Cross Fork 52nd Annual Snake Hunt Sees Tremendous Success

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CROSS FORK – The Kettle Creek Hose Company in Cross Fork held its highly anticipated 52nd Annual Snake Hunt on June 29 and 30, 2024. This annual event brought together an engaged community of volunteers, local businesses, residents, camp owners, family, friends, vendors, and visitors, all contributing to a successful fundraiser. Despite rainy weather, the event went on, showcasing the community’s dedication and spirit.

This year’s Snake Hunt was a tremendous success, celebrating the rich traditions of Cross Fork and the dedicated efforts of all participants. Heartfelt gratitude was extended to the approximately 85 volunteers who stepped up to support this event, as well as to the local businesses, residents, camp owners, family members, friends, vendors, and visitors who helped make the 2024 Snake Hunt a resounding success.

Austin Fire Company’s Engine 44-2 (left) travelled to Cross Fork to participate in the 52nd Annual Cross Fork Snake Hunt Parade and was named Best Appearing Engine.

Raffle Winners

The event featured several exciting raffles with lucky

winners taking home fantastic prizes:

$5000.00 Drawing

•$5000.00: #346 – Jessica Corkins

•$250.00: #184 – Michael Dixon

•$125.00: #380 – Adam Campbell

•$75.00: #181 – Jim Zengerle

•$50.00: #098 – Andy Funk

•Free 2024 Ticket: #357 – Ray Johnson

$10,000 Drawing

•$10,000: #015 – Kayaan Busshaus

•$1000.00: #143 – Bryan Parkin

•$1000.00: #133 – Sandy, Susie, Brenda, Peggy

•$1000.00: #057 – Bill Piatak

•$1000.00: #200 – Kraig Barner/George Kalafat

•$500.00: #114 – James Stoy

•$500.00: #212 – Erin Churchill

•$250.00: #210 – Andy Stever

•Free 2024 Ticket: #179 – Robin Miller

Other Winners

•50/50 Winner: Bill Wheeler

•Gnome Wood Carving Winner: Mark Kelly

(Carving donated by Rodney Lose)

This years first place winners in the horseshoe tournament were Gary Campbell and Curt Nagley.

Parade Results

The parade showcased impressive entries with awards for the best appearances:

•Best Appearing Engine or Tanker: Austin Engine 44-2

•Best Appearing Mini or Rescue: Renovo – Rescue 29-1

•Best Float: Bureau of Forestry – Smokey Bear

Horseshoe Tournament

The competition was fierce, with the following winners:

•1st Place: Curt Nagley and Gary Campbell

•2nd Place: Mike Mohr and Mark Kessler

Keystone Reptile Club 2024 Cross Fork Rattlesnake Hunt Awards
The hunt attracted 107 hunters who captured a total of 29 timber rattlesnakes, 4 copperheads, and 113 non-venomous snakes.
Saturday Results
•Heaviest Yellow Phase Timber Rattlesnake: Adam Masier – 52 inches / 51 oz (Chapman Township, Clinton Co.)
•Heaviest Black Phase Timber Rattlesnake: Matt McCullough – 50 inches / 62 oz (Stewardson Township, Potter Co.)
•Heaviest Copperhead: William Bender – 16 oz (East Keating Township, Clinton Co.)
•Heaviest Non-Venomous Snake: Brian Bucsek – 39 oz (Black Rat, Noyes Township, Clinton Co.)
•1st Yellow Phase Timber Rattlesnake: Miranda Sayre
•1st Black Phase Timber Rattlesnake: Nick McCarthy

Sunday Results

Last year, Matt McCullough, left dedicated himself to learning about the natural habitat and appreciating the Timber Rattlesnake. After enduring long treks, steep shale ridges, and the challenging terrain of Potter County, he caught his first rattler, winning the award for heaviest black phase Timber Rattlesnake (50 inches, 62 oz.

•Largest Timber Rattlesnake: Matt McCullough – 50 inches / 62 oz / 125 points (Stewardson Township, Potter Co.)
•2nd Largest Timber Rattlesnake: Todd Ickes – 48.5 inches / 60 oz / 108.5 points (Wharton Township, Potter Co.)
•Largest Copperhead: William Bender – 16 oz / 47.5 points (East Keating Township, Clinton Co.)
•2nd Largest Copperhead: Donna Kims – 33 inches / 14 oz
•Largest Non-Venomous Snake: Brian Bucsek-71 inches/39 oz/110 points (Black Rat, Noyes Twp., Clinton Co.)
•Most Rattles: Gauge Spoonhour – 16 rattles (Leidy Township, Clinton Co.)
•Prettiest Timber Rattlesnake of Hunt (Black Phase): Nick McCarthy – 51.5 inches (Elk Township, Tioga Co.)
•Stu Rebert Memorial Award: Mikayla Christ – 5 snakes
•Robert Greenleaf Award: Ron Andres – 47 inch black timber (Stewardson Township, Potter Co.)
•Steve Gallagher Memorial Award: Levi McNeal & Brittany Lowin – 190.5 points
•Ultimate Snake Hunter: Bryson Morgan – 273 points / 6 snakes