Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: okie64 on June 12, 2014, 02:22:47 pm

Title: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: okie64 on June 12, 2014, 02:22:47 pm
My wifes uncle ran over this guy yesterday and told me I could have it. Im thinking its just a water snake but not real sure as Ive never seen one this big. He measured 85" before I skinned him out! The biggest water snakes I have seen around here are about 4 feet or so but Im no snake expert by any means. He should be pretty on a couple of bows. The board hes stapled to is an 8 foot 2x6. What do yall think?
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Jamey_Burkhart/null_zpscea38c99.jpg)
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Jamey_Burkhart/null_zps0f80b3b2.jpg)
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: osage outlaw on June 12, 2014, 02:23:51 pm
That's a black rat snake.  And it is a big one for sure.  I love black rat snakes.  A lot of the time they are big enough to back an entire bow.  You get that gradual color change from light to dark on it. 
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: osage outlaw on June 12, 2014, 02:26:20 pm
Here is one I picked up off the road last year.  It ended up on the BOY if you want to see what it looks like finished up.  I split the fat snakes down the side so I can use the belly scales as a backing.

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Snapbucket/3BC092A9.jpg)

(http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r55/clintanders/Snapbucket/852B899F.jpg)
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: PEARL DRUMS on June 12, 2014, 03:04:06 pm
Im in love...........
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: PrimitiveTim on June 12, 2014, 03:57:16 pm
I wish they would have gotten proof of its length before they skinned it cause that would be a record I think.  That's over 7 ft.
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: okie64 on June 12, 2014, 05:10:13 pm
Yep that is definitely it Clint, thanks for the info.

Tim, The record is 101" so im not even close. I did snap a couple pics with a tape measure before I skinned it out though.
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Jamey_Burkhart/null_zps20081dac.jpg)
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Jamey_Burkhart/null_zpsb9b650b4.jpg)
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: okie64 on June 12, 2014, 05:14:08 pm
My son holding it up
(http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee503/Jamey_Burkhart/null_zps3e2f2875.jpg)
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: osage outlaw on June 12, 2014, 05:56:17 pm
That is a monster sized snake.  Now you need to make an 8' bow to put it on.
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: okie64 on June 12, 2014, 07:07:24 pm
Its funny you say that Clint. When my wife saw how long it was she asked if this meant that I would have to build a bow big enough to fit the skin! Now about a hundred smart-a$$ remarks went through my mind immediately but instead I said "No dear, I can actually trim the skin to fit a bow" ;D
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: Badly Bent on June 12, 2014, 08:00:38 pm
That is a big ole snake, I see Okie Jr. had to get up on his tippy toes to hold it up for the picture and he looks like a fairly tall boy too.  Nice find. :)
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: bubby on June 12, 2014, 09:06:27 pm
I've only seen one that big, when I was around twelve killed a rattler 21 and a button, that will make some beautiful bows
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: osage outlaw on June 12, 2014, 09:47:18 pm
Okie, Did he hit that snake near an old barn or abandoned building?  I found mine on the road right in front of an old run down barn.  I think thats how they live so long and get that big.  They find a good home and stay there.
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: stickbender on June 12, 2014, 09:48:33 pm
     That was a big un!  That would sure make you able to leap a tall tree in a single bound, if you came up on it, or  stepped on it, near dusk! :o :o :o :o

                                                                              Wayne
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: TRACY on June 12, 2014, 10:55:07 pm
Now that's a snake! Hedgeapple traded me one he killed in the chicken coop last year that was 76" and it is huge. Nice


Tracy
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: okie64 on June 13, 2014, 09:10:06 am
Okie, Did he hit that snake near an old barn or abandoned building?  I found mine on the road right in front of an old run down barn.  I think thats how they live so long and get that big.  They find a good home and stay there.

You could be right Clint. Those old run down barns all up and down the stretch of road where he ran over that snake. Im talkin like one every 1/4 mile or so. Now you got me thinkin maybe I should get permission to go sneaking around in a few of them to see what I can find.
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: osage outlaw on June 13, 2014, 10:17:52 am
Good luck.  Maybe you can find a match for the other limb  ;D
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: Zuma on June 13, 2014, 10:22:20 pm
We don't see the banding here when the rats get older.
These two live in the horse barn. 5 and 6 footers.
I have seen them as big as yours in some old chicken coops.
Don't see the big ones any more. To much traffic lately.
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: okie64 on June 14, 2014, 12:41:55 am
I understand their purpose but I would still have a hard time letting them live in my horse barn. :o
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: Poggins on June 14, 2014, 01:55:07 am
I have several that were given to me , my father raises chickens and fancy phesants and they draw the snakes in .
A couple weeks ago he killed one in the middle of the night and when I went to pick it up he had another one climbing the door jam of he is brooder room so I got it also, both were close to six feet long .
Is rather put them to good use than just thrown away to rot.
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: Zuma on June 14, 2014, 05:14:09 am
I understand their purpose but I would still have a hard time letting them live in my horse barn. :o

These snakes are very docile and they keep the copperheads and rattlers away.
Smartest snakes I know of. I watched one climb up a limbless tree to eat the grackle chicks in a den hole. Then wait inside for the adult to return and eat it.
No birds in the barn. lol
Zuma 
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: Pappy on June 16, 2014, 08:30:12 am
Man that is a good looking snake. :)
 Pappy
Title: Re: BIG SNAKE! What kind is it?
Post by: Gsulfridge on June 17, 2014, 08:14:40 am
Good luck.  Maybe you can find a match for the other limb  ;D
Two of those suckers would skin an Ozzy bow!!