Stuben County 8T

[Steve D]

Steuben County
Town of Rathbone
Prescribed Fire: On April 10, Forest Rangers and other DEC staff treated 45 acres of grass fuels with prescribed fire at the Helmer Creek Wildlife Management Area. The Helmer Creek burn unit is identified for habitat improvement because of the presence of timber rattlesnakes in the area. Little Bluestem, a native warm season grass, grows on this site and is needed for management objectives. The re-introduction of consistent burning will help invigorate these native grasses and slow the spread of invasive species. Early season timing of this prescribed fire must occur before the emergence of rattlesnakes later this spring.

[Steuben Jerry]

Only a few miles from me. Might not be a popular thing to say, but I'm no fan of those rattlesnakes. We've come across two on our property over the years. Both uneventful encounters, but kind of unnerving. 

[Steve D]

  On 5/3/2017 at 12:20 PM, Steuben Jerry said:

but I'm no fan of those rattlesnakes

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I am not a fan of ANY snake period and any found usually end up in the compost pile. Never dealt with a rattlesnake and hope I never do!!

[Steuben Jerry]

I had a little garter snake poke his head under the blind one day while turkey hunting. I was a little embarrassed about my reaction - glad nobody saw it!

My head was on a swivel at every little sound after that!

[Steve D]

  On 5/3/2017 at 1:18 PM, Steuben Jerry said:

I was a little embarrassed about my reaction - glad nobody saw it!

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Worst part of it for me is getting the wife off the roof when she sees one plus I really hate getting surprised the way a snake surprises you.

[Pygmy]

I've lived in the area all my life, and trust me,  the rattlesnakes aren't nearly as popular with the residents as they are with the DEC.

The old timers around here  just shake their heads ....

Edited May 3, 2017 by Pygmy

[bugsNbows]

I have never seen a rattlesnake at our place in NY. Here in Florida... that's another story. They are all over. Killed a huge one at Dismal years ago. 

[NYHuntFish]

So does this mean grouse will live there because they like, "Disturbed areas?" 

Or what animals we hunt will be attracted to this? 

Thanks

 

[growalot]

deer definitely like burned regrowth...grouse like grassy areas ..though all the Grouse we use to have were woodland and second growth dwellers. The snakes will love it for the rodents will thrive..rabbits, fox, hawks, owls...ect,ect