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So, just found out that our neighborhood is having some rattlesnake problems and one "small" one was even spotted in my neighbors hard. This prompted the wife and I to have some long conversations and I'll post the two questions here for you..

1. Is it legal to fire a gun in a subdivision/suburb setting to kill a rattlesnake in your small fenced in back yard?

2. Either way #1 turns out, anybody with more experience with these critters have tips on preventing/discouraging them?

Airgun maybe, pistol rifle maybe not. 410 single shot gun call your local PD.

newTexan wrote:So, just found out that our neighborhood is having some rattlesnake problems and one "small" one was even spotted in my neighbors hard. This prompted the wife and I to have some long conversations and I'll post the two questions here for you..

1. Is it legal to fire a gun in a subdivision/suburb setting to kill a rattlesnake in your small fenced in back yard?

2. Either way #1 turns out, anybody with more experience with these critters have tips on preventing/discouraging them?

1. If youre in the city limits - NO
2. You dont need a gun to kill a snake. (shovel, hoe, etc)

Some will tell you to let poisonous snakes live as they are beneficial because they eat rats - but these people wont hesitate to gas a wasp nest!

Beiruty wrote:Airgun maybe, pistol rifle maybe not. 410 single shot gun call your local PD.

Yep, if you're in city limits, most likely not allowed. Where I live, even air rifle is not allowed. Counties may also have specific laws/ordinances.

I've heard some of the commercial "snake away" products work. And moth balls definitely work, but the smell is offensive to humans too!

Good question. I would say contact your local police department and ask them. If they say yes, get it in writing. I know where I live it's against the law to discharge a fire arm within city limits. Of course there are exceptions like protecting your life and property. Self defense in other words. Now is protecting yourself from a dangerous critter such as rattle snakes okay. I don't know. I usually use a shovel. I'm going to hang it out there and say no it's not okay within the city limits. Very interesting question for sure. There are many scenarios, and not just with snakes. What if your neighbors dog attacks you? Looking forward to others comments on this topic.

I usually use a garden hoe, works better than a shovel for me. By all means call your local police department if inside city limits and find out from them. The answer will probably be no, but never can tell. However like said, get it in writing if they say yes. If you are outside city limits there shouldn't be any problems.

Most likely not legal and probably not wise. Use a hoe. Much cheaper than ammunition. Now would I tackle a 6 foot rattler with a hoe? Not unless I'm wearing snake boots or chaps. Call 911 while keeping the critter corralled.

A .22 with snake shot probably wouldn't even be noticed. Just say your lawn mower backfired. Just kidding of course.

Aguila .22 Super Colibri should get rid of them without much noise.

I've found a sharp hoe is much more effective and not as loud.

I have a major rabbit problem. My neighbors use .177 air guns, but mine is too loud to feel comfortable using it in the city. So I opted for a quieter, yet more manly and primitive option:

sbrawley wrote:

newTexan wrote:So, just found out that our neighborhood is having some rattlesnake problems and one "small" one was even spotted in my neighbors hard. This prompted the wife and I to have some long conversations and I'll post the two questions here for you..

1. Is it legal to fire a gun in a subdivision/suburb setting to kill a rattlesnake in your small fenced in back yard?

2. Either way #1 turns out, anybody with more experience with these critters have tips on preventing/discouraging them?

I've heard cats are excellent deterrents

They are definitely a deterrent to mice and rats.

As mentioned, most jurisdictions have ordinances against the discharge of firearms. However, those ordinances do not remove your right to defend yourself or your property (dogs, cats, whatever). Could you still be cited, sure...

Where was our governor when he shot that Coyote? Somewhere near Austin.. I wonder if he was in the city limits.

I'm not sure but I think you can shoot 'em once they get in the house. ITMT, a hoe works well if you must.