I live in Alabama and I'm 16 years old. I've got hunting and fishing licenses and management land permits. There is a pond out a

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

Probably not, but he sure would've told me not to do it again if it was illegal.

[Gary Devine]

Sarge, I agree that every state has different game laws and regulations. In New Jersey they stopped a building development from being build, because they found a Rattlesnake den on the property. The snakes had to be moved.

mspl, no disrespect but I don’t think a Father who is a park ranger would write out a summons complaint for his own Son for killing a poisonous snake.

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

Gary, one of the many officers that I have killed snakes in front of (my father) was a park ranger for many years, and even considered considered a position in DNR before.

[Sarge01]

Gary
State laws are different on snakes in different states.. In WV it not illegal to kill poisonous snakes. However I think next door in Md. it is illegal. You need to check with each state's DNR to make sure. What people don't realize is that each Jan. 1 or July 1 of each year new laws go into effect. You can't just think that if it was legal last year it is legal this year. That is why new hunting and fishing regulations are printed each year. I always told people if there is any doubt at all pick up the phone and call the DNR office and check,. don't take someone's word on the street. I had a listed telephone number and welcomed people to call me and get the correct information.

[Gary Devine]

This is a quote from the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries.

"If you encounter a venomous snake, instead of trying to capture or kill it, simply leave it alone and allow it to flee and move away. If it is in your yard, consider calling a professional wildlife damage control agent and have it captured and removed before killing it needlessly."

This link below is where I got it from.

www.outdooralabama.com/watchable-wildlife/watchablearticles/snakesgood.cfm

[Gary Devine]

mspl8sdcntryboy, the police may not know the Fish and Wildlife game laws. The real test would be for you to kill a poisonous snake in front of a Conservation Officer.
Where is Sarge a retired C. O. when you need him?

[mspl8sdcntryboy]

Gary I've never been arrested for killing poisonous snakes, many of which I have done in front of police (for which they were often very thankful).

[Gary Devine]

Hey Guys, not to get off point from the question, but is it legal to kill a poisonous snake just because you see one? Aren't they protected in your game laws?

I'm not talking about a snake in your tent or drops in your boat. Because of the safety issue you can kill that snake that invades your space.

[Sarge01]

As a retired law enforcement officer I assure you that a 16 year old cannot carry a handgun. I remember when I was your age I thought it would be the best thing in the world if I could strap on a handgun and walk around with it. Check your local laws. After carrying one on duty for over 35 years after awhile it is not as glamorous as it seems when you are young, believe me. Stick to your shotgun for snakes.

[jdwood]

You'll probably want to contact someone within the Game and Fish Dept., most management areas I've been to don't allow hunting except during specified seasons, not that your out hunting. But, walking around with your .22 for protection from snakes even though they may not be protected or have no closed season would probably be a no go according to most CO's.

[WA Mtnhunter]

No offense Andrew, but 16 year olds have no business with handguns and most states have laws to that effect. For snakes and vermin, a .410 or 20 ga shotgun is your best chance of knocking them off.

[andrewmaxwell97]

I will praibibly just bring my mossberg plinkster. Thanks for the help guys!

[FOX]

I can't tell you exactly what your local laws are but to my understanding of federal handgun laws you have to be 21 to buy a handgun or ammunition for one so i assume that you must be at least that old to care. As to large animals make nose on approach and they'll run and most snakes will flee when they sense your vibrations. If snakes are that much of a concern either wait for colder months or just carry a long gun to be safe with the laws. I prefer a 410 over a 22 any way.

[buckeye]

If you are worried about bears pepper spray is going to do a heck of alot more for you than a .22 mag ever would. But to answer your question, I doubt that you would be able to carry it. Like everyone else said check your local laws.

[andrewmaxwell97]

There are bears and mountain lions here.there very rare but there out there. Plus the pond I go to is completely packed with snakes and a 22 mag would take care of them and coyotes. I don't wanna use like a 9mm or a 40 on little cottonmouths. I don't really plan on running into bear or a lion but hey somthin is better than nothin