RC's right, the truth is they don't want to bite very often. I have only had cottonmouths actually come at me wanting a piece of me. I've had timber rattlers go in defense mode, and I've actually seen very few copperheads in the wild. I think they are probably the most timid, but if they hit you, you might as well jump in a fire, because that's what it will feel like.
Our lease is named Copperhead Hunting Club because one of the members was bit there. Caught him on the thumb sitting to watch for squirrels in October. He's tough as nails and said it was the most intense pain he had ever experienced.
Unless they won't back down, they are pretty much safe with me. I never had a REAL wantto skin a bow.