Wichita eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1886-1890, 1888-04-22
A DANGEROUS SPORT.
Hunting RattIesnakes on the shores OF
Lake George

Hunting Rattlesnakes on the snofeS %
Lake George.
Perhaps in no part of the country can %
found more desirable place for the seeker OK
rest and recreation to spend his vacation tnan
On the shores of Lake George The clearness
Of its waters and wild beauty OF its mountain
surroundings, Its fine atmosphere and hlstoriS
recollections make it a place or more tnan
common interest TO the tourist. It's faclhties
for hunting and fishing ere unsurpassed
There is one kind of game that Is hunted
with much zeal by lovers OK this sport when
is seldom mentioned as an attraction 10 me
region. This is the hunting OF raStlesnakes
on the mountain lodges and rocky hiiisides
every spring. Several OF our Oldest residents
make a trip each spring, when tie weather
becomes warm enough, 10 the nome OF the
reptiles, of which there are several wen
known dens on the lake Their mode OF cap
turing them IS dangerous, to say tne ieast.
Taking their guns, they proceed 10 the place
where the rattiers are won't 10 assemble
and beat about among the ROCKS until one Is
discovered. Then they shoot HIM. Often
times they appear suddenly TO the hunter.
Then the sensation is not so pleasant Inc
snakes are hunted for the sport, but some old
hunters have great faith III their OIL, WHICH
they claim is very penetrating ana great
remedy for rheumatism.
The killing off of large numbers IN spring
lessons the number to wander abroad all
around the lake later in the season, TO too
annoyance of cottage campers and hotel
keepers. For soon as hot weather begins
the snakes leave their dens and roam over
the surrounding country. They are great
swimmers, and swim across the lake and
make no choice of landing place. those in
tereSted have men engaged the season
through in killing rattlers. Each morning
they go out early with pole ana poke INTO
all places where a snake might be hidden and
kill all they may find In some spots man
is kept on the watch at all times for snakes,
SO that boarder-s at hotels as visitors rarely,
If ever, see q snake. In fact there Is not an
attendant ct a hotel ON the lake who can DO
enticed to own that he ever saw arattiesnake,
to say nothing about killing one. In spite OF
all this watching a RATHER will manage to get
into q house once in a while, and then there
is music for short time among the ladies.
Old campers on the lake who have visited it
for years can seldom be forced TO admit that
there are many snakes there, unless they may
be inveigled into telling snake stories; then
one gets an idea OF snakes.
Two species of rattlesnakes exist there, but
as a rule they will trouble no one If not dis
turbed No cases of anybody being bitten by
q snake is recorded unless he was engaged IN
hunting them or had invaded their dens. An
old snake hunter several years ago became so
careless that in trying to capture one he I'M
dertook to catch the snalc by the tail as he
slipped under stone, and was bitten. Not
enough whisky could be got into hlr:, and
be never hunted any more rattiesnakes.
Most experienced campers keep a supply OF
snake root and whisky on hand in case 1t
should be needed Albany Journal