DON’T HIKE ON ME

By James Kent | September 22, 2021

Don’t tread (or hike) on me – My wife and I were hiking in the foothills near Salt Lake City when a hiker coming down the trail warned us of a rattlesnake a little ways up. I was immediately excited to check it out while my Wife felt quite the opposite (she HATES snakes. I mean she won’t even look at pictures of them). A small group right behind us had overheard the warning and quickly became unnerved.

We had already been talking with them a bit, and I guess I seemed knowledgeable enough for them to ask me “what do we do!? None of us have been around something like this before.” Their uneasiness actually caught me by surprise – If you grew up in Utah or lived here for a while, you probably have at least a general understanding of the local wildlife.

I reminded myself that not everyone has the same level of experience or comfortability in the outdoors (I’m no Bear Grills myself). So, I explained to the group that rattlesnakes, like most animals, are harmless as long as you don’t tread (mess with) them. They seemed satisfied with my answer, but still insisted that I lead the way.

Sure enough, about 100 yards up the trail we spotted the sandy colored serpent slowly moving through the brush on the side of the path.

I stopped to admire the scaly diamond pattern as it slithered out of sight. My inner Steve Irwin had been fulfilled and we finished up the hike.

Later on I tried explaining to my Wife why rattlesnakes were in fact the “best snakes” – They make their presence known, they’re excellent rodent control, and they overall mind their own business. I then proceeded to rebrand them as “legless lizards” but she wasn’t amused or softened up by this description.

| Familiarity is the key to curing almost anything we fear in this world.

This did get me thinking though. Although my Wife passionately dislikes snakes, she isn’t afraid because she’s been around them. Familiarity is the key to curing almost anything we fear in this world. I think this is why so many people are weary of guns.

They haven’t been around them and all they see is a potential threat. Most gun owners, like rattlesnakes, just want to be left alone. As long as you don’t threaten or provoke them then there’s nothing to worry about. Don’t tread. Pretty simple.

That rattling noise is a clear warning to back off. But that undeniable sound is increasing in volume across the country as talks of gun control and AR-15 bans increase.

I really hope people are listening because the only rattlesnake you should fear is the one under your boot.

James Kent

Rogue White & Blue owner

I’m not going to do the whole third person bio thing – As a patriotic outdoorsman, I love America and it’s wild places. I grew up in Oregon and moved to Utah in 2009 to get my bachelors degrees in Psychology. I’m an infantryman in the Army National Guard and like to backpack. When I’m not creating American made products for my small business you’ll find me weaving through a canyon or scrambling up a ridge line.

Thanks for reading!

James

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