The Butcher Shop is an extremely
popular attraction at the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby. "The
Butcher" Robert Ray puts on a spectacular show as he
demonstrates how to prepare a rattlesnake for consumption. The
entire show lasts approximately fifteen minutes. After the show,
he answers questions from the audience. The show centers around
crowd interaction. However, the show is not for the faint of
heart.
During the show, Robert
demonstrates techniques that make cleaning a rattlesnake quick
and efficient. Also, he demonstrates how the snake's nervous
system continues to operate after the snake has been dispatched.
In addition, he teaches the audience about snake anatomy and the
dangers a dead snake still poses. The show is as educational as
it is fun.
After the snake is processed, the
crowd has the option of purchasing any part except for the head.
The head still possesses the venom glands, thus can still
inflict symptoms comparable to a bite. However, meat, skins,
rattles, gallbladders, fat, and hearts can be purchased. Of
course if you do not want to buy uncooked meat here, you can go
next door and have a piece of southern-fried snake meat.
Copyright (c) 2010 All Pictures that appear within this website are copyrighted
for the benefit of the Shortgrass Rattlesnake Association.
No picture appearing on this site may be sold, duplicated onto
another website, incorporated into a commercial document, used
in any promotional material, or reproduced in any other way
without the express, written consent of the Shortgrass
Rattlesnake Association.