Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm seeking advice on using hooks and tongs to position timber rattlers for photos. A DNR officer friend and myself will be searching for local timber rattlers to photograph. They are protected here in Iowa and the DNR and some private groups are trying to keep tabs on them. This will be my first time using snake hooks and tongs and I don't want to injure the snakes or myself. I will be wearing chaps and will not be manually handling the snakes at any time. I will be using a hook and tongs to handle the snakes and only when necessary to obtain a photo. I'll also be using a zoom lens (and a mirror) so as to keep a safe distance from the snakes.
I know my venomous snakes well and I know timber rattlers can strike 1/2 to 2/3 their body length. However, this is my first time using hooks and tongs so I'm asking for any advice you have regarding handling timber rattlers with hooks and tongs. Thank you.

No real need to use tongs unless 'catching' an animal near the entrance of a stumphole, rocky crevice, or other situation were the snake can get away quickly. Tongs are a safety risk to the snake, as I've seen numerous tong related injuries from DENR personnel and private keepers that are not truly experienced with them.

Snake hooks are all anyone needs. Take two, might be easier to manipulate them for a photo. In my experience photographing rattlesnakes is easy, they basically pose for you. In-situ (otherwise known as undistrubed) shots are often the best, as they do not require the risk of a bite, nor the stress to the rattlesnake. In many cases these in-situ photographs come out better; more natural poses or they highlight interesting behavior and habitat features.