Watch: Snake Sneaks Up on Texas Turkey Hunter

by
posted on March 22, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Turkey hunters, by nature, put themselves at a heightened state of a risk every time they covertly sneak into the woods to pursue a gobbler. It's true that every hunter and outdoorsman does—it's part of the thrill—but turkey hunters double down on potential trouble, since they tend to spend a fair bit of their time sitting square on the ground. Treestands and blinds offer some vestiges of safety, at least, but when you're at the base of a tree, you're far more exposed to any other wildlife that might be poking around. Last year we shared the video of a Virginia turkey hunter who was attacked by a curious bobcat. These things happen.

A video that has recently posted to YouTube, though, represents what quite a few folks would call a nightmare. Purportedly filmed in Texas, the clip shows a large snake slither right past a ground-based turkey hunter as he lies in wait and eyes his decoy. The video is embedded above—keep your eyes on the bottom left corner. The hunter never seems to react to the snake's presence—whether he's trying to stay calm for fear or provoking it, or honestly never noticed it was there, I don't know. If he kept cool, knowing that the snake would probably go on its merry way, props to him.

Go ahead and give the video a look for yourself by clicking here or hitting the play button at the top of the page. Just try not to think about it the next time you're turkey hunting.

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.