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SharpsNitro, It was property shopping (online) for a small bird hunting place just south of the Texas panhandle that got me looking into rattlesnakes. The rolling plains just southeast of the panhandle are 2500-3000 ft elevation, so not encouraged by Ripp's comments on elevation.

In Arizona you'll probably have the Mojave rattlers, nastiest of the lot in terms of venom. I think with reasonable precautions one can eliminate most of the danger. Leather boots, chaps, exercise caution on warm nights etc. I worry about reaching down to pick up quail under sagebrush, but never had a problem yet.

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When I am hunting birds in snake country and its hot out, I usually give it a little kick first with my foot to make sure a "helper" is not near by before bending over to pick it up..

Precautions are good..picking up a sheet of plywood so the far side comes up first, away from your body, is another good one..did the near side once and had a very nasty surprise.... he also is no longer with us, but scared the hell out of me ..

Ripp