...if you're going through an area where you think there might be rattlesnakes be nosy (clap, sing, shout, stomp) and keep your eyes on the ground. If you come across a snake on your trail don't throw a rock, poke it with a stick, leave it alone, wait and it will mostly just move on somewhere else, do not attempt to flank it through the brush. Millions of people every year enter rattlesnake habitat and come out fine. I can understand shooting them if you've got them infesting your home area (try clear brush/snake proofing), but you really don't need a gun to deal with them out and about town or even hiking. Their behavior is pretty predictable and they are somewhat seasonal (spring/summer/early fall). About 6,000 people get bit every year, but only 4 or 5 die from their bite. You just need to be aware that they're out there when you expect to come into contact. The baby rattlesnakes don't have rattles so avoid tall grass in the Spring.
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