Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thanks for all the response. I have always said that they move when they move and the best time to collect is when you see one. I am one of the last ones in every night, but sometimes wonder why. I have seen 85 or 90 alterna in the wild over the last 30 or so years, most of them in Brewster and Presidio Co. and most where before midnight, all but 3 were before 2:00 am. My earliest was before sunset and my latest was a little after 4:00 am and Joe found one at 8:30 am. But with fuel @ $3.00 per gal., I am not sure I want to be out there from before sunset until 8:30 am.
Thanks again for the info and I would like to hear from anyone else.
Later
Rick

The earliest one I've ever found was 8:57PM, the latest one at 3:14AM. I typically am out very late (unless I'm on a family/r&r trip)... I'd guess I usually turn in about 4AM typically. Particularly bad conditions have seen me turn in earlier but I've seen the sun come up many times during good conditions. I'd have to go back through the records, but I'd guess that my average collection time would be a little after midnight. My western animals have been earlier on average than my eastern snakes.

Lance and I have discussed timing extensively through the years. He always says the same thing and I agree with him.
If your out to hunt, then you might as well hunt. Most of the time you can't catch an Alterna while sleeping in your room.

If the gas prices are getting you down then you might want to choose a good set of cuts and try walking for a while. It sounds like you have seen more Alterna than most so you must be doing something right.

Best Wishes,

Steven