How to Hunt Rattlesnakes in Wenatchee, Washington

Find and Capture Your Rattlesnake

• 1

  Determine the rattlesnake you are going to hunt to make sure it is in fact a Wentachee rattlesnake. Rattlesnakes in Wentachee are of the Crotalus viridis variety. They can also be found in Midwest states. The Western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridisi) is most common and hunted in Wentachee. It is identified by a broad, triangular head that dwarfs its neck. A diamond-shaped pattern runs down the middle of its back, and there are rattles on the tip of its tail. Rattlesnakes in Wentachee measure 18 inches to four feet at maturity.

• 2

  Find western rattlesnakes to hunt by knowing where they live. Snakes trails are often seen in sandy or dusty environments. The trails can be wavy or straight and there is a raised amount of sand caused by the snake's movement. Western rattlesnake tails often exhibit side-to-side patterns. You can determine the age and length of the snake, and its speed, by the length of the snake trail and the distance of each curve. Wider curves mean bigger rattlesnakes.

• 3

  Find the snake den. Western Rattlesnakes in Wentachee live in dens of two, three or four snakes. You can find the den by following snake droppings. The droppings are thin and long. You can also find the den by watching for old snake skins. Shed skin appears like clear plastic, with the details of the snake's markings visible as outlines. Snake skin often is discarded in rock piles and under boards, close to the den.

• 4

  Bring the snakes out of the den. Approach the den carefully and spray diesel in and around the den. The snakes will be disoriented by the fumes and slither out. They will be slower than usual, so catching one is easier. Get out of the way of the snakes before your approach.

• 5

  Get behind the snakes. Standing in front of the snakes will increase the odds of strike. While behind the snake, use the snake catchers to pin the snake behind the head. You can also use a shovel to stab at the snake behind the head as well. Lift the snake with the snake catcher, pinching it by the head and drop it in a trashcan. You can now do what you want with it. Some people sell their rattlesnakes to pet shops or sell dead snakes by the pound for food.