Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Since it is snowing here in Prescott, Arizona I thought I would post my last 2 years trips to Kansas.

Kerby...
Kansas 2005

Very sweet pictures Kerby I'm constantly amazed at the variety of herps down in that area.

Ian

One of the reasons why I like to go herping there in April! And sometimes quite the variety under just one rock!

Kerby...

I also love herping KS. My dad has a little farm in eastern KS. Every time I get back there I spend at couple days herping, collecting beetles, birding & photography. I've managed to photograph many of the species you've got there. Ones that have eluded me, however, are the milks, timber rattlers, red-bellies, lined, etc. Lots of black rats, ringnecks, plainbelly watersnakes, common snappers, eastern & ornate boxes, sliders, etc. The cuts and habitat shots you posted in 2004 look just like the some of the areas I'm hitting. I know the timbers are in wooded areas same as the copperheads. I know it's just a matter of time before I find one. Any tips for milks though (i.e., wooded areas? creeks? etc.). Thanks.

I like mid-late April the best (all depends upon weather). In 2004 I was back there with a herping buddy and we saw over 1,000 snakes in 5 days. A month later when I took my boys back to visit my mom we couldn't find hardly a thing. But it was HOT then. So timing is everything.

The milks can be found just about everywhere (rock cuts along the road, etc..) You are right about the copperheads and timbers.

Kerby...

I usually get back there 2nd or 3rd week in May. It's usually perfect, but can go either way (too cold or less often too hot). One of the problems I have are finding good spots that aren't on private property. Although seems like every farmer would love someone to eradicate their farms of snakes. I know I've been told by some that I can herp their land as long as I take every one I find. I tell them sure, but only leave with pics. I found a narrow-mouth toad last year for the first time. Pretty cool.

Private property is nice to herp and rather easy to get permission from. There is also a lot of public land around resevoirs and other lakes. Rock cuts are great on the east-west roads, and Kansas has lots of them. Just can't herp rock cuts on Interestates, etc..

Kerby...

on trying to get permission to field herp in Kansas that i have encountered in particular areas. A lot of private property is owned by non-resident folks therefore one cannot get permission to looky. On the spring time a lot of farmers/ranchers would not give permission to look due to the birthing of calves or very young new calves being in field. Stay away from old churches and abandon farm homes due to thefts of inside contents ( we were told old church pews were being stolen and electric boxes ). Watch you crossing over to another person/s private property that you DON'T have permission to hunt. We have had more than one gun aimed at us ! There was some cattle rustling ( yes, even in these days ) out around Alma Kansas several years ago. A heavy spot of problems on us is when we try a couple of areas known as " collared hill " off of 177 and Mc Dowel Creek road. Another place that use to GUARANTEE milks, emorys and specs that has only about 9 huge rocks that is right off off Skyline drive has been really way over collected and has pissed off the rancher due to the bending/breaking of the fence line every year due to herpers. I bet Kerby knows every one of these spots ! LOL !
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I may be old , cantankerous, crabby, and cynical, but......

You guys know of any spots in south-central or south-eastern KS? I can't usually get too far away from the farm when I'm back there, as just about every day is already pre-planned for family events. Therefore, I can usually only a day trip or two at best. A place close to home to hunt is what I'm looking for. I usually only get to road cruise, as I have had trouble finding rocky areas that are not off an interstate.