I believe both of you are correct. I had no idea that they had color variants like this among the species. I found this pic on google (http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/VHS/Heterodon%20platirhinos%20(Eastern%20hog-nosed%20Snake)0006.jpg this site wouldn't let me post the image) and it looks to be the same pattern. All of the hognose snakes I've seen around the farm have been drab by comparison.

As for his nose it could be I didn't notice it due to looking top down at him. I also had a stick holding the ivy back to take the photo and harrassed him with it a bit, he never struck or played dead.