1 Topic by jrgh17 (edited by jrgh17 2011-05-22 05:04 pm)

  • jrgh17
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Topic: Visiting your state, and have a few questions

No, I'm not stupid enough to ask for sites. Although I certainly wouldn't refuse... wink

Basically, I'm an avid herper from IL and I'll be visiting for a family function in early June. I'd like to get some herping done while I'm there, but I am pretty confused about the rules and regs concerning hooks/tongs and getting animals in the hand for photos. I have no interest in collection, but the IL DNR has really cracked down recently and even having animals in the hand is no longer allowed in certain areas. All of my permits had to be reviewed and amended (big mess), so I'm especially sensitive to making sure I follow the rules.

All of the laws I found seem to apply to collection/killing, so if someone could reassure me that I'm not missing something, that'd be great. If it matters, we'll be in Hot Springs Village, but the plan is to drive to likely-looking sites within about a 90 min radius.

2 Reply by Mulebrother

  • Mulebrother
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Re: Visiting your state, and have a few questions

I'm gonna give you the cliff notes version...and this may spawn some debate...
There are no laws.  big_smile

No, all jokes aside, Arkansas is still really cool as far as herping goes.  The only circumstance I could see you getting questioned would be in a state park or a national park (since you mentioned hot springs).  I've had game officers stop to ask me what i was doing to which i reply "snake hunting" to which they reply "Well, how many have you killed?"- with excitement in their voice.   You are pretty much free to do what you want unless its a protected species (queen snake, alligator snapper, etc).  My advice, just use common sense. If you do happen to run into  USFW, forest service, AR game & fish, just be up front with what you are doing and they'll likely have no problem with it. 

As far as advice...Hot springs village is a good area...found a nice pigmy down there a few years back.  You are surrounded by HUGE tracts of national forrest...so you really cant go wrong.    Shoot me a pm if you want more suggestions. 

Good herping.

Brad

Government is not the solution Government is the PROBLEM...Ronald Reagan

3 Reply by Lben

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Re: Visiting your state, and have a few questions

drive down millcreek rd in hotsprings and you will see plenty of snakes just right before dark.

4 Reply by Eric East

  • Eric East
  • Eric East
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Re: Visiting your state, and have a few questions

What part of IL. are you from? I moved here from Quincy a few years back. IDNR isn't that bad but if  you're herping an area such as snake road;  they take things VERY seriously because they have had a lot of illegal collecting in that area.

Outside of protected areas, IL. residents are allowed  to collect  up to I believe 8 of a species unless they are threatened or venomous.

My biggest problem with herping in IL. is that it just generally sucks! Road cruising isn't very productive and they usually clear all the flippable rocks from the road cuts making flipping tough. I did most of my herping in Mo.

Be careful herping Mo. though because it is illegal to even flip rocks if you are a non-resident. I had no problems because I had a scientific collectors permit.

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