Tips

[Botis]

I havent gone seriously herping before. I hear that most snakes up here in Mass. lay eggs in June-July and hatch in Sept-Aug. so I figure this is as good a time as any to start.

Headed up to Pleasant Valley this Friday, its near my mothers house and apparently its some sort of preserve area with wetlands, marshes, forested areas, etc.

My question is what time of day would be ideal, and what locations should I concentrate on? I was thinking of starting at around 6 AM.

I am primarily looking for ring-necks, black racers, red bellys, and milk snakes.
I dont have a snake hook but most likely Ill just be taking pictures anyway.

[Kobi Baby]

I am not a herper by any means, but my no knowledge guess would be dusk and dawn! And look under rocks and logs and stuff. And don't they take longer than 2-3 months to hatch?

Now I wanna know too lol

[Botis]

Most of the snakes im looking for lay eggs in June-July and hatch August-September.

[ssjsmits]

I'd go in the evenings if it were me.

[Botis]

When theres like an hour or two of light left or what? I dont really want to stumble around in marsh-land with a flashlight lol.

Used to do it when I was younger in NC, but then again the marshland was my backyard, not an hour away.

[ssjsmits]

When it stats getting darker and cools off for the day, yeah.

[Botis]

Sounds good, Ill keep yall posted.

Im very much hoping to be lucky enough to find a copperhead or rattler up here. They are exceedingly rare, but this is a nature preserve with rocky outcrops and sandy areas.

[ssjsmits]

Take lots of pics.

[Hairless]

Where: This time of the year in your neck of the woods (Mass) the best places will be on south facing rocky hillsides or nearby. Due to the cooler temps this time of year any herp trying to digest a late meal will be in the sun. Most are probably done eating and heading for wintering spots.

When: temps are key. I checked and your temps aren't getting above the 60's during the warmest part of the day, go during the middle of the day if you want to see them out and about. If you go earlier or later...you will need to look for them in their hiding places.

[jadeboa]

When I go herping I usually find the most critters in the late afternoon after they have been sunbathing........remember in the wild the sun is there heat source.
You will usually catch them all hanging out.
Most of the time I find them near water.......hunting frogs........and birds.