Venomous Keepers in MO

Are there any venomous snake keepers in Missouri? Does anyone know how to obtain the permit to keep venomous snakes in Missouri. I have not been able to find any information on the permit or any laws on keeping venomous snakes. However, I was told that you must have a permit to keep venomous snakes in Missouri. I have experience with snakes and am wanting to get a venomous snake in a year or so.

Almost every state require permits for venomous snakes. Which organization regulates hunting permits? often they also regulate the Captive Wildlife permits as well. Check with your local Fish & Wildlife Commission. If they don't handle it, they might be able to direct you to who does.

I agree with Dragoness: the Fish & Wildlife Commission is a good place to ask. Look in the Government pages of the phone book or online. You might want to look at this website: http://www.venomousreptiles.org/
They seem to have A LOT of information for people wanting to get into venomous reptiles.

What sort of venomous snake are you thinking of getting?

You might also look into your local herp society. They would have the info.

Ok thank you. I'm not sure there is a herp society where I live. I live basically in the middle of no where. I just found out that venomous snakes both native and exotic must be registered with local law enforcement in the state of Missouri.

then check with the local law enforcement - a lot of times they get calls to come remove native venomous snakes from people's backyards, and often, they aren't the people who do that particular job. They usually have a group they call - and I'm sure they could direct you to the proper source.

One other thing to consider, some states may require a person to have certification with about 1000 hours of experience in handling "hots"(not totally positive about this) before the person is allowed to keep them. A plan of action is also a VERY good idea to have in case you get bitten- things like the type of venomous snakes you keep, what type of antivenin required, a phone number of the nearest Emergency Department- things of that nature. It is also a good idea to keep venomous snakes in a separate building than your home, and to have locking cages and a locking door to keep curious stupid people out.

You cannot keep antvenin at your home can you? Doesn't it have to be sent to the hospital if you get bit, or the person that has been bitten have to go to the antivenin.

I'm not sure - that's another question for local law. I know a lot of people who keep venomous snakes do so as an antivenin banking program, and regularly milk their snakes for venom to make a supply of antivenin for local hospitals.

I have been wanting to do that with venomous snakes, milk them for venom for local hospitals and institutes but someone told me that you cannot do that, that they will not accept it. How would I go about supplying venom to hospitals any certain classes or anything I need to take.