Big Country,
I was raised in Maryland too. Been hunting in Florida for the last 3 years.
Snakes are serious business. I bought snake boots for archery.To darn sqweaky in the stand. So I wear the normal sized hunting boot. Here's what I do.
1.Make sure my flashlight is very bright.Carry an extra one.
2.Have my path/trail marked good but not so good other hunters find it. This way I advoid as much water as possible.{For me that's the most important part.} Have a plan where to walk.
3. In the military we learned to high step because of trip wires. It also works on snakes.Walk high and be hyper alert on every step.
4. KNow your snake. The moccassin goes through 3 different colors growing up. First year orange next stage dark brown with patches .Final stage blackish .
NO MATTER WHAT STAGE THEY ALL HAVE A TAN EYE BROWL ABOVE THE EYE.
Pigmy Rattlers are abundant down here in Florida as well. They are very deadly and stay hidden well. So I brush the leaves away before sitting on the ground. When I prescout is when I scrape at least a 6' circle clean.
At least in bow season your in a tree.
Chuck