Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My wife and I are new to herping. We just got back from herping Whitewater Canyon in Southern California and some sorrounding roads. I drove around with my wife scanning the roads starting at 11:00p.m. until 6:00 a.m. We saw absolutely nothing. I am wondering what I did wrong. Should I have herped on foot out into the actual wilderness? Or was driving the road hoping to run into a crossing animal the correct thing to do. I guess I was wondering what is the most effective techniques is to actually encounter herps(specially snakes) at night is. I live in southern california, is there a particular time of the day, temperature, or time the year I should herp. Please help me guys I am sucking big time. If you have any tips or you know some good spots to herp in southern california please email me at RojasReptiles@aol.com or reply to this string. Also if anyone would be willing to teach me and my wife how to herp properly by joining us on an outing, I would greatly appreciate it. Once again thanks for any help and info you can give me.
Respectfully,
Carlos R.

HEY I BELIEVE THAT YOU WERE OUT A LITTLE TO LATE AND A LITTLE TO LONG. uNLESS THE TEMPRATURE IS IN THE HIGH 90'S YOU SHOULD START AT SUN DOWN TO 9.00 OR 10.00. The types of snakes the prevailing weather the location, all factor in'to a good road trip. Trust me i'v clocked over fourhundred thousand miles in road crusing alone, Try the tami ami trail from coast to coast in florida, 4 times in one night. Or the ajo road from border to
the junction,3 times. Or northern virginia to the keys to dive then leave in 2 days.

Exactly right. Some places are better late if the temperatures are high. Down here in Texas I typically find the most snakes from 7-9 pm and 7-9 am. Those are general rules, but weather, especially rain, plays a large role in that. Another technique that might prove more productive is flipping. Just find an old board pile or tin pile or rock pile and just start lifting things up (carefully I might add as you do not want to grab a rattler . Andy
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

SoCal roadcruising is not similar to Ajo road or the Houston area (or anywhere else). The SoCal area is so diverse that you can't generalize. In any case, you did start too late (or didn't cruise late enough into the morning, take your pick). Whitewater is tough this time of year. You're new to the hobby, but in the right place to meet a lot of herpers (geographically speaking). A word of caution: California herpers (especially SoCal) are very protective (the surfers too) of their "secret spots." Be careful who you choose as your "herping buddies." Some of them will have ulterior motives. That's the result of a large number of herpers in a small (and very unique) area. The truth is that there aren't many "secret" hotspots (and certainly not near any road). Whitewater is good, but on a normal weekend I wouldn't bother (unless you choose to walk).
Since you're a Squid (I'm just assuming by your username), you actually have the upperhand in finding a "secret spot." Miramar and Pendleton are AWESOME. FYI, I was a Marine. I hope you don't take the Squid comment too personally LOL
My recommendation to you is to contact a reputable person. Jeff Lemm is a good choice (I don't know him, but his reputation is sound). Maybe he will see this thread. His credentials allow him access to military areas, and hopefully (I don't know the guy) he will be willing to share some of his expertise and respect for nature with you. Members of the San Diego Herp Society will also be willing to help you out (especially once they realize you have access to Pendleton! Refer to my word of caution). I'm a bit of a cynic, but in this case probably not too far off base In any case shoot me an email. shane111877 at aol dot com. You're in a herping mecca, enjoy it while you can.
If you're with a deployable unit I can also help you find some herpers abroad. Shane

Thanks brother. I will try to contact San Diego Herp Society. And you were correct I am a squid! I am a Recon Corpsman with 1st Recon Bn. over at Pendelton. Once again, thanks for your help.
-Carlos

Good Luck Bro. Shane