To me it seems that there has always been two camps on the topic of snakes. The first believe that you are rolling the dice with luck to NOT wear snake boots/gaiters. The second camp believes that gaiters/boots are too heavy and hot and that they will likely see the snake first anyway and can avoid it.
(I have always been in the second camp. I like to keep things simple and light and move quick. However, yesterday I almost stepped on a timber rattler and it has me re-thinking my opinions. I know that the timber rattler is pretty docile and often false strike too--as in not injecting venom if they do strike.)
Please share your thought process on venomous snakes while turkey hunting.
I wear mine most of the time. If for anything else i don't need to look down at my feet, keep my eyes up looking for birds. As far as the additional weight, most turkey hunters I know carry an extra 10 pounds on their mid section that if weight truly bothered them they could lose. I always laugh to myself when I see a fat guy spending $$$$ on an ultra light rifle.
Out of 52 seasons, I've worn snake boots on maybe four hunts. And I grew up in central Florida so snake encounters were always a possibility. But I have always done things that I wouldn't recommend other people to do. As a kid I was always the one to push the envelope and was known as "that kid". Now that I'm older and not grown up, I'm referred to as "that guy".
I hunt in North Florida. Two things i don't enter the woods without. My snake boots and my Thermacell.
My thought is, its not the snake you see that bites you.... usually. I wear them, I didn't when I was young and consider myself fortunate. I like the peace of mind having them.
I haven't wore a pair of snake boots in years. A lot times I wear tennis shoes when its dry. Its easier to sneak around in. This year after reading a post about a guy getting bit and the repercussions I bought a pair of Irish setter vapreteks. I absolutely love them. They need some more water proofing but overall a great boot. I don't want to take the chance of getting bit and missing any hunting time or a huge bill!
Thanks for the opinions so far. I mentioned "heavy" earlier but more than the weight of snake boots it is the "hot" part. I've worn Muck/LaCrosse type boots at times in wet conditions and they are so hot. Sounds like most of you do snake boots rather than snake gaiters (or at least so far). I considered just wearing my Muck boots as the heavy neoprene is probably pretty tough to penetrate. Or even just full size regular gaiters as they would be less hot and would be another pretty tough layer to penetrate. I guess my resistance to wearing them is because I'm hot natured and want to keep as cool as possible. For those that wear snake boots....do you find them hot?
Yes, they are hot.
I wear the turtle skin gaiters there no thicker than a pair of blue jeans and no hotter than the pants your already wearing. I wear leather 9" boots that protect my feet the turtle skins cover from ankle up to knee. Every pair of snake boots I've ever seen are heavy and hot.
I have hunted a lot in both rattle snake and water moccasin areas I've had way more close calls with the moccasins they give no warning are aggressive and don't back down. I've found the rattle snake to avoid conflict if they can. Odds are you won't get bit by any snake but those that have usally learn there lesson
Quote from: LaLongbeard on April 19, 2019, 11:48:44 AM
I wear the turtle skin gaiters there no thicker than a pair of blue jeans and no hotter than the pants your already wearing. I wear leather 9" boots that protect my feet the turtle skins cover from ankle up to knee. Every pair of snake boots I've ever seen are heavy and hot.
I have hunted a lot in both rattle snake and water moccasin areas I've had way more close calls with the moccasins they give no warning are aggressive and don't back down. I've found the rattle snake to avoid conflict if they can. Odds are you won't get bit by any snake but those that have usally learn there lesson
Yeah, mocassins aren't in my hunting area too much...but they used to try to swim in the boat in places I used to fish. Hate those critters.
Until I moved to NC, I never used to wear snake boots. My first year hunting here I had a full grown copperhead slither from under my truck and into the road as I was standing by my bed of my truck and glassing a field. It was less than 3 1/2 ft away. I jumped in my truck and backed over it. Thank God I was on the road because if these are in the woods and in leaves, they are very hard to spot and rely on their camo and usually people end up stepping on them.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190419/a4bd107ea117f6c4ffe4687767f05edf.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190419/9dfa2bb91bbb4c76ee498d73c8628b40.jpg)
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Thanks for the continued responses. To clarify I live in TN and always have. I've been in the woods my whole life and not really ever worried. It was a close encounter with a timber rattler yesterday that has me re-thinking things. I have decided to take the plunge and get either boots or gaiters. Unfortunately it sounds like every brand brought up either leaks pretty quick or are too hot. (after I made the initial post I thought to search the archives here at OG....which I should have done originally). If anyone feels strongly about a brand one way or the other--please share. Thanks again
Always wear 'em. I'm in GA, we have a few snakes. I love seeing them, but don't want to get bitten. Wearing snake boots takes a distraction out of the equation. I don't have to worry about them in the dark when I'm coming in. Or across a trail as I'm leaving. Or in tall brush where I can't see my feet. Or if one gets squirrelly when I go to thump his head. Plus, with high waterproof boots, I can move through creeks without getting my toes wet.
