Rifle season, I carry a G19 loaded with CCI shot shells for the rattlers and a spare mag loaded with 147gr HSTs. Self Defense is the 30-06.
Bow season the G19 is loaded with the HSTs.
Sorry Joe Hunter Woodsman I didn't mean to strike such a nerve. Maybe some of us haven't had as much experience as you (you're pretty old right? And cranky I see) in the woods. In fact, I haven't spent any time in the woods for the past 12 years that I have lived in this dump of a state. Maybe some others like that extra feeling of insurance in having that sidearm in the woods. So who are you to judge, his holyness? And I promise you, if I see a snake I'm gonna blow it's head off, not scream like a little girl..Here is what some of you probably do not want to hear. IMO ----->
If you are that inclined to carry snake shot in your (otherwise)defensive woods gun ... You probably do not really need to be in the woods anyway. Snake shot coming out of a short bbl'ed pistol with a rifled bore is super silly. In the time it takes you to present your weapon,or even worse,change the mag,or unload your "normal" carry round,and reload with snake shot,you could gracefully move away from the snake and find a stick to beat him to death with.
Wear snake boots,always carry a longish stick to "lead your way",be aware of your surroundings,maybe even look down every now and then. Ultimately ........ stay out of the woods if you feel that you need this non-feel good,feel good.
And ...... please,no squealing like a 7 year old girl when you see a Nonpoisonous snake. DO NOT kill them just for the fun of it. (Or just to give that snake shot a try)They are good snakes. Let them live.
Sheeeeeeesh !! Little boys !! ---- SAWMAN