Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Dear all:
I'm heading out next weekend the 18th-21st to kinney and val verde (where my parents live) to do some collecting. I'll let you know details when I return. A bit cold yet, maybe, but iwth day time temps of 81-85, and nightime temps in the high 50's low 60s, its kind of hard to resist.
happy herping,
eliot stone
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0.1 Columbian Boa
0.1 Spotted Python
and always looking for more!

I can't wait until I can get back down there. It is addictive! Anyway good luck and say hi to the jackrabbits for me.
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14 Leopard Geckos 5.9.0
2 Tokay Geckos 2.0.0
1 Graybanded Kingsnake 1.0.0 (on vacation in my house)
1 Baird's Rat Snake (Thanks Vadoni!) 1.0.0
1 Trans Pecos Rat Snake 0.0.1 (currently has eye infection)
1.0 Ambystoma mexicanum "Axolotl"...or larval tiger?

Eliot,

You may want to try cruising at dusk and dawn. Also walk the cuts in the morning when the sun is just starting to come out.
If you hunt at night, I would probably give in if it gets colder than 63f. An alterna at that temp would probably be a rare one. Yes, a very FEW alterna have been collected while flipping. I figure if your in the area then give it a shot. There are a lot of great herps in the area besides alterna.
Remember don't mistake a lepidus for an alterna. My first year I was out in 1992 I wanted that damn lepidus on Juno to be an alterna it almost killed me. I didn't get bitten, but almost...
Anyway I got an alterna the next year.

Best of luck.
Have a SAFE and PRODUCTIVE trip.

Steven O

I forgot to mention, there are other areas besides Juno Rd.
Juno has been both good and horrible to me some years. First alterna I collected was on Juno in 93. Langtry is also about the same. Most seem to like 277 the best. Which like any other crowded road can become a carnival of lights, cars and wishing aliens would beam you to a quiet place all by yourself.

Juno is good, just walk the curves, be slow... The land owners may pull over or stop to talk to you. I would not panic, be polite, let them know under no circumstances are you going to trespass, and they will hopefuly leave you alone. Most just don't want you trespassing on there property. It sounds like a load of mess, but when you get pulled over or questioned you are a "representative" of the herp community. I find that politeness goes a long way. I have only lost my temper a couple of times out west. Most of the time it is just other collectors cutting you off on roads, or u-turning in front of you.

I hope you do well. You don't have to give spots or anything but let us know what you "saw". Also I would not post anything until you return from your trip. Last year I posted while out in "west texas" and the wardens were out in our area the next night. We were not doing anything illegal but it is still a bit of a hassle.

Again good luck,

Steven O

I have access to many ranches in West Texas including two on juno rd. and surrounding area. Im also going to hit up kinney county, i went to highschool there, and im going home to visit the folks. I know almost every rancher in kinney county so i have lots of private land access as well. Mainly im going out to just look, and if an annulata or hognose decides to let me find it, i won't complain, and well an alterna is probably out of the question, but you never know. Thanks for your advice and when i get back i will post. Look for my posts during the summer as well, as i will be out as many weekends as possible all summer long. Its nice only living a few hours' drive from alterna country.
happy herping to all,
eliot stone
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0.1 Columbian Boa
0.1 Spotted Python
and always looking for more!

You are super lucky to have access and know ranchers in the area. If you talk to the ranchers please put in a good word for me. I don't want to hunt on there land, I only want them to know I am not going to trespass or bother their livestock.

I just like to hunt in peace and quiet without people giving a hard time. Walking the cuts is my favorite.

Best of luck, I won't be out as much as yourself, but I will be out there.

If you see a Silver Honda CRV with texas plates, it might be me.

Take Care,

Steven O.

what kind of light do you use for walking the cuts. I have a cordless spotlight but it dies in like 20 minutes. I have heard of using those 12v battery powered "stubbies" but i can't find the batteries for them except on line, and i like to avoid ordering stuff if i can. any suggestions?
eliot stone
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0.1 Columbian Boa
0.1 Spotted Python
and always looking for more!

You want to buy a STUBBY 2 or II. It will cost anywhere from 59.99 to 89.99. I paid on the upper end for mine. Another 10 bucks for shipping. It has been great so far. You will need a 12 volt sealed lead acid battery. You can buy or purchase them many places. If you buy them online, they are cheap but shipping gets you. You can purchase them at hobby stores, and FRY's electronics if you have one near you. When choosing the battery, the more AMPS or AMP hours you get on your battery the longer it will last, and the heavier the battery will be.

Example, I just purchased a 12 volt 1.1 AH battery for road cruising with my stubby. It is light and gets the job done. Last about an hour. I also have 3 larger 7 AH 12 volt batteries for walking cuts in the summer time. Last all you have to make is a charger, and get everything hooked up properly. I don't have any screen shots of it, but maybe someone on here has a how to page for making them. If not, I will be out in West texas most likely around May 15 to 22nd or so. I would be happy to show you the setup. Some places also offer a snake hunter kit, with a setup and charger but they are more expensive than making your own.

Take Care,

Steven O.