Regarding leaks, I buy a waterproof boot and take it further. Heavily rub mink oil into the seams and on leather. Spray any cloth with silicone. As far as hot, I'd rather be hot than bitten. Non issue for me as I've alway worn 'em. I wear a heavy hiking sock too. If you're a size 11.5, I have a pair of Danner Pronghorn leather and cordura snakeboots that I've given the waterproof treatment to. Worn em once. Too big for me.
I live in South Carolina and hunt in several swampy areas. I always wear snake boots and wouldn't want to put my foot in a place I couldn't see good without them. Every turkey season and most of deer season we kill several big rattlers and water moccasins on our leases. IMO snake boots are good insurance and offer peace of mind when walking in the dark and thick, swampy areas. Wouldn't leave home for the woods without them.
I wear turtle skin gaiters also. I added some paracord to loop under my boot that helps keep them pulled down. I consider my self really observant but I have missed snakes before. Luckily I haven't been bit. It's so expensive if you do get bit it's just not worth the risk health wise or financials for me. I have a friend that got bit by a copperhead a few years ago. The hunt was over and he stepped out of the truck and without his shoes on and got bit right away beside his truck. The gaiters also help protect your pants from briars and keep your pants dry. If turtle skin would make their gaiters as good as my OR Crocs they would be so much nicer.
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No poisonous snakes up here, but I have hunted where they are and wore snake boots every time. Mine give great support for these old bones and peace of mind. I will never hunt without them or gaiters over muck boots :z-twocents:
I wear the heavy Lacrosse Alpha burly uninsulated... snakes cannot get through them and they are waterproof. I have some Russell Snake Boots but rarely wear them anymore...
If you have watched Catman outdoors on youtube or Shane Simpson run-in with snakes this year turkey hunting , i just think it's wise to wear either snakeboots or Gaiters ... but it's all up to the person ....
30 plus years of hunting and this year is my first year wearing snake boots. I had 3 encounters last year and stepped 6 inches beside a rattler in CO the year before. So after a lot of research I bought the Irish Setter Vaprick boots. I don't think I'll hunt in the spring again without them.
Yes, they can get hot but they are very comfortable and pretty light. I have 3 little girls at home that need me so I chose to trade some comfort for security.
FYI, I'm in TN as well.
Why not wear them. Seriously
I wear danner pronghorn. I don't think that they are that hot and I like the ankle support and the fact I can tuck my pants into them for extra protection against ticks and chiggers. I have had them for 6 or 7 years now and while they are not completely waterproof they are pretty close. I treat them fairly regularly with mink oil. I have heard the new danners are not as good but not sure about that. I do know I have had several pair of Rockies they are not even close to waterproof.
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I wear Rocky's. They're like knee length cowboy boots. Leather boot bottom and Cordura tops. I ain't hunting without them. Had them for years, no leaks. But I rub them with mink oil and occasionally spray with silicone 3m water proofer you can get at Walmart. These boots have a bunch of miles on them!
Have a good one
Ray
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Quote from: hush on April 19, 2019, 03:45:41 PM
Always wear 'em. I'm in GA, we have a few snakes. I love seeing them, but don't want to get bitten. Wearing snake boots takes a distraction out of the equation. I don't have to worry about them in the dark when I'm coming in. Or across a trail as I'm leaving. Or in tall brush where I can't see my feet. Or if one gets squirrelly when I go to thump his head. Plus, with high waterproof boots, I can move through creeks without getting my toes wet.
Goes for me too, I'm in GA as well. Piece of mind.
In my opinion, if you hunt in the SE ....from Virginia, thru the Carolinas, GA, FL, AL. MS, LA, TX, OK, TN, KY.....you should wear them.
