Texas Rattlesnake Festivals Create Buzz, Controversy on Hunting Techniques

SWEETWATER — Eddie Gomez’s dad taught him how 30 years ago. He started bringing his own boys, Drake and Max Gomez, when they were each 5 years old.Now, the trio — Eddie, Drake and Max — work together to do what their hometown is best known for: catching rattlesnakes. They’re all members of the Sweetwater Jaycees, organizers of the “World’s Largest Rattlesnake Roundup.”“Around here, it’s part of your heritage,” Eddie said. “When you grow up in Sweetwater, obviously it’s the biggest thing of the year. Everybody tries to get into it somehow.”  Continue reading...