Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like everyone who has ever herped anywhere extensively to answer this post, if you've got the time. I want to accumulate info on every state if I can. I want locations, optimum season and conditions, how to hunt the area (i.e. cruise, flip rocks, shine cliffs and rock cuts, split bark, etc.) I really don't have a lot of info except west Texas. If you have herped multiple states extensively, list locations for all of them. I'd be happy with anything. I really need some louisiana locations and south TX locations, and could use a few more here in east tx. Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri would be good too.
Thanks a lot.
Brandon Bowers

Okay, here goes for central Oklahoma...

Optimal season - spring (mid-March thru June). Secondary peak in fall (Sep-early Nov). I prefer to stick to daytime, and many herps around here become nocturnal or shut down (estivate?) during the heat of summer.

Locations - mainly wildlife management areas, since I don't usually collect, but rather catch/document/release. Around here, stay off of private land unless a] you have permission from the owners, or b] you like being shot at.

Conditions - loaded question here, as there are so many variables. I prefer sunny over cloudy, and a low sun angle, i.e., morning or late afternoon (better to catch the glint off their scales). Of course, this depends on ambient temperature. 70-80F and they're apt to be slower and more likely to be out catching some rays. Below 65 usually is too cool. Above 85 and they will more likely head for cover.

How to hunt - On foot, usually checking around favorable habitats near ponds, lakes, or other water sources.

These are just some of my personal preferences. I'm more of a snake person; optimal conditions may differ considerably for lizard, turtle, or amphibian enthusiasts.
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MichaelB

Thanks for the info. where exactly (what wildlife refuges/ roads, etc.) do you hunt?

Well I live in west Texas and have for my whole life and I have had many years to realize there is just not much chance of catching anything unless you cruise the roads. There is just no open country to herp unless you know someone that will let you collect. I mean really know well, because the ranchers and farmers are very particular about the access to their land and don't trust anyone to do what they say they will do which is just collect or even photograph reptiles. You may get lucky and talk to someone who will let you but don't hold your breath. Don't ever attempt to access private land without their permission, PLEASE. It just makes it that much harder to gain access once someone has ticked them off. That's their right and I don't blame them one bit. Nothing but fences for miles and miles. I have made several trips to east Texas and haven't had very much luck cruising like I do in the desert areas. I have spent many nights cruising for nothing. I have more luck stopping and looking under bridges, along rivers, or walking through forests. There are alot of old rundown homes that are not fenced in that can be accessed but sometimes hard to find because of trees and vegetation. I hope this helps. Good luck

P.S. Didn't realize how long this thing was. Sorry