake that swims very well with it and then trying to fling it far enoughaway sounds really hard, especially if you are chest deep?
Many years ago I had a moccason get in the water with me in Texas,,, and came right up to me. I backed up and it advanced, but never struck. It isn't easy getting out onto a bank but I did. And it did freak me out. ( ever watch lonesome dove?)

On the other hand, Here is what I do now..... try not to think about it. And I have decided that if confronted crying and making a scene would disgust the snake so much it would just snort at my unworthiness and swim away.