Search found 187 matches

by mikez
April 5th, 2016, 9:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rattlesnake island?
Replies: 12
Views: 4584

Re: rattlesnake island?

Hey Mike ... you going to be doing any Spring Migration Striper fishing down here in RI? Yes sir! I'm at the point in my life where my older boys are taking ME fishing. We'll be down last week in April/early May. Been thinking of making a combo trip - hit the beach before sunrise then swing by that...
by mikez
April 5th, 2016, 6:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rattlesnake island?
Replies: 12
Views: 4584

Re: rattlesnake island?

Hey Mike ... you going to be doing any Spring Migration Striper fishing down here in RI? Yes sir! I'm at the point in my life where my older boys are taking ME fishing. We'll be down last week in April/early May. Been thinking of making a combo trip - hit the beach before sunrise then swing by that...
by mikez
March 23rd, 2016, 11:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rattlesnake island?
Replies: 12
Views: 4584

Re: rattlesnake island?

My interest is two part, well beyond the obvious herp related aspect, one is the hate. I was shocked and I think state of Ma was shocked by the hate. For me it got personal when I got in a debate on a fishing forum and haters crossed some lines this old time internet veteran found extreme. Kinda st...
by mikez
March 23rd, 2016, 10:55 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Quabbin Reservoir Rattlesnake Project, MA
Replies: 14
Views: 12949

Re: Quabbin Reservoir Rattlesnake Project, MA

I know Ma had a head start thing going with black rat snakes. It was very low key and used amateurs to raise the snakes. I don't know how successful it was or if its still going on. I think NEHS may have or did have something on their website. I be interested to hear more on that for perspective on ...
by mikez
March 21st, 2016, 11:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rattlesnake island?
Replies: 12
Views: 4584

Re: rattlesnake island?

There is a board line thread just getting started with links to fill in on details. I don't want to be redundant. My interest is two part, well beyond the obvious herp related aspect, one is the hate. I was shocked and I think state of Ma was shocked by the hate. For me it got personal when I got in...
by mikez
March 21st, 2016, 8:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Quabbin Reservoir Rattlesnake Project, MA
Replies: 14
Views: 12949

Re: Quabbin Reservoir Rattlesnake Project, MA

As a fellow Ma resident, I can vouch for the hateful climate here. I personally got in over my head in a fishing forum when it got personal. The hate sucks but can't be easily countered. What I'm curious on is what folks here think of the natural history point of view. Can it work? Also do those pet...
by mikez
March 21st, 2016, 8:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rattlesnake island?
Replies: 12
Views: 4584

Re: rattlesnake island?

Thanks I'll go look for it when I have time.
by mikez
March 21st, 2016, 6:39 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: rattlesnake island?
Replies: 12
Views: 4584

rattlesnake island?

Hi folks haven't been by in awhile. Just wondering if the subject of Ma starting a timber colony on an island has come up? I scanned real quick didn't see it. Did not check main forum. Anyone know if its been discussed? Really pressed for time so no links but if it hasn't been done I'll do it later,...
by mikez
April 3rd, 2015, 4:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Halifax Va area?
Replies: 3
Views: 1313

Re: Halifax Va area?

Thanks, was hoping to get at least a general answer. Maybe no Va members here.
by mikez
April 2nd, 2015, 5:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Halifax Va area?
Replies: 3
Views: 1313

Halifax Va area?

On my way home from FLorida next month I'll be staying over an extra day in Halifax Virginia. Would like to spend the day herping. Can anyone tell me what to expect for species and conditions? I know where I'm staying is a horse farm with lots of fields. I see powerlines on google map near by. Anyon...
by mikez
March 13th, 2015, 4:00 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SSS - Snake Season Started
Replies: 19
Views: 4672

Re: SSS - Snake Season Started

I noticed some areas I explored near Blackwater were posted as "Quail Management Area". Made me wonder if they were doing anything to discourage snakes as a form of predator control. Don't know how aggressive Fl is with their quail management.
by mikez
March 10th, 2015, 7:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Pensacola, Florida?
Replies: 12
Views: 4795

Re: Herping Pensacola, Florida?

if you're not familiar with urban/semi-urban areas around Pensacola [and probably other Fl cities], be prepared for the large homeless human population lurking in every vacant lot and patch of brush. When I'm looking for stuff to flip I've been known to run behind Walmart or the local DPW yard etc ...
by mikez
March 4th, 2015, 5:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Pensacola, Florida?
Replies: 12
Views: 4795

Re: Herping Pensacola, Florida?

