Ok... Look at the situation from an "outsiders" point of view...



1. You are driving or walking around in the middle of nowhere. A place where smuggling is very common, whether it be drugs, weapons or humans.

2. We can be seen stopping suddenly and pulling off the road. Or, making u-turns and pulling off the road.

3. We are enganged in a hobby that gets very little good press. Most of the time herp people are on the news for keeping animals that are illegal or too large or get loose. Very rarely do you hear about people rescuing animals or education.

4. The history between law enforcement and snake hunters/observers is bad.

5. The public opinion and current temperment of the government is to restrict exotics (including snakes) at all costs.



Add these all up and it makes for one negative post a week on the forum...



The truth is we dont hear about all the "good" interactions with LE. We dont hear about all the "bad" ones either.



In closing, this is not a hobby like Golf or Racket Ball. We dont have celebrity PRO-AM collecting events. You dont get to partner with Dave Duchovny and road cruise the river Or Angelina Jolie walking Loma Alta. This is a very unique hobby for a select few who are dedicated to the herping experience and animals. So if you want to come down and herp, please do. Dont let the posts scare you. Know the laws, Know your rights, and reach out to the experienced for guidance.



Good Luck,



StevenX

[ Show Entire Thread ]