As already mentioned....it allows you to move through all areas and terrain without worrying about watching where you are stepping and allows you to focus on hunting for turkeys rather than snakes. The first snake boots I saw in the 60's an 70's were made of very thick leather. (Gokey's) . They were heavy and hot. The modern materials used today feature much lighter weight material construction and more breathable. My buddy just bought a pair of Irish Setter "Vaprick Snake Boots", and he says they wear like tennis shoes.
GunRunner
Thanks for each of your opinions on it. I've hunted my whole life without a close call and always felt I could see them first. Had a close call the other day. I took alot of you guys advice and researched a bunch of products and also went to Bass Pro and tried on their brands as well as Lacrosse and the Irish Setter snake boots (which everyone says feels like tennis shoes). The Irish Setters felt the best but still felt like they would be hotter than I want to be hunting. I decided to get the Turtle Skin Gaiters. Thanks again.
Matt
I will be hunting OK in Spring of 2020 or more likely the way things look 2021 I am debating if I want to spend that kind of money on boots for maybe 2 weeks of hunting. I am thinking hard on boots or gaiters myself. One concern about the boots is that when I had my car accident in 88 I really beat up my left leg and I have a very large bump on the leg much bigger than a grapefruit in its entirety from damaging the fascia layer of skin so boots that go up high can at times cause me problems which is why I tend to buy boots at the cutoff of 9" if I am saying that right so I am leaning towards the gaiters but know what my luck tends to be so also keep going back to boots in my mind. That and if there is a way to get myself hurt I seem to find it. I guess either way it is better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.
As always, KY seems to be right on the dividing line of things.
When I hunt my wife's home turf, down in the Big South Fork on the TN line, I frequently run into copperheads and rattlers. Down there, I would definitely say snake chaps are a good idea.
However, I've done the bulk of my hunting for the past 20 years at our farm about 10 miles south of the Ohio River. There, although an occasional copperhead is reported, I've not seen one. I wear no snake protection, and I don't know any of the locals that do.
Quote from: Turkeytider on April 20, 2019, 07:37:03 PM
Quote from: hush on April 19, 2019, 03:45:41 PM
Always wear 'em. I'm in GA, we have a few snakes. I love seeing them, but don't want to get bitten. Wearing snake boots takes a distraction out of the equation. I don't have to worry about them in the dark when I'm coming in. Or across a trail as I'm leaving. Or in tall brush where I can't see my feet. Or if one gets squirrelly when I go to thump his head. Plus, with high waterproof boots, I can move through creeks without getting my toes wet.
Goes for me too, I'm in GA as well. Piece of mind.
Should be "peace of mind ????". I wear my Lacrosse boots dove hunting as well, pretty much any time I'm in the woods or field now. Gets warm but I just don't want to worry about snakes.
I wear a good pair of all leather boots and Turtle Skins. Several other replies about them and they were all spot on. They are nowhere near as hot as snake boots and they are insurance. I feel completely naked if I don't wear them now days.
TIP FOR TURTLE SKINS: Take a very sharp knife (box cutter works great) and make a small cut on the inside of the bottom where the elastic is and then cut the elastic and they will not ride up on your boots. I wear hiking boots most of the time now and them riding up was a pain. I have seen no issues with doing this and I know its been at least a year since I did my pair. I had actually forgotten about doing it till my buddy asked me about it the other day before he did his.
I did the same thing removed the elastic band they stay put just like pants legs no movement. I also removed the strap that went under the heel it only collected mud. Mine don't ride up at all and they would have to ride up past my knees to get above my boots. I had mine covered in Greenleaf camo the material covered the sound that they made when rubbing together. I see no benefit to snake boots VS the turtle skins , unless you drop them in a fire they will last a lifetime they will never leak because there gaiters not boots, they weigh very little, and are not hot or clamped down around your leg. Ever notice when you see someone wearing snake boots in a picture? There most always unlaced lol trying to get some air on them sweaty legs. You can see in the pic the turtle skins aren't clamped down around the leg they fit like a pants leg, you forget your wearing them. Best part I think they have some kind of snake repellent built in , I haven't seen a single snake while wearing them? (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190421/5f3748cb056a5439ce414b1edeb39320.jpg)
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Did you get the green leaf material sewn on or is it glued?
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Quote from: aclawrence on April 21, 2019, 04:18:48 PM
Did you get the green leaf material sewn on or is it glued?