Something I forgot to mention in my last post; if you're not familiar with urban/semi-urban areas around Pensacola [and probably other Fl cities], be prepared for the large homeless human population lurking in every vacant lot and patch of brush. When I'm looking for stuff to flip I've been known to...
by mikez
February 27th, 2015, 12:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Pensacola, Florida?
Replies: 12
Views: 4795

Re: Herping Pensacola, Florida?

Fort Pickens is an excellent destination for herps, sealife, birds and historic sites. We fished it to good result, saw a manatee, sea turtles, cotton mouths, glass lizards, even a ribbon snake. A young fresh killed dor diamondback was a heartbreaker, we just missed the jerk who hit it in the parkin...
by mikez
February 24th, 2015, 8:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Nantucket and the Vineyard
Replies: 3
Views: 1592

Re: Nantucket and the Vineyard

I was just funninya. Everybody knows I'm not a database guy.
I am curious about what yer taklin about. Did you go to Nantucket at some point?
Hate to think you were that close to me and I didn't get to meet you.
by mikez
February 23rd, 2015, 4:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Nantucket and the Vineyard
Replies: 3
Views: 1592

Re: Nantucket and the Vineyard

No idea what yer squakin about data-wise, but Nantucket is supposed to be the home of lots of milksnakes. I read somewhere that 60% of the land on the island is preserved. Should leave plenty of room for the critters. Don't know what you mean by "from your living room", it costs a lot to v...
by mikez
February 23rd, 2015, 4:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Graptemys geographica under the ice
Replies: 13
Views: 4704

Re: Graptemys geographica under the ice

Wow, very cool. As an icefisherman who sometimes gets to see under the ice with a buddy's ice cam, I've often thought we should see turtles but never do. Obviously they are not "just anywhere". I'd guess DO was the limiting factor but I'm just an ignorant fisherman. What's with all the cla...
by mikez
January 9th, 2015, 12:07 pm
Forum: Fish Forum
Topic: Over
Replies: 10
Views: 17710

Re: Over

I made only one striper trip in 2014. My son and I each got one school striper in the 24 inch range. From a trip to fish ratio you could call that a successful season. In truth, it was so depressing I almost cried. South coast RI was painfully dead. Bait everywhere and nothing chasing it. Having fis...
by mikez
December 18th, 2014, 4:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Nerodia Sipedon Question
Replies: 12
Views: 3505

Re: Nerodia Sipedon Question

My parents live on a small pond in coastal southern Maine. They have lived there 20 years. My father is a naturalist outside all day. Myself and my brothers and all our kids have been all over that land for 20 years. We have snake hunts with the kids all the time. Not one single watersnake ever show...
by mikez
October 23rd, 2014, 6:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions from your President
Replies: 43
Views: 16120

Re: Questions from your President

Damn, I just typed a long reply to Fundad and it got disappeared. No time to retype so sumerizing... Thanks Fundad for a great response. You've come a long way since we battled on the web back in the day. I particularly appreciate your reference to my family as it shows you remember what is importan...
by mikez
October 22nd, 2014, 12:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Why entering data matters
Replies: 18
Views: 6357

Re: Why entering data matters

Has Ca de-listed any of the critters they requested data on? Does anyone believe it's better for the herps, or the habitat to de-list species? It's undoubtedly better for the developers, land speculators and others who use bulldozers as their tools of choice to de-list as many species as possible. P...
by mikez
October 22nd, 2014, 12:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions from your President
Replies: 43
Views: 16120

Re: Questions from your President

"... so you blame it on us??? sounds like a crybaby to me...sputtering and spitting out 'sour grapes'. grow up dude." I totally forgot I had posted in this thread and just re-discovered it and saw the mature measured response from our esteemed Ca member [pres, former pres, educater????]. T...
by mikez
August 7th, 2014, 4:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions from your President
Replies: 43
Views: 16120

Re: Questions from your President

I feel a little bad about my mini-rant, obviously a touchy nerve for me. Should maybe clarify.... First, I speak about all these forums, not just NE, but also specifically the NE FB page. Obvously I'm not a member of the group or groups here with all the memberships, bylaws, rules, unwritten rules. ...
by mikez
July 31st, 2014, 3:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Questions from your President
Replies: 43
Views: 16120

Re: Questions from your President

It's sad an unfortunate but undoubtedly true that sharing too much caused trouble. Even so, having come up in the 90s, through the old style BBS, KS for one but also some fishing boards, I still can't get used to the attitude I see today. We shared so much, helped each other so much, made so many go...
by mikez
July 27th, 2014, 5:58 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI: Wachusett Mountain State Reservation
Replies: 9
Views: 3492

