Field Herping Tips

Introduction:

Field Herping is an ever growing outdoor activity that in my opinion, is one of the best around. It is very similar to birding, only you are looking for reptiles and amphibians.

No other outdoor activity can give as much of an adrenaline rush as this one.

Steps:

First of all, you need to know which reptiles and amphibians are found in your state or area, then you need to research each species to find out where each species is found and their habits.

Certain species are found in certain habitats, for example:

If I decide that I would like to find a cottonmouth, I would find out real quick that they are found in wetland habitats like this.

So from here, I search the banks of this wetland, and sure enough, the species I was looking for, is right in front of my eyes.

One problem a lot of people have, is that they live in an area where the wildlife has been extirpated due to habitat destruction and road development.

This is unfortunate, but a trip to the local state park, state forest, or national forest, will usually yield an abundance in wildlife because it's the only home they have for miles.

Simply cruising a road through promising habitat should yield some herps. Once again, knowing the habitat that particular species are found is crucial in finding it.

For instance, if I want to find a Pygmy Rattlesnake, specifically the Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake, I will find that they are found in savannah like habitats with Longleaf Pine Trees, and abundent wiregrass.

Knowing the time of day and time of year that a species is active also helps, in this case, I know the Pygmy Rattler is active during the afternoon and evening and most active during the fall time.

So with all the info I need, I head out to the right habitat, at the right time of day and year, and sure enough, my target.

A success, but it doesent always work this way, sometimes, you just dont find anything. It could be the weather, it could be the area you live in.

Another way to raise your chances of finding herps, is to find trash near forests or old abandoned structures like barns. Tin sheets, plywood boards, and vinyl siding for example, provide excellent hiding places for herps. Just look underneath them and who knows, maybe you'll get lucky?

Remember, to place all board cover back were you found it so you have a chance at finding more things.

Conclusion:

Alot of people think it's takes just luck to find herps, but you'll find real quick it takes a certain amount of knowledge and skill to find these awesome animals.

A litttle luck helps now and then!!!

~Brandon