Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Curiosity: How many gray bands have you guys caught when the moon was up and half or more? I think it is zip for me. I'm sure there must be some. Of course maybe noone is out hunting then....
Cheers,
Henry

I've caught quite a few over the years in the eastern counties, can't think of any from the western counties.

I think they crawl on the cut during the moon but not as likely to cross the road. May be why most caught during the moon come from the eastern counties where most of the collecting is by shining the cuts or walking and most from Brewster and Presidio Co. are collected while road cruising. I did see 2 in 1 night on Juno on the night of the full moon, crossing the road, but Juno has much more vegetation therefore more cover.
Later
Rick

I scored one east of Langtry during a full moon. It was in June of 1997 I believe. I am sure I have scored others between the half and the full moon but can't remember.

Mike Welker
El Paso, TX

Juno 1993 in an almost full moon. Just before the first lower s curve...

Thanks,

SXO792

Found a male, but you have to account for the fact that it was like 3 am and the moon had already checked out for the night..

It would seem that the critters stay more in thier comfort zones as the moon is brighter... Such as cuts and other natural cover on the shoulders.

I suspect you are right, Rick, that the type of hunting and ground cover have a lot to do with it. No one seems to recall any moonlit finds in the River Rd or Xmas Mtns areas.

Henry, maybe just call me and I'll give you my ideas on moon phases. you still got my email if not let me know CB

I have caught 4 Alterna on 277 on the full moon. One of them I caught with the full moon straight overhead crawling under the light pole at Loma! Im sure Hollister will remember this one. It was 2:30 am on a full moon at the big cut on 277 just south of Loma. The one with the tellephone sign in front of it. As I slowly shined this cut John Hollister and 6 to 8 other hunters had stoped huntung to gather up and discuss how the full moon, the 88 degree temp, and the lack of rain for the last month was making this a bad night for snake hunting. As I slowly passed buy. John urged me to stop wasting my time and pull over and shoot the bull for a while. I replied by saying I'm going to catch a snake while you guys are standing around. I was rebuked with statments like, Ya right, Good luck sucker, Dont hold your breath..... 30 feet passed the gathering I spoted a dark male crawling along the base of the cut. It was literally just a moment away from crawling right threw there feet as they were standing there! I almost crashed my truck. I forgot to engage brake when I jumped out for the Alterna. I promptly receivd heckle from the crowd they did not believe that I had just caught that snake in front of them. They were convinced when the damn thing bit everyone who held it. You should have seen those guys scramble to get to their cars and hunt!!! It was great! However I dont like the moon I think temp,moisture,berometer, and time of year, are far more important. The desire to reproduce is much stronger than thier fear of the light. Just one guys take I guess.

Wish I'd been there to see that one, Shawn. So did your truck roll away with the brake off?! --Henry

Yes it did but my wife was sleeping in the passenger seat. Once I had the snake in my hand I looked up to see my truck rolling toward the cut. I dont know if you know that cut or not but it has a really steep decline. I started screaming and my wife woke up just in time to see what was abought to happen and she impressivly whent straight down and pressed the brake with her hand. She stoped my truck less than a foot from bashing into the cut. It was crazy! It was one thing for those guys to think I would fake catching a alterna in front of them. But do you think I would fake almost smashing my brand new truck just to pull off a gag like that. (NO WAY) Speaking of gags thats how I met john Hollister he got me good back in 1986 on my first trip ever!

Good story Shawn! Was probably a funny thing to watch for those guys.
Nathan

hunting on the full moon is awaste of time and gas....youse should all go home............and leave alterna land to me