Re: RFI: Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

I just saw this, would have responded sooner. I'm on call that week, couldn't stray that far from home or I'd take a hike up Wachusett. The mt itself should make a great day trip. You can easily hike the whole thing top to bottom, flipping and exploring, enjoy the spectacular view at the summit and ...
by mikez
July 27th, 2014, 5:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Report timber sightings to a reptile distributor? ....huh?
Replies: 6
Views: 2368

Re: Report timber sightings to a reptile distributor? ....hu

I can't speak to his motives, didn't know him personally, but toured his facility once, before he came out with his timber "research". Was a burm breeding facility, but with lots of other pretty cool stuff. Later I heard they were involved with visiting the very few timber dens in NH and V...
by mikez
June 14th, 2014, 6:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnakes?
Replies: 6
Views: 2108

Re: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnak

yep, they share the same habitat and frequently use the same cover, sometimes together. I have long suspected there was some toxin or taste deterant in ringnecks. The bright colored belly suggests the possibility. I can't swear to it, but I don't think eastern milks eat snakes as much as some of the...
by mikez
June 14th, 2014, 6:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First visit to Massachusetts
Replies: 6
Views: 2320

Re: First visit to Massachusetts

I have found duskies in a spring seep mixed with twolined in Middlesex county but never found a spring salamander.
by mikez
June 12th, 2014, 3:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: First visit to Massachusetts
Replies: 6
Views: 2320

Re: First visit to Massachusetts

Good stuff!
I've lived here over 30 years and haven't seen some of those salamanders. Haven't ventured that far west in my travels, some of those species don't come this far east in the state [I don't think, not an expert].
by mikez
June 12th, 2014, 3:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Hognose snakes
Replies: 3
Views: 1715

Re: Coppers and Timbers in CT

As a general rule, do not even mention the "T" word and the state of Ct in the same post. You have now id'ed yourself as a "poacher" in the eyes of the great state of Ct and your posts will be monitored in the future. God forbid you meet up with them while taking those pics - you...
by mikez
June 12th, 2014, 3:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

There's no question, in Ma, the letter of the law says hands off [harassment]. In actuality, I doubt many game wardens would pinch you for picking up a rat snake, as long as you don't walk away with it. My opinion is, they are extremely hardy, calm and human tolerant. They frequently live in densely...
by mikez
June 5th, 2014, 4:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lurkers in southeast mass
Replies: 5
Views: 1527

Re: Lurkers in southeast mass

You are so right Pete about not spreading stuff out. A lot of time I think the Spreader outers are newer herpers who think they're improving the cover. Another thing, give the boards a rest! If you keep flipping them every other day, they dry out, plus the snakes feel harassed. This has become a pro...
by mikez
June 5th, 2014, 4:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat snakes?
Replies: 17
Views: 3708

Re: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat sna

I found a DOR two footer in Ma about 2 miles from the Ct border.
I guess we're not supposed to share specific locations, but,...it was on the east side of the road, two feet from the yellow line, right in front of the yellow house with yippy dog in the yard. :twisted:
by mikez
May 4th, 2014, 7:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: desperation post-pensacola area lodging suggestions needed
Replies: 3
Views: 1317

Re: desperation post-pensacola area lodging suggestions nee

Thanks folks, I'm squared away. Small wrench in the works but already fixed.
Thanks especially for the offline help I was offered.
I hope to have a bit of fun and maybe see some critters. I'm not a photog but I'll try and show some pics if I can get 'em. :beer:
by mikez
May 3rd, 2014, 7:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: snakes in the Jura, France
Replies: 7
Views: 3607

Re: snakes in the Jura, France

I like it! Very cool. I always enjoy seeing those little vipers.

The landscape looks very similar to New England region of USA. I believe the climate is similar as well.
Good stuff, send more. :beer:
by mikez
May 3rd, 2014, 7:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Most pronouced air-surface temp difference
Replies: 16
Views: 4348

Re: Most pronouced air-surface temp difference

Very cool topic. Something I think about a lot, especially in early spring and late fall when some snakes will bask at den sites in weather most people, even herpers, would never believe. Sadly, I'm ashamed to admit, I have only my own scrambled incomplete memories and no true data. Too bad, as I li...
by mikez
May 3rd, 2014, 6:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: desperation post-pensacola area lodging suggestions needed
Replies: 3
Views: 1317

desperation post-pensacola area lodging suggestions needed

Sorry folks, this is probably not copacetic, maybe even against the rules but I'm desperate. My campsite at fort pickens were canceled because the storm overwhelmed a lift station and the campground flooded with sewerage. Receeding storm water won't help, they gotta clean it up. Frankly, given that ...
by mikez
May 2nd, 2014, 10:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Panhandle under water
Replies: 6
Views: 1687

Re: Panhandle under water

I'm due to arrive at Fort Pickens on Tuesday night. No clue if my camp site will be available. May be scrambling for lodging.