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If you look close at the seams on your turtleskins you'll see the holes when they sewed the pieces together at the factory, had to run the thread thru these holes. The girl that sewed them broke a few sewing machine needles trying to sew thru the material. The stuff is thin but tough, she hand sewed them. But I did use hot glue on the middle sections it worked fine. The material glued easy and hasn't came unstuck in over a year.
I always wear my snake boots unless it's really cold out. Then I'll switch to winter boots for warmth. Snakes are pretty dormant in cold weather anyway. I've been struck in the calf TWICE while wearing snake boots, so I'm damned glad I was wearing them!! Both were walking out of the woods after a deer hunt after dark, and both times I was a long ways from the road. I'd have been in a world of hurt had I gotten bit.
I've tried pretty much all of the snake boots on the market. I settled on the Redhead snake boots from Bass Pro. They are lightweight, waterproof (usually last a year or two before they start leaking - unlike the more expensive brands that leak right away), they're not hot and are very comfortable to wear. Plus, compared to the more expensive brands, they don't break the bank when you have to buy a new pair due to leaks. Non-snake proof, non-waterproof boots cost just as much. I wear the leaky ones for dry, afternoon hunts.
Quote from: LaLongbeard on April 21, 2019, 05:52:41 PM
Quote from: aclawrence on April 21, 2019, 04:18:48 PM
Did you get the green leaf material sewn on or is it glued?
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If you look close at the seams on your turtleskins you'll see the holes when they sewed the pieces together at the factory, had to run the thread thru these holes. The girl that sewed them broke a few sewing machine needles trying to sew thru the material. The stuff is thin but tough, she hand sewed them. But I did use hot glue on the middle sections it worked fine. The material glued easy and hasn't came unstuck in over a year.
Thanks I may give this a try after the season is over. Just have to find some fabric.
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I've only ever seen 4 timber rattlesnakes and 1 copperhead in my 9 years of hunting. 1 of the rattlesnakes a friend found and 1 was a roadkill. The copperhead and one of the other rattlesnakes I almost stepped on wearing flip flops. None of the snakes were aggressive, they either didn't move or tried to get away. The only aggressive snakes I've seen were rat snakes. I don't worry about it and I wear whatever boots are comfortable and get the job done. I doubt I'll ever wear snake gaiters.
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I started wearing snake boots when I started hunting public ground. I figured if I was going to be over a mile from the truck, in woods I didn't know, then it'd be a good idea to have them on. I'm not worried that I'll get bit, I've never even seen a poisonous snake while hunting, and they may not even work if I was to get bit, but they give me confidence to go blindly trudging through the woods without worrying about every step. I have the lacrosse. They are the third pair that I've had, and the only pair that didn't leak in wet grass.
I think the deciding factor for most to wear/not wear snake boots comes down to past experiences/run-ins with snakes and how afraid he/she is of snakes.
I hunt a swampy area that is loaded with moccasins. I have a pair of Lacrosse 4x snake boots. I needed a lighter pair of rubber boots than the ones I was using for deer season so I figured why not get boots with snake protection. I really like them and they are not overly hot for spring turkey hunting and early bow season.
When I hunt in central Texas, I wear plain cowboy/work boots.
So thanks for all responses—I think I added that I decided on getting the snake gaiters. I wear regular gaiters anyway for keeping leaves and dirt out of my socks so snake gaiters won't be much different from what I normally do anyway. (Except I'll be protected from snakes...or at least more so than normal). Thanks to Catman for chiming in with the opposing view. I was in his camp till just the other day when I almost stepped on this guy...
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190423/9d157647263791809173bf60ee7329ce.jpg)
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I have been bitten. Its no fun. I wear snake gaitors after the weather warms a bit.
How many of you that wear snakeboots have been "saved" by them? I also wonder how many turkey hunters get bitten each year nation wide?
I have run across a few... I am more concerned when sitting down than when walking... Some areas of the country I would consider wearing them, but here in California I'll live with the slight risk.
