Blacksnakes developed from the old shot loaded team whips. They are the traditional whips used in Montana and Wyoming. While for the most part working cowboys there do not use a whip constantly as do Australians, they prefer a blacksnake when moving cattle to or from the high forest summer pastures, or when moving range bulls. The blacksnake or shot whip has a heavy shot load extending from the butt well down the thong. The whip is flexible right to the butt.