If I wanted to start keeping hots, I would search out successful, experienced keepers and begin communicating with them and trying to find someone willing to teach. Best case would be to find someone local so you can get some visual lessons as well as written.


I might also check into volunteer situations at zoos or other local parks in your area that may keep hots on display.

And lastly, I would seek out some aggressive, but NON-venomous snakes to keep. I would use them to "practice" all the techniques needed to never, ever get bit.

OH...and I would check with local hospitals to see what sort of anti-venom they have on supply and make sure I had a supply of my own for stuff they might not carry. (And I understand that stuff is VERY VERY expensive.)