Tough to see more people aren't interested in snakes near their very own homes. I live in California just east of San Francisco and have had quite a bit of success in finding Cal kings and the occasional rattler. I don't claim to be a professional but I spend enough time in the hills to know what and where to look for them. If you're planning on taking any make sure that you have a valid fishing license , as it makes the removal of any non protected hero legal.