Information on working terriers, dogs, natural history, hunting, and the environment, with occasional political commentary as I see fit. This web log is associated with the Terrierman.com web site.

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Serious Go-to-Ground Work

First you get your equipment in order - in this case a nice piece of Impala hide to protect your forearm.

Then you go head first into a small aardvark or warthog hole.

Always remember to bring a flashlight.

Once you have found the critter you are after, it's important to locate the head.

Ah -- there it is! Glad that's sorted out.

The next step is to present the snake with the impala-clad forearm so the snake has something to bite -- a bit like cuffing a fox, eh? Then, with your other hand, you grab the snake firmly by the neck.

Now is the time you really need a strong friend. Getting into this jamb may be a bit tougher than getting out of it!

A large rock python like this one will almost certainly snap a few coils around you. A small problem. Whatever you do, don't let go of the head!

At the end of the day, snake in hand, you head off to the local market. It's been a nice day in the field.

A true tip of the hat to these South African gentlemen who know a few things about going-to-ground the old-fashioned way. .