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I don't have any venemous snakes and I probably never will but I was just curious if there was a correct way to pin them? I know this is a bad example lol but Steve Irwin never pins snakes and he seems very knowledgable about them but Jeff Corwin another herpetologists pins every snake he encounters, venemous or not. Sorry for the TV examples I just want to learn a little bit and I think most people on these boards know those two people.

Thank you for your replies!

Manually restraining a snake is something that ought be done only when absolutely necessary. This basically includes captive animals that require medical examinations or treatment. Very seldom is pinning a snake necessary out in the field. Most snakes in the field can be captured or controlled with a hook or a set of tongs.

~~Greg~~
The Venomous Snakes of Florida

To expand on what Greg said...

If you use restraining tubes properly then the necessity to pin even captive snakes for medical examination or procedure is further lessened. For everyday handling, the proper use of hooks, tongs and light-reversal transfer boxes all but eliminate the need to handle venomous snakes with your hands, other than restraining the tail when using a hook-and-tail technique. Cage designs that include the ability to close off half of the cage at a time eliminate the need to handle them while cleaning cages.

On the subject of pinning, certain snakes such as Rattlesnakes, can be seriously and permanently injured by pinning. There are times, to be sure, when pinning cannot be avoided. However, those times are the ones that put the snake and the handler at greatest risk. Jeff Corwin is a very knowledgeable Biologist and Herpetologist, but he is one of the worst I've seen at actually catching snakes. He seems to be getting a little better, but I've certainly seen better. Steve Irwin isn't nearly the Biologist or Herpetologist that Jeff is, but he is somewhat better at catching. I'd like to see him use hooks instead of little twigs and sticks, but he does get the job done. I'm not thrilled with some of his antics involving children and crocs, but that's a whole different story. Mark O'Shea is probably the best TV Herpetologist. Maybe not the most entertaining, but technically the best.

I agree with the other two replies.

There are two types of herpers who pin snakes - those that have been bitten (and didn't learn) and those that are going to be.

I used to pin venomous snakes until I was bitten on the index finger while I had one in a "textbook" pin. I had pinned hundreds of snakes prior to that without a problem. Since that date (June 9, 1986), I have dealt with many more venomous snakes without having to pin more than a handful. Again, before you pin a snake you should ask yourself - "Is what I am doing worth losing a finger and many thousands of dollars in medical expenses?"

When I watch other herpers, I generally notice two things. Those individuals that I regard as skilled herpers never pin snakes. They are able to handle a venomous snake without ever laying their hands on it. When I see someone pin a snake, I know the person is a rookie. Frankly, I think the same thing when I see someone use tongs on a north american Viperid as well.

Steve Irwin is irresponsible and extremely egocentric (his shows are about him, not the animals). But he is a very skilled snake handler. Unfortunately, in order to fuel his own ego, he handles snakes irresponsibly on television.

Jeff Corwin is a very knowledgeable (unlike Irwin) host who makes an effort to impart correct information about the critters/areas he is discussing (again unlike Irwin). But when it comes to dealing with venomous snakes, he is a boob. The fact that he pins venomous snakes when he obviously doesn't have any confidence in his ability to do it safely means he is headed to a bite.
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Chris Harrison

I agree with the previuos replies. I tail/hook and I don't mess with venomous at all. I just make due with just trying to snap a good pic without getting too close with venomous.
Anyhow, the real reason that I am replying to this post is to share some info that not many people know. Both Corwin and Irwin and been invenomated. Corwin got it from an eastern coral snake (hence the coral snake tat on his shoulder as a reminder).
And even though Irwin (even recently) claims to have never been invenomated, its not true. As a matter of fact, he was nailed 3 years ago or so when he was over here. Remember the show where he was in texas on a military base studying rattlesnakes in the training facilities? Well, during that shoot he got hit by a rattlesnake. Dunno what kind. But I know this because my friend was a medic out there at the time and he was treated at the base. He didn't treat Irwin or even see him, but news traveled fast that he was nailed. Welcome to America Steve!
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Steve Irwin was bitten by a rattlesnake but not invenomated.