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Okay, guys... question for y'all...

I live in one of those master planned communities on the outskirts of Austin by Lake Travis. We have an HOA with strict rules, however they aren't total jerks about enforcement like in some communities. One of the HOA rules is no firing of guns on property. We are outside of incorporated Travis county, and the city has not annexed us yet, but our mail address is Austin, and for all intents and purposes, my guess is that no firing of weapons is probably also the local law.

So, today I am out in my backyard, and there is a reasonably good-sized rattlesnake coiled up in the corner. I was surprised to see it out today, but I am guessing it got trapped outside it's lair on yesterday's hot day, and didn't feel much like moving on a cold day. I am a snake lover and own and have kept snakes on-and-off for most of my life. But my love stops at rattlesnakes. If the situation is right, I'd rather just leave such a snake alone and let it go on it's way. I also know a few guys who will remove them and relocate them. BUT... sometimes killing a snake is the best option.

For the purposes of this hypothetical, let's assume that killing the snake would be the best option. I don't want to debate whether or not it is humane or whether I should or should not have left it alone. For this question, let's assume the snake is dangerous enough and the situation is such that it is time for the reptile to meet his maker.

If it wasn't so cold, I might've let my kingsnake out and give him a big meal. But that wasn't an option. I've also killed rattlesnakes before with shovels, but two years ago a guy in Austin tried to kill one in his garage with a shovel, got bit, and died. I think my knowledge of a snake's strike capabilities is better than most, but I have stopped using shovels since that gentleman died.

Long winded, but here goes: If it were you, would you consider shooting the snake with .22 sub-sonic ammo? I am pretty confident that it is quiet enough that no neighbor would think to call the cops, or even think it was a gunshot if they heard it. I also am pretty sure it would be more than enough for the snake.

Opinions?

PS I just let the snake alone because he was probably wasn't going to last long above ground in this weather anyway.