Venomous snakes are one of the few things I will kill. Would rather it be dead and not have to worry about it biting someone, especially a kid. Plenty of nonvenemous snakes for killing rodents. And I love all snakes, just dont like venemous ones around people.
$300 will get you a fairly decent skeet thrower. $1000 will get you a very nice one for 30min-1 hour. You can catch some for $50 but you might catch something else too. Electric ones take all the fun out of it. Good luck and be safe
If budget is no issue and he wants a semi auto sig has a new 10mm that is sweet and a smith 10mm would be great also. I would go with a smith and Wesson revolver in 44mag, 454, 460, or 500 personally. I love 10mm but up against a bear I would want something with a little more punch