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Snakes!
I'm new to turkey hunting and was wondering if it's worth buying snake protection (such as boots, chaps, etc...). I know the chances of getting bit are slim, but so is my cache of good luck these days. What do others think?
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RE: Snakes!
Depends on where you live. I live in So. Fla. but do "most" of my hunting in So. Ga. I wear em but when I hunt north of the Mason Dixon line I don't.
Dan |
RE: Snakes!
Exactly...I am in the Hoosier state and don't wear them. We do have some copperheads and rattlers, but not very many. If you are in a location that has snakes, then I'd consider them, but that is up to you. It would kind of be like not having a smoke detector at home...you can do it, but is it really the best idea?
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RE: Snakes!
i live in wisconsin andi never use them but when i go hunting in south dakota and wyoming i also wear them because i've run into some rattlers while hunting. it just depends on where you live and how many snakes you have
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RE: Snakes!
I live in Iowa and hunt several states each spring and wear my snake boots on everyone of the hunts no matter what state I'm in. They are just very comfortable to wear and give my lower legs support when hunting rough and uneven terrain. Buy a pair and wear them on every hunt , its worth it just knowing you have the protection from snakes and twist and sprangs.
Good Luck this spring. |
RE: Snakes!
how many hunters really see snakes while hunting? out west on a elk hunt I saw 1.
Keep your eyes open. Though I guess snake boots and a snake slayer pistol is rarely a bad idea... |
RE: Snakes!
ORIGINAL: salukipv1 how many hunters really see snakes while hunting? out west on a elk hunt I saw 1. Keep your eyes open. Though I guess snake boots and a snake slayer pistol is rarely a bad idea... |
RE: Snakes!
I wear them when the weather is warm and the snakes are active. Had several encounters with rattlers, copperheads and cottonmouths.
The key is to get good ones. I currently own a pair of Redhead boots from BP Shops and they are OK. My next pair will be Danners. |
RE: Snakes!
I've read from several sources and backed it up with E.R. doctors that most (Very high percentage) snake-bit hunters get tagged on the hand or arm. Be careful when you sit down and look at the base of the tree real good first. I do, in fact, live and hunt in the deep south, in Mississippi. I see a few snakes every year, but, so far, I have not even been struck at while turkey hunting. I am a little more cautious as the weather warms up, though. Wear the boots if you want to -- never hurts to take precautions.
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RE: Snakes!
Yeah...here in East Tennessee where I hunt I run into a few rattle snakes...I never go to the woods without my snake boots...
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RE: Snakes!
It normally isn't the snake you see that get you....it is the one you step on or as was said before sit on...OUCH
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RE: Snakes!
As Mouthcaller says, in late season snakes are active. They are worth the extra, even if it is for the ankle support while on rough terrian...
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RE: Snakes!
Many, many years ago,I bought a pair of Chippewa leather snakeboots. Warm weather hunting in the south ... I will be wearing them.T
They've worked great ! Better than I expected because while wearing these boots, I have yet tocome across a sanke in the woods.I am not sure the $$$ was worth it, but it would take only one hit by any of thevipers we have down this wayto sway me otherwise. I am too old to be swayed. |
RE: Snakes!
I always wear snake boots during turkey season, partly for the extra protection but also because of the comfort. Something I've always been curious about though is how much protection they really give you. The boots only go up to just under your knee, and who says a large snake can't strike higher than that? Those 18 inches of snake protection don't mean much