here in south ga we run into rattlers all the time. we have a corn snake that looks like a rattler if you dont know the difference too. ive been bit while workin on a farm. not fun... but i would go with the boots and the chaps because that offers you protection in the front and the back. you can smell a female rattler from a good 10 yards away when shes ready to breed. smells like a dead critter but sweater. stay away from downed logsand thick brush areas where they may be. if you know they might be there, make a lot of noise goin through the brush. thats my advice. i carry a pistol with me at all times and wear the boots. you dont know the rattlers are there most of the time till your right up on them