Ive been stomping through the Florida Swamps since i was 12. Only been bit once and that was a couple of years ago. Luckily I had on my jeans over my rubber boots. The rattler penetrated both but only scratched the skin. I now wear 18" snake boots. Im so used to the creepy crawlys down here that I dont give it alot of thought. Until I step or almost step on one.
Even the swamps and creeks I have to wade across usually have a few gators lurking about. That does get me a bit nervous at times. ESpecially heading back in the dark after an evening hunt and seeing gator eyes right at the creek crossing I came in on.