Anyone want to give suggestions on how the rain will bring stuff out and how a novice can take advantage...
by mikez
April 28th, 2014, 6:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Copperhead and Rough Green Snake - Eastern NC
Replies: 3
Views: 1254

Re: Copperhead and Rough Green Snake - Eastern NC

Love to see the rough green. That was one target I missed in my NC trips.

Worse, the one DOR I saw was fresh, inside the state campground where me and my vehicle were the only guest. :(
by mikez
April 28th, 2014, 6:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Invitation - Eastern CT Herping Sunday April 13
Replies: 9
Views: 3742

Re: Invitation - Eastern CT Herping Sunday April 13

Yah, I don't mean to twist this into an ethical debate. I'm trying to open my eyes to points of view I have not given enough credit in the past. Those pics contained details that were just too recognizable for general publication. I thought of myself back in my early days researching spots. I promis...
by mikez
April 28th, 2014, 3:08 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Invitation - Eastern CT Herping Sunday April 13
Replies: 9
Views: 3742

Re: Invitation - Eastern CT Herping Sunday April 13

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202644129497995&set=pcb.10152318207881 A beaut for sure. Considering how close to the path and how recognizable the spot, especially since it has to be close to a den site, I had second thoughts about posting my pics. Not that I fear people taking black...
by mikez
April 28th, 2014, 2:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anything happening in Fl Panhandle?
Replies: 3
Views: 914

Re: Anything happening in Fl Panhandle?

Staying at fort pickens campground. Planning my inland exploration into Blackwater river area. First time in the area, not much relevant experience other a few NC trips heavy on flipping and old buildings. Have gathered there's not much to flip or many abandoned old buildings. Will be checking out l...
by mikez
April 27th, 2014, 1:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anything happening in Fl Panhandle?
Replies: 3
Views: 914

Anything happening in Fl Panhandle?

Gonna be there in less than 2 weeks. Wondering if anybody has been out in the area?
by mikez
April 27th, 2014, 1:46 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: fence lizards as captives
Replies: 3
Views: 2575

fence lizards as captives

Has anyone had experience keeping fence lizards in captivity? I've always loved those guys, actually baught one in a pet store maybe 40 years ago or more but it didn't last a couple months. Later, a fence lizard was the very first lizard this northern boy ever caught as a kid at Disney with my folks...
by mikez
April 27th, 2014, 1:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Road cruising tips
Replies: 16
Views: 6290

Re: Road cruising tips

My sample size is small since I don't road cruise in New England but I have on trips to NC. I found 3 eastern kingsnakes on roads between 9:00 AM and noon and saw a few DORs. These were all incidental to my morning travels and not intentional but suggest kingsnakes crawl in the AM in April and May w...
by mikez
April 27th, 2014, 1:24 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?
Replies: 51
Views: 35075

Re: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?

Well I'm actually encouraged, and not ready to abandon my premis that certain nearby states way over estimate true poaching activity. Yes I saw lots of venomous including timbers for sale but not as much as I was starting to think. Some sites were totally bogus and either just stings or idiots about...
by mikez
April 27th, 2014, 8:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: If humans were to go extinct ...
Replies: 4
Views: 1686

Re: If humans were to go extinct ...

Pretty sure that everything would do well. Over time,species that utilize habitats created by people would decline dramatically. It's amazing how quickly abandoned buildings get swallowed by plants! Old buildings make great habitat. Driving in the south, nothing gets me excited like an abandoned fa...
by mikez
April 26th, 2014, 3:23 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?
Replies: 51
Views: 35075

Re: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?

Thanks Joshua, although you don't make me happy. I haven't done the google search yet but I will. Seems I may have been using an invalid argument by claiming there aren't many timber poachers. Damn and double damn. Damn cause poachers suck and double damn cause I have admit to flawed argument. :oops:
by mikez
April 26th, 2014, 2:52 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Justification.............
Replies: 95
Views: 76308

Re: Justification.............

I think it might need to be pointed out that force feeding snakes is not really for most "hobbyists", although I realize it is done extensively. Injuries to snake and handler as well as nutritional content of substitute food concern me. I'd prefer that be recommended only for pros and adva...
by mikez
April 26th, 2014, 2:11 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?
Replies: 51
Views: 35075

Re: Who keeps venomous on here, and what do you keep?

I'm curious where you folks get your hots, particularly US crotes. Are there classified adds for rattlesnakes?
My interest is that I hear so much about the demand of poachers for timbers. I've always argued not much market out there. Wondering if I'm wrong?