Yes he did. That's your opinion about it being acceptable. IMHO, the only good snake is a dead snake.
Nope...definitely not an "opinion" at all.
http://charlesmd.macaronikid.com/article/769972/illegal-to-kill-snakes
That aside....I will kill a copperhead if I find it in the yard anywhere near the house or other well-traveled areas of the property. All others get ignored or picked up and relocated.