OKEENE, OK - Snake hunting is a long standing tradition in Okeene. The residents here have hunted for generations. The hunt was originally started in 1939 to remove the venomous reptiles to protect cattle and overall safety. Orville Von Gulker was the man who decided to turn the spring ritual into an annual competion, thereby giving birth to our hunt.
The largest of these captured snakes are entered into our yearly competition, the Okeene Rattlesnake Hunt. Okeene is home to the first and original rattlesnake hunt. In 2023, Okeene will be celebrating its 84th hunt.
The Okeene Rattlesnake Hunt has been widely recognized by several magazines, news outlets, and documentaries from around the world. Every year finds a variety of new film crews, reporters, and photographers that travel from near and far to witness and participate in the event.
In addition to braggin rights and a cash prize for winning the hunt, our event features live snake exhibitions and demonstrations. There's a variety of rattlesnake souveniers and fried rattlesnake is even on the menu. An entire festival surrounds the event with a carnival, food and shopping vendors, live music, and a variety of entertainment options suited for the entire family to enjoy.
THE 84th ANNUAL OKEENE RATTLESNAKE HUNT EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE APRIL 13-16, 2023.
THURSDAY APRIL 13TH 2023
6PM CARNIVAL PROVIDED BY GREAT PLAINS AMUSEMENT
FEATURING ALL YOU CAN WRISTBANDS
WRISTBANDS AVAILABLE ON THURSDAY/FRIDAY/SATURDAY FOR $30
7PM - 8:30PM CHAD TODD BAND
FRIDAY APRIL 14TH 2023
10AM - 2PM SNAKE HUNT REGISTRATION BEGINS -
MUST BE REGISTERED TO HUNT BUY OR SELL SNAKES
12PM DEN OF DEATH AND BUTCHER SHOP OPENS *AG BARN*
12PM SNAK SHAK OPENS COME AND TRY SOME FRIED SNAKE MEAT *UNDER TENT*
5PM- 6PM MATTHEW STRECK
7PM - 8:30PM HUNTER HUGHES BAND
8:30PM- 10PM MANNY’S OBSESSION
SATURDAY APRIL 15TH 2023
8AM - 10AM BOY SCOUT PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT KC HALL
9AM - 2PM SNAKE HUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
8AM TOWN-WIDE GARAGE SALES BEGIN
9AM DEN OF DEATH AND BUTCHER SHOP OPENS
10AM GUIDED HELICOPTER TOUR RIDES
11AM SNAK SHAK OPENS
12PM - 3PM Guthrie Gunfighters INC. EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR
6:30PM -7:30PM COYETTE & THE HAYWIRE BAND
DUSK FIREWORKS SHOW
8:30PM - 10:30PM KYLE RAINER
(LAWNCHAIRS WELCOMED, NO ICE CHESTS ALLOWED
SUNDAY APRIL 16TH 2023
12PM - 2PM SNAKE HUNT REGISTRATION OPENS
10AM DEN OF DEATH AND BUTCHER SHOP OPEN *AG BARN*
12PM SNAK SHAK OPENS
4:30PM AWARDS PRESENTATION & MEASURING OF CONTEST SNAKES
