I've lived in snake country most of my life, and have seldom even seen one. I have not seen one since coming to Wyoming. If you make enough noise, they will run and hide. Just don't reach into where they might hide!!!
I would not kill any kind of snake unless absolutely necessary to preserve children or livestock. They prey on rodents and other vermin.
When it is necessary, ratshot loaded into a 9mm or .45 shell would be more than sufficient. A .22 is great, but you've got to be able to hit a moving target!
