What is the Waynoka Snake Hunt?
It is the BIGGEST, WILDEST, WEEKEND in the state with a little something for everyone. It began in the 40s as gathering of area ranchers who banded together for the purpose of thinning out a critter they saw as a threat to their cattle, the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. Over the years it became a ritual and a club was formed to organize the event into a festival that they hoped would draw thousands of visitors in an effort to boost the local economy. It worked and that club today is known as the Waynoka Saddle Club.
The event is held each year on the first weekend following Easter. It begins on Saturday with a free ham and bean feed at the Saddle Club Building, downtown Waynoka. The downtown square is blocked off and a carnival is set up with vendors of every kind. The event ends with a very bizarre ceremony where the snakes are measured and weighed. A prize is given for the longest snake captured (alive), the most pounds caught, and for the most buttons on the end of a rattler. The final event is an auction in which the longer snakes are auctioned off to the highest bidder. Now, if you are looking for that perfect gift for your favorite in-law, I would say that this is the place to be.
Can Anyone Hunt?
Absolutely, all you have to do is be certifiably in sane and if you are not, a frontal lobe lobotomy is required. JUST KIDDING! You will be required to have a valid Oklahoma hunting license in order to hunt rattlesnakes. For further information you can request information using the email below.
The Sahara Snake Hunt Weekend is without a doubt, the biggest weekend at the park. You will need to arrive early in the week to get a decent spot.