2009 Snake Hunt Review

The Annual Snake Hunt sponsored by Sinnemahoning Sportsmen’s Association and managed by Keystone Reptile Club was held June 13th and 14th at the Club Ground.



Eighty Three registered hunters went a field to bring back a variety of snakes. 31 Rattlesnakes, 5 copperheads and 20 Non Poisonous Snakes were turned in during the two day event. The weather could not have been better for the event. All snakes caught were release back to where they were caught. Also small electronic chips were installed on the snakes to further check on the snakes released and recaught in the future. There were many demonstrations both days and children’s events both days. There were some of the most deadly snakes in the world at the event this year along with a 22 ft. Python. SSA had a chicken Bar-B-Que both days, Tee Shirt and Hat sales along with other foods. A plaque was presented by Bill Wheeler representing Keystone Reptile Club to Tim Horner President of Sinnemahoning Sportsmen’s Association for the many years of dedicated service and cooperation to Keystone Reptile Club to make the Snake Hunt possible along with the educational format used today. The winners of the hunt are listed as follows:

Ultimate Snake Hunter, Total inches of 3 different species of snakes

Keaton Bender Pine Grove, Pa. 155” of snakes.



Longest Rattlesnake Matt Deniker, Derry, Pa. 52” Yellow Phase, 3 lb. 8 oz. Benezette Twp. Elk County



2nd Longest Rattlesnake Robert Heintz 50” 3 Lb. 8 oz. Brown Twp. Lycoming County



Longest Copper Head Donna Kime Cherry Tree, Pa. 37” 13.5 oz. Noyes Twp. Clinton County



2nd. Longest Copper Head Robert Urban Clarksburg, Pa. 30-1/2” 4.5 oz. East Keating Twp. Clinton County



Longest Snake of Hunt Charlie Rohrbaugh Gardners, Pa. 70” Black Rat Snake

Gibson Township Cameron County



Most Rattles on a Rattlesnake Matt Slaniko Latrobe, Pa. 14 Rattles, 48” long 3-1/2 lbs. Bennezette Township, Elk County



Prizes awarded Saturday for snakes turned in by 5 P.M. were as follows:



Heaviest Rattlesnake Black Phase Ship Kauffman Millersvill, Pa. 3Lb. 5.5 oz.

Heaviest Rattlesnake Yellow Phase Matt Deniker Derry, Pa. 3Lb. 8 oz.

Heaviest Copperhead Roy Franek Houtzdale, Pa. 7.5 oz.

Heaviest Non Poisonous Snake Charlie Rohrbaugh Gardners, Pa. 2.5 Lb.



25 Children participated in the Fake Snake Hunt held on Sunday Afternoon.



18 Children participated in the Snake Race on Saturday.



5 Children participated in the Snake Challenge on Saturday.



This years Snake Hunt was well attended and many campers took they opportunity to camp on SSA grounds and enjoy the perfect weather and enjoy the sounds of a local band.

Upcoming Events at SSA

Hunter Safety Course

July 11 and 12. Must register on the Game Commission website - maximum of 30 per class.


SSA Youth Day

August 8 at the SSA club grounds