I wear mine year round. I don't have to look down for snakes. Plus they are tall enough if I cross a creek I can stay pretty dry. I'm wearing Irish setters. Just gotta keep up with the silicone to keep my feet dry. Biggest issue is looking for spiders and pygmy rattlers when sitting down. Them jokers are mad at the world. 1 bite on the hand is gonna mess up ur week
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I started wearing snake boots a few years ago when on my way out and only a couple of hundred yards from my truck I almost stepped on a rattler. I had been vigilante in watching all day for snakes and had not seen one. The snake was coiled in the middle of the road in some tall grass and I almost stepped on him, fortunately he was facing the opposite way or I may have got hit. Since I was close to my truck and I was thirty, it was about 90 genres that day, I let my guard down. He had 9 rattles so it was not a small snake.
i've never owned a pair. i'm not used to hunting eastern NC but came across this guy on public land. the next day i waded across a swamp and managed to get my 2nd gobbler of the season. i think i need to invest in a pair of snake boots if for nothing else other than peace of mind.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jnook2W.jpg)
Quote from: wolfman on April 24, 2019, 12:41:48 PM
i've never owned a pair. i'm not used to hunting eastern NC but came across this guy on public land. the next day i waded across a swamp and managed to get my 2nd gobbler of the season. i think i need to invest in a pair of snake boots if for nothing else other than peace of mind.
(https://i.imgur.com/Jnook2W.jpg)
If I saw that thing I might start wearing gaiters inside too
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The distance/time to receiving help is one big factor in why I wear gaiters. Like someone mentioned earlier, if you're an hour drive from the hospital and a mile or two away from even getting back to your truck and have no cell service it could potentially put you in a seriously bad situation. I also always try to take a good luck around before sitting down and putting my hands on the ground. One thing you don't hear is someone that has been bitten saying they won't wear protection.
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Turtle Skins came in today. I'll be out and test them in the next few days.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190425/74f0857d2e482fcb1252b8e6271e1a38.jpg)
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I was glad I had mine on yesterday. I ran across this timber rattler. Luckily I saw him in plenty of time. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190426/35fee01c2aed6cef813027700fe512d8.jpg)
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Quote from: BBR12 on April 21, 2019, 11:33:17 AM
I wear a good pair of all leather boots and Turtle Skins. Several other replies about them and they were all spot on. They are nowhere near as hot as snake boots and they are insurance. I feel completely naked if I don't wear them now days.
TIP FOR TURTLE SKINS: Take a very sharp knife (box cutter works great) and make a small cut on the inside of the bottom where the elastic is and then cut the elastic and they will not ride up on your boots. I wear hiking boots most of the time now and them riding up was a pain. I have seen no issues with doing this and I know its been at least a year since I did my pair. I had actually forgotten about doing it till my buddy asked me about it the other day before he did his.
I think I'm going to have to try this. The elastic was tight and the gaiter did tend to ride up my boot (I wear hiking boots too). Looks like several have tried snipping the elastic so hopefully I won't be ruining them....
I just added a short length of para cord though the eyelets on the gaiters like a stirrup and tie a couple bow knots and it keeps mine pulled down great now.
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Quote from: aclawrence on April 26, 2019, 09:32:06 PM
I just added a short length of para cord though the eyelets on the gaiters like a stirrup and tie a couple bow knots and it keeps mine pulled down great now.
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Yeah--I had attached paracord to the eyelets and run it under my boot. My boots are just slightly too short. Standard hiking boot and only about 6" tall. Even with the para cord....the gaiter rides up right over the top of the boot in the back. Otherwise they were a success. Late season briars didn't stick to my pants at all. I tromped right through. My boots are about shot--so my next pair will be slightly taller....an 8" or 9" boot and problem should be solved. But I may snip that elastic anyway to make them easier to get on and off.
Here is an interesting list of fatalities over some time...
Notice how many people were bit purposely interacting with the snake (and some while trying to dispatch the snake).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fatal_snake_bites_in_the_United_States
Another article about overall reported snakebites (many of which are children):
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/snakebites-kids-riskiest-states-florida-texas/
I feel I am more likely to get bit will sitting, or while trying to make scratching sounds in tall grass or leaves. I tend to try to hide in areas with more cover, and walk over areas with less cover (as to avoid making noise). I watch the ground when turkey hunting as to avoid making noise (not to avoid stepping on a snake but I sure as heck would walk around if I spotted one).
Looking on the internet, it is tough to find many accounts of snakeboots preventing many people from getting bit (although there are a couple of accounts)... Maybe this is due to the fact that people wearing snakeboots are actively concerned about, and looking out for them? Or maybe hunters tend to be more aware of their surroundings when in the woods?
