Brief snake story while dove hunring. Several years ago while dove hunting with a friend we were hunting rolling hills north and west of Colusa. It was brush and dead grass about 18” high. I never take my dog dove hunting because it’s usually quite hot and I know the area has lots of rattlers. Anyway I shot a dove that came down about 40 yards out. They aren’t easy to find in the long grass. Searched for about 5 minutes when I found the bird. Bent over and reached out to pick up the dove when I saw a medium sized rattler coiled about 2 or so feet away. He didn’t rattle but was coiled and staring at me . I froze bending over, arm extended hand about a foot from the dove. I knew if I moved he would probably strike. I stayed in that position staring into those beady eyes for several minutes Thinking I’m staring into the eyes of possible death. My partner started yelling at me to get back and sit down as we were missing doves flying over. I obviously couldn’t respond as it may invite a strike. He had no idea what was going on. I just stayed frozen. I didn’t know how long I could hold that position. Finally after I don’t know how long (it seemed like a long time) the snake uncoiled and started slithering off. I grabbed the bird and made it back to my partner. Few things bother me much but I was too shook up to continue hunting that area. I slowly walked back to my truck about a quarter mile away. The whole way I had the gun at the ready in case I encountered another snake. Every step I expected to see another snake. Now a days I wear heavy duty hunting boots, snake proof gaiters and am most careful when I reach down to pick up a dove. The snake never did rattle and it definitely was a rattler, I could see his rattles. I sat in my truck and drank a couple ice cold beers before I was calm enough to function.
