Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So as long as theres been the channel Animal Planet I was under the impression that they were there to promote conservation? And tonight I see a new show on called Rattlesnake republic.And its about these hillbillys in Texas catching hundreds of Western Diamond backs and sending them to slaughter. did anyone else see this show? I guess when Texas and Oklahoma get over run with rabid rodents they might see that this is ridiculous!

While some of the guys on the show are "hillbillies" Eric and his son Eric Jr. are far from it. I'm not saying that hunting the snakes are a good idea but as a hunter of game I will tell you that hunting is part of conservation.
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Steve W.

Of coarse hunting is part of conservation, But I do not go out and shoot 30 deer. Catching as many snakes in one area as they do has nothing to do with conservation, As they are taking away all of the breeding sized snakes away from their enviroment. Also waiting out side of dens for them to emerge and clean the place out? Yea thats conservation... (Sarcasm) Every channel out there is trying to create a "Deadliest Catch" of their own. But last time I checked Animal Planet was not the hunting channel. I get the part about removing these animals from residential areas and things like that. But disagree heavily with Texas State laws consearning Western Diamond backs.

Steve,

I am a hunter. I believe in wildlife management to some degree.
However, rattlesnake round-ups are NOT management...nor are they conservation. Rattlesnake Round-ups are EXPLOITATION. Plain and simple, it is slaughter for show.

Animal Planet should be ashamed of themselves for such garbage programs. Anyone involved in rattlesnake round-ups knows very little about conservation or wildlife management.

I am no bleeding heart, tree huggin hippie. I believe in being sensible. These round-ups are senseless.

Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES!
970-255-9255

Probably shouldn't even comment since I only watched enough to decide I didn't want to watch. I wish "Rattlesnake Roundups" would just go away; wishful thinking. Too much money involved. Can't collect a kingsnake on the roadside in Texas; fine to gas those "rattlers" outta the ground. Go figure. I figure it'll take a complete generation die out before people finally begin to realize how harmful roundups are. I suppose collecting dozens (hundreds?) of rattlesnakes can be considered hunting; looks more like environmental rape to me. I wasn't impressed with what little I watched of this show. The one on just before this wasn't much better.