Snake Handling in Oklahoma

Okeene is located in northeastern Blaine County, 40 miles southwest of Enid and 17 miles north of Watonga. For more than 60  years, Okeene has held an annual Rattlesnake Hunt. On the first weekend in May every year, there is a three day rattlesnake hunt and festival. The snakes are hunted in and around the gypsum hills near Southard, between Watonga and Okeene. It's a big deal for the folks of Okeene. Rattlesnakes are hunted, handled, displayed, and butchered. Rattlesnake steaks are served by street venders. Contrary to what you may have heard, rattlesnake steaks don't taste like chicken. They taste like rattlesnake steaks.

 Here are a few photos of the 2006 Rattle Snake Hunt which I attended. I am a non-rattlesnake handler. But I am a pro-rattlesnake photographer.  Enjoy...

Click on thumbnails...