Reptile & Amphibian Forums

is there anyone here near the Phoenix area that be able to take me rattler hunting, im not sure on the laws or permits, but i last heard you can get a day permit or week, but if there is someone that can take me out i would appreciate it very much, i should be there the last week of may, not sure exactly, but planning on it. if you can email me your # i will call you. please let me know.

As far as "rattler hunting" and the legalities of such, in the state of Az (if one intends to collect specimens) a valid Class F or G hunting license is required...one can purchase such a license at any local Wal-Mart of sporting goods store. If you're an out-of-state visitor, the license isn't cheap, but I can say that for in-state residents it costs roughly 25.00 or so for the whole year. I believe out-of-state visitors can purchase permits in daily increments (i.e. a 3 day permit or 7 day permit, etc.) You'll want to research this further as (being an Az resident) I've never had to.

Az has bag limits on native crotalids, and one is allowed to have in their possession at any one time up to 4 specimens of the native unprotected species. (Protected Az species are C. willardi, C. pricei, C. lepidus and Sistrurus...there is no "open season" on these and therefore they are illegal to collect at all times.)

In terms of finding a "tour guide", are you planning on collecting, photographing, observing,? If you are from out of state (and it sounds like you are) it is legal to (legally) collect native crotalids (unprotected) and export them. However, native Az crotalids (and their progeny) are not to be sold, bartered, traded, etc....disposal is done through gift to another or as otherwise directed by AzG&F. Legally, this even applies once the animals are outside of Az.

If you're planning on handling & collecting these animals, are you experienced? One might have concerns that an inexperienced person that engages in these activities has the potential to damage our legal standing as venomous keepers in Az. Also, it's possible that the "tour guide" could be held partially responsible if they help you find rattlesnakes and an accident happens.

Understand that I'm not saying that you're inexperienced...I don't know you...but I am saying that these are valid concerns to consider before your trip. Anyway, hope this has helped. Good luck to you.

-AzAtrox

Hi, yes i understand all the concerns, but ive kept rattlers for 9 years now. Ive had speckled, AZ black,Prarie,sidewinders, urocoan,pigmies and atrox. I would love to find me a black, or black tail. ive heard blacks are near the prescot area, blk tails on mt lemon (sp), i dont plan on tucson at all, just the phoenix area. I would like to bring one or so back with me, i have my own tongs and what not, i can fill out any type of document stating im out at my own risk. my email is n_p_anthony@yahoo.com

Well, if you're looking for both molossus and cerberus, Az has plenty of both (in the right habitats). You are correct...Cerberus can be found in the Prescott area.

If you're looking for molossus, they can be found in the mountains around Phoenix, but in my opinion most of these animals have a "washed-out desert phase" appearance. They're good-looking animals but if you're looking for a knock-out molossus, you're better served by heading down to southeastern Az and searching for the true "black & golds" that inhabit that area.

-AzAtrox