I think it may be the dominate trait now. We have killed several around this area and they never rattled and would not rattle messing with them before dispatching. I have spoke to the snake round up folks at the trophy hunters and was told it was becoming a issue. Did not believe it and followed up with the 2 game wardens both said it is now becoming the dominate trait. They both said the trait before was recessive to not rattle. Humans by killing the noisy ones let the quiet ones survive to breed. My mom was almost bit by one of the quiet ones and saved by a dog who jumped in between.That's pretty rare, but happens. Killed one about 3' that had the blunt tail and no sign it ever had any rattles. We'd be in trouble, if that became a dominant trait.
WV old timers carried Snake weed in their pouch.
You might want to explain this SPJ.......it not anything like horny goat weed is it???
googling it, sounds like a blend of grasses to absorb venom ?