Rattlesnakes are as much a part of West Texas as cattle, oil, and
beautiful sunsets.
Author Tom Wideman, a former chairman of the World's Largest
Rattlesnake Roundup held every March in the West Texas town of
Sweetwater, shares his collection of stories, encounters, and tips
about hunting and handling rattlesnakes. He participated in the first
Roundup in 1958 as a ticket-taker, then became an avid hunter,
contributing his share of the 125 tons of rattlesnakes turned in at the
Sweetwater Jaycees event over the years.
Wideman developed a great interest in and healthy respect for the
species, leading media tours, appearing on National Geographic
Television, and serving as a model for Gokey Boots. His own boots,
he estimates, have been struck no less than three hundred times by
rattlesnakes.
With humor and common sense, Wideman tells about celebrities
and friends he has accompanied on guided snake hunts and offers
words of wisdom and experience.
"If you're going to adopt rattlesnake hunting as a hobby," he
writes, "the two most important hunting accessories you'll need are a
cool head and a deep respect for the critters.
"If you see a rattlesnake or hear one 'rattle' a warning," he advises,
"freeze in your tracks. I know that's a difficult assignment when your
natural inclination is to run, but you should remain absolutely
motionless until you determine the rattlesnake's location. Chances
are that if you hear a snake rattle and don't move, the snake will
retreat first."
Wideman said his wife, June, made her own deal with rattlesnakes
years ago. "She won't hunt them," he says, "if they won't hunt her."
The fascination with rattlesnakes draws thousands of visitors to
Sweetwater each spring for the Roundup, where they can sample
fried rattlesnake and watch snake handlers demonstrate their
techniques. The event helps control the rattlesnake population on
nearby ranches and educate the public about snakes and their
environment. Proceeds benefit a variety of community charities.
_________________________________________________________
TOM WIDEMAN, former mayor of Sweetwater and former president
of the Sweetwater Jaycees, now lives in Abilene and continues to
participate in the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup.
Number Eight: Texas Heritage Series
What people are saying about this book
"[an] entertaining collection of stories"—East Texas Historical Journal
"An easy to read, informative, well illustrated and carefully balanced
book . . . you might learn more than you thought you would!"—The
Manhattan Mercury
". . . an interesting book about a 'hobby' most of us can't imagine
pursuing."—Brazosport Facts
". . . a delightful little book."—Mexia Daily News
"Over the past 48 years, Wideman has handled more snakes than
a hooker at a political convention. He's as comfortable holding a
rattler as a normal man is holding a remote control. . . . It's a good,
quick read—whether you're a snake fan or just fascinated by a good
snake story."—The Bryan-College Station Eagle
Other Texas Heritage Series Titles