Some sobering articles. My grandpa was bit on the calf by a copperhead when I was a kid. He was a hard headed dude and lived out in the country and didn't even go to the doctor. I remember the small "x's" he carved at the fang marks and used his snake bite kit to suck out the poison ( which probably did nothing). As to your assertion in your research online to not much evidence of snake boots helping....there were three or four guys that responded here that said their boots helped them during snake bites.
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Not gonna be many reports of boots helping cause no need to report. I hunt with guys that don't wear any. I wear mine all the time. I don't have to watch the ground when in going places, now I still pay attention cause I aint trying to test out the product. My luck mine were made on Friday by a guy retiring
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Never owned or considered any. Every year somebody kills a nice rattler around my turkey hunting spots, but I've never seen one. I guess it has to do with one's experience. Cottonmouths and copperheads were all over my grandpas place and I worked and played in tennis shoes or rubber boots. I remember pitching hay and several times a copperhead or black snake would be baled up. I'm not saying I don't respect them but I've just never worried about them or considered snake boots.
Hunted years in Virginia and never even owned snake boots - never had a problem. A friend moved to Texas and now I go every year
to Texas to hunt birds also. Never even saw a snake until about two years ago but after you see a few rattlesnakes close by - I bought a pair -
comfortable and light weight, waterproof and just makes it a little more relaxing to walk around especially this year as the grass was tall and green-
more so than in years past - you couldn't see where you were putting your feet. Just my two cents
Anybody else wearing the turtle skins?
I've been considering picking up a pair.
I make my living working as an RN in the emergency room. Trust me when I say if you had seen what I have you would wear snake boots on every hunt. I've seen a snakebite in the ER that turned ugly fast. One guy was bitten on the thumb by a rattler. Within a couple hours, despite anti venom, the swelling had traveled proximally up his arm toward his neck, threatening his airway. He ended up intubated and sedated on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. Believing that you will see every venomous snake in the woods before you get close to him is ridiculous. They are masters of camouflage and in many cases you can't see your feet. Not to mention if you do survive the bite, you have hospital bill to contend with that your kids will still be paying off down the road. Anti venom is roughly 15-20 thousand dollars per vial, and you could require anywhere from ten to twenty vials during your hospital stay. That's not including the bill from the ER, intensive care stay, and the various doctors who will bill individually for your care. In short, don't be a tough guy (idiot) when it comes to venomous snakes. Wear the boots. If you're not tough enough to wear boots that are a pound or two heavier then you're certainly not tough enough to handle a rattlesnake or cottonmouth bite.
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That's a great point about the financial repercussions of a snake bite. I went out last year after the season was over and stepped right beside a big ole timber rattler. Luckily it was cold and he was too lethargic to even rattle. If it would have been hot he would have rattled early enough or probably bit me. I was wearing my turtle skins but it would have freaking put my heart in overdrive. I took a picture of the snake and it always takes people a minute to find it. They are masters at camouflage.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200209/785b5686112fe10adeeecbc6ab961f4d.jpg)
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I have both snake boots, and crack shot snake gaiters. I keep the gaiters in my truck, and wear them with light hiking boots when I intend to cover a lot of ground, or if I happen to be out and about and want to explore an area. But, I wear my snake boots more often when hunting. They just aren't as comfortable.
Here's the gaiters that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Crackshot-Snake-Guardz-Socks-Medium/dp/B01F0JPKXW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=snake+gaiters&qid=1581291561&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=ANWO361MQE3WC&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUEpZVDJQNjA3VUJMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTA5NDU4MkxHUzI1Uk9MMUdQUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODEyMTExRU8yT01XSllCM01EJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Quote from: Big Jeremy on February 09, 2020, 06:42:03 PM
I have both snake boots, and crack shot snake gaiters. I keep the gaiters in my truck, and wear them with light hiking boots when I intend to cover a lot of ground, or if I happen to be out and about and want to explore an area. But, I wear my snake boots more often when hunting. They just aren't as comfortable.
Here's the gaiters that I have:
https://www.amazon.com/Crackshot-Snake-Guardz-Socks-Medium/dp/B01F0JPKXW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=snake+gaiters&qid=1581291561&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=ANWO361MQE3WC&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUEpZVDJQNjA3VUJMJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTA5NDU4MkxHUzI1Uk9MMUdQUyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODEyMTExRU8yT01XSllCM01EJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
As someone else mentioned, I added some paracord to help keep them from riding up my leg. Never noticed much of an issue, anyway, but it doesn't hurt.
