Serious Go-to-Ground Work

First you get your equipment in order - in this case a nice piece of Impala hide to protect your forearm.



Then you go head first into a small aardvark or warthog hole.



Always remember to bring a flashlight.



Once you have found the critter you are after, it's important to locate the head.



Ah -- there it is! Glad that's sorted out.



The next step is to present the snake with the impala-clad forearm so the snake has something to bite -- a bit like cuffing a fox, eh? Then, with your other hand, you grab the snake firmly by the neck.



Now is the time you really need a strong friend. Getting into this jamb may be a bit tougher than getting out of it!



A large rock python like this one will almost certainly snap a few coils around you. A small problem. Whatever you do, don't let go of the head!




At the end of the day, snake in hand, you head off to the local market. It's been a nice day in the field.

A true tip of the hat to these South African gentlemen who know a few things about going-to-ground the old-fashioned way.
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