Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I plan to go looking for blk and white Ca. kings Sat and was wondering what times are best? I plan to go sometime in the morning (barbue in the afternoon) since sun is out at 6:30am. Any info would be appreciated.
Joel

i usually go in the morning...or when it is cool so the snakes are less active so it is safer. the rattlesnakes are heavy this year...

I've never gone in the desert, but in the Bay Area and Redding, I've had the most luck in the morning and the evening.

Middle of the day is usually only good for Lizards - snakes I usually only find in the morning or evening, with the exception of western yellow bellied racers or garter snakes.

I have found kingsnakes in the middle of the day, but they are usually under something - not out.

I found a gorgeous fat gopher snake in April at the rest stop on I5 before the town where they slaughter all the cattle (going north returning from disneyland) in the middle of the day - he was about 5 feet long and the fattest gopher snake I have ever seen.

I released him though, I didn't have appropriate housing for him in the car, or at home - and I figured farmland is where they are needed in the wild the most.

But it is not commom that I find any constrictor between 11 AM and 4 PM anywhere I herp. I suspect even less so in the desert.

If you are going to be herping with a car, make sure you have a valid fishing license - they set traps with fake snakes on the side of the road, and then check to see if you have the required fishing license (which must be on your person, not back at home)

so if your herp hunting you need a fishing license or if your driving???? what state or Country /Federal?law is this req.Thanx C

Many states require a fishing or hunting license to take wild reptiles.

In California (I'm assuming you are in California desert) a fishing license is required. You can buy a lifetime license, a yearly license, or a daily license.

In Arizona, I believe it is a hunting license for reptiles except turtles, and a fishing license for amphibians and turtles.

There also are daily and/or total bag limits - for example, in California you are not allowed to have more than four wild caught California Kings, more than one wild caught California Mountain King, more than 15 wild caught Western Fence Lizards, etc.

Fishing licenses in California can be bought at most sporting good stores, which also often have the documentation booklets about what legal bag limits are.

thanx, do you know if Fla. req one.

I have no clue.
If there is a fish and game department there, they would probably tell you.

I only know of people in California who have been bothered when herping with a car. People out on foot - I've never heard of them being bothered by fish and game.

Thanx for the tips everyone. FunkyRes, I was headed to Walmart to get my license this afternoon..

You can catch the tail end of the season right now for driving desert roads at night. The B&W desert kings seem to come out when its still pretty warm. They are fast so be prepared to hit the brakes and jump out.

For desert black and white kings check out Borrego and Whitewater (low desert) or Trona in the high desert.

If you can give us an idea of what area you are in maybe someone can email you a closer spot.

http://fieldherpforum.com/forum/index.php?sid=a3bc3449e9fd440f2dd6b8ff52a8d394

I am going on foot. My wife is going to drop me and wait for me.
Where I'm going is not exactly desert area. I recieved 2 from someone who cought them there and told me where he layed board.
I'm going to get my sport fishing license tonight from Walmart.
Only 34.00 for a year license so figured well worth it.
Man I am anxious and whether I find any thing or not can't wait.

I assume if there are boards that the snakes are coastal king and not desert black and white cal kings. Totally different collection and timing on those.

Pray for rain a day or so beforehand and you might get lucky!
Otherwise I think its to dry and hot under the boards right now. Go in febuary when its cold and sunny outside for board flipping.