This news article was published on April 24, 1941. The original source unknown but most likely the Okeene record.

Canyons on the Cargill ranch southwest of Okeene had more population last Sunday than ever in the history of this country when several hundred rattlesnake hunters and camera fans attended the annual Rattlesnake Round-up of the Okeene Junior Chamber of Commerce; And when the hunters left, the snake population suffered a loss of over one hundred. There were 105 rattlers caught by actual count and probably many more that were not reported.

Under the capable direction of L. V. Irwin, bunt leader, and in spite of adverse weather, the hunt was bigger and better than the previous year. Sportsmen turned up from many scattered and faraway places. Altogether three hundred and sixty-eight people registered, which was almost twice as many as last year. Fifty-one Oklahoma towns and cities were represented. People registered from eleven cities in eight states other than Oklahoma: Ohio, Oregon, Colorado, Georgia, California, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. Melvin Lubbers listed his address as the cruiser U. S. S. Northampton, and it is quite possible that he came all the way from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to snare a rattler.

Several counts were made of cars which left town for the hunting grounds and most agreed that number was near three hundred.

A good many of the snakes captured this year were very large, but not extremely active, because of the previous cold spell. It was reported that only one person was bitten, a young man from Enid: and a prompt serum shot saved him from any serious harm.

The record for the biggest rattler caught went to Fred Beisel of Okeene, who captured one nearly six feet long with 12 rattlers and a button. A.J. Wright and Frank Conaway of Fairview had the day’s best record, capturing 17 between them. Harry Rector, Enid fireman, gave a demonstration on removing fangs and milking poison at the conclusion of the hunt, Fred Wahl, hunt guide, attracted a lot of attention and had camera fans on his trail when he carried the largest rattler captured around his neck through the crowd, having a firm grip, however, on the rattler’s neck.

A recording of the Round-up was transcribed in the Hey Drug Store under the: direction of Terry O’Sullivan, with the aid of a staff from WKY , Eugene Lyons and Dixie Boy Jordan. This was broadcast from WKY at 7:30 Monday morning. The mobile unit on which the recording was made was brought to Okeene from Sallisaw, where a Dogwood Festival was held Sunday.

The Okeene Junior Chamber of Commerce wishes to thank all who helped with the Round-up, by the use of their time, work, facilities, property, or publicity. This organization also wishes to announce a contest for the best still pictures submitted to T.G. Rice or Orville von Gulker for judging before May 20. The awards for the best three pictures are$1.50, $1.00 and 50 cents.