Quote from: aclawrence on February 09, 2020, 06:17:42 PM
That's a great point about the financial repercussions of a snake bite. I went out last year after the season was over and stepped right beside a big ole timber rattler. Luckily it was cold and he was too lethargic to even rattle. If it would have been hot he would have rattled early enough or probably bit me. I was wearing my turtle skins but it would have freaking put my heart in overdrive. I took a picture of the snake and it always takes people a minute to find it. They are masters at camouflage.
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Do you still like the turtleskins? Those are where I'm leaning based on how light/thin they look. They appear to be the most comfortable.
Lots of copperheads and timber rattlers where I hunt. Yes my gaiters are hot but they give me a peace of mind when stepping over logs or kicking away leaf litter to clear a spot to sit. They also keep my pants legs dry in wet grass and brush
About 7-8 years ago I was walking back from a bow hunt through an old hay field that's next to the house. I felt something like a briar snagged on my boot. I looked down to see a cottonmouth as big as my arm latched onto my boot just above the ankle. He let go and I ran to the house, which was only 100 yards away, and immediately took off my boot. The boot did its job, but I needed a new pair of pants :) This snake was in a spot I never expected to see one. I've worn them ever since.
If i hunted with the snakes that some of you have out there i would pay huge money to have a full body
kevlar suit,and im not kidding,i hate snakes even non venomous.
I wear snake proof. In the south it's hot enough that they are moving. I jumped over a creek when I was a kid while turkey hunting and landed directly on a big ole cotton mouths head....
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It's to easy to wear either boots or gaiters. I always wear snake boots, after having gotten close enough for a rattle snake to start rattling. That's a sound you won't soon forget! One bite is all it takes to change your life forever.
Quote from: Heldo on February 09, 2020, 06:45:45 PM
Quote from: aclawrence on February 09, 2020, 06:17:42 PM
That's a great point about the financial repercussions of a snake bite. I went out last year after the season was over and stepped right beside a big ole timber rattler. Luckily it was cold and he was too lethargic to even rattle. If it would have been hot he would have rattled early enough or probably bit me. I was wearing my turtle skins but it would have freaking put my heart in overdrive. I took a picture of the snake and it always takes people a minute to find it. They are masters at camouflage.
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Do you still like the turtleskins? Those are where I'm leaning based on how light/thin they look. They appear to be the most comfortable.
They're the best option I've seen so far. I have some OR crodile expedition gaiters that are way superior in design as far as gaiters go. I wish turtle skin would make a few design changes but they're still working for me.
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I had a big cotton mouth hit my snake proof rubber boots one time , i didnt even know it , buddy of mine that was walking behind me seen it . Paid for themselves right there.
how far north do guys wear snake boots?
we have quite a few timber rattlers in SW WI but they're not very active til late in the season. i've seen 4 or 5 out morel hunting or trout fishing. once came face to face with a small one while using all fours to climb a steep hillside.
Much of my hunting has been done in central FLA and the Lowcountry in SC. Lots of cottonmouths, rattlers, pygmies, copperheads and coral snakes. I almost stepped on a couple of snakes early on, which prompted me to start wearing snake boots. The first snake boots I had, Chippewas, were heavy, and not waterproof. I got struck twice that first year, both times in the dark.
I've worn snake boots religiously ever since. Of course, I've never had any close calls again in years, but I feel safe walking through the woods in them. I like the Redhead side zip snake boots. They are light, comfortable and hold their waterproofing as well as the others.
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Turkey picker said it best......
"One bite is all it takes to change your life forever."
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I stepped 6 inches from this guy in Colorado on an elk hunt. I'm not sure if my heart has calmed down since and that was 3 years ago. I was a LONG way from getting help and it wouldn't have been good. That next Spring I ran into 3 more in VA and TN. I decided that being hot was a good price to pay for my 3 girls being able to see their dad.
I hate doing lots of walking with snake boots on with a passion, But they are almost a necessity where I hunt. It seems like everywhere you go you walk up on a cotton mouth. Today is the last day of deer season where I live and my dad walked up on a 5 foot rattlesnake.
Big ol canebrake laying in the road last Spring in the SC lowcountry. This one was really chilled out and we gave each other lots of space. Beautiful critter, glad it did not surprise me might have been catastrophic running into a pine tree in full retreat:)
Anyway I wear snake boots and was when I saw this one.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200211/a0d3191c6d05733e10a192ea0182d719.jpg)
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Not trying to discourage anybody from wearing snake protection. If it gives you peace-of-mind, that is the important thing. There are no-doubt places where the potential for being bitten is greater than others.
...But,...having said that, from my own experience over the years having run-ins with dozens of rattlesnakes here in New Mexico,...many of which could have easily struck me,...I can state with some confidence that snakes typically want nothing to do with people. I have had them rear up on their hind legs and act like they wanted to tear me apart, but I have never had one of them strike at me. Perhaps that can give some of you some added solace.
Or course,....it only takes one time for a guy's attitude to do a 180!...
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 10, 2020, 09:45:00 PM
Not trying to discourage anybody from wearing snake protection. If it gives you peace-of-mind, that is the important thing. There are no-doubt places where the potential for being bitten is greater than others.
...But,...having said that, from my own experience over the years having run-ins with dozens of rattlesnakes here in New Mexico,...many of which could have easily struck me,...I can state with some confidence that snakes typically want nothing to do with people. I have had them rear up on their hind legs and act like they wanted to tear me apart, but I have never had one of them strike at me. Perhaps that can give some of you some added solace.
Or course,....it only takes one time for a guy's attitude to do a 180!...
You dont have water moccasins out there do you. Those things hate everybody. I worry more about them the rattlesnakes. Biggest threat of a rattler is when you are cleaning a spot to set your butt down. Pygmy rattlers dont make noise. Lots of folks take a hit on the hand. Big diamond backs do prefer to leave.
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Quote from: roberthyman14 on February 10, 2020, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 10, 2020, 09:45:00 PM
Not trying to discourage anybody from wearing snake protection. If it gives you peace-of-mind, that is the important thing. There are no-doubt places where the potential for being bitten is greater than others.
...But,...having said that, from my own experience over the years having run-ins with dozens of rattlesnakes here in New Mexico,...many of which could have easily struck me,...I can state with some confidence that snakes typically want nothing to do with people. I have had them rear up on their hind legs and act like they wanted to tear me apart, but I have never had one of them strike at me. Perhaps that can give some of you some added solace.
Or course,....it only takes one time for a guy's attitude to do a 180!...
You dont have water moccasins out there do you. Those things hate everybody. I worry more about them the rattlesnakes. Biggest threat of a rattler is when you are cleaning a spot to set your butt down. Pygmy rattlers dont make noise. Lots of folks take a hit on the hand. Big diamond backs do prefer to leave.
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Agreed. Rattlesnakes usually- not always, but usually- give a warning before they strike and they do so out of self defense when they feel threatened. Copperheads will strike if you crowd them. Most guys get bit by them by sitting on them or close next to them. However, a water moccasin comes out of its egg with a focused, burning hatred for the world around it. They hold a special hatred in their cold black hearts for turkey hunters and coon hunters that dare to bumble through their domain. In all seriousness, a moccasin is by nature a mean, very aggressive snake. Especially a nesting female with eggs or babies nearby. They have been known many times to charge or chase people who get too close. A cottonmouth is a nasty snake.
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Quote from: roberthyman14 on February 10, 2020, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: GobbleNut on February 10, 2020, 09:45:00 PM
Not trying to discourage anybody from wearing snake protection. If it gives you peace-of-mind, that is the important thing. There are no-doubt places where the potential for being bitten is greater than others.
...But,...having said that, from my own experience over the years having run-ins with dozens of rattlesnakes here in New Mexico,...many of which could have easily struck me,...I can state with some confidence that snakes typically want nothing to do with people. I have had them rear up on their hind legs and act like they wanted to tear me apart, but I have never had one of them strike at me. Perhaps that can give some of you some added solace.
Or course,....it only takes one time for a guy's attitude to do a 180!...
You dont have water moccasins out there do you. Those things hate everybody. I worry more about them the rattlesnakes. Biggest threat of a rattler is when you are cleaning a spot to set your butt down. Pygmy rattlers dont make noise. Lots of folks take a hit on the hand. Big diamond backs do prefer to leave.
No, we mostly have rattlers. Like I said, I'm sure you guys that have an assortment of venomous snakes are at a greater risk, for sure. I just thought I would try to alleviate the fears some folks seem to have that every snake is out to get them....
Wearing snake boots is kind of like learning how to swim. You may only need them once but you will be glad you have them.