Snakes during archery season

Shepardg

FNG
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Messages
25
Anyone that’s hunted Idaho in the early season have any info on the snakes. Head into Salmon- Challis NF this September and wondering if snake gators should be on my list of things to pack. Will have a closed tent with floor because I will just have an heart attack and die of I wake up cuddling one. Also plan to be on the low lands a few of the last days so my buddy can chase pronghorn. Any information is appreciated!
 

def90

WKR
Joined
Aug 12, 2020
Messages
1,721
Location
Colorado
Don't know about Idaho but I've never seen a snake while hiking or hunting archery elk in Sept in Colorado. Been hiking these mountains for 24 years now.
 

grfox92

WKR
Joined
Mar 14, 2017
Messages
2,771
Location
NW WY
NW Wyoming here. Seen 1 garter snake in 4 years of hunting archery elk in the mountains.

Sent from my SM-G990U using Tapatalk
 

Mt Al

WKR
Joined
Dec 16, 2017
Messages
1,267
Location
Montana
Also don't know about Idaho but I see them much more than I would like in SW and Eastern Montana during archery season. Never worn snake chaps but have often thought I should! Wise choice on the floored tent, just for a 'sleeping pill' effect. Just watch your step everywhere!
 
Joined
Apr 3, 2013
Messages
3,578
Location
Somewhere between here and there
I’ve seen them as high as 5-6k feet in elevation in the Salmon River breaks. Same over by Dillon, although maybe not as high. Even if you are spending a lot of time in the lower sagebrush foothills I still wouldn’t mess with chaps.
 
OP
S

Shepardg

FNG
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Messages
25
I’ve seen them as high as 5-6k feet in elevation in the Salmon River breaks. Same over by Dillon, although maybe not as high. Even if you are spending a lot of time in the lower sagebrush foothills I still wouldn’t mess with chaps.
Thanks for the info. Plan on spending most of our time chasing mule deer so we will be above 9000 feet 90 percent of the time!
 

IDVortex

WKR
Joined
Jan 16, 2024
Messages
1,358
Location
CDA Idaho
Just don't think about a snake still finding the zipper on your tent and still is able to open it enough to crawl in to get the warmth of your body. Or the snake that ends up crawling under your tent to sleep under you due to your body heat agasint the ground.
 
Joined
Aug 11, 2017
Messages
2,712
Location
Florida
Almost stepped on this one late October, same general area, snow on the mountain tops and it was below 30 in the morning.
Resized_20241020_124657.jpeg

That being said there’s no way I’d pack snake gaiters.
 
OP
S

Shepardg

FNG
Joined
Mar 31, 2024
Messages
25
Just don't think about a snake still finding the zipper on your tent and still is able to open it enough to crawl in to get the warmth of your body. Or the snake that ends up crawling under your tent to sleep under you due to your body heat agasint the ground.
Zippers are going to the top.. I’ve thought about this to many times
 

S.Clancy

WKR
Joined
Jan 28, 2015
Messages
2,550
Location
Montana
I've had some close encounters with snakes over the years. On a stalk on a bull this yr I had one buzz literally between my legs, but that was low country. I still ain't wearing snake gaiters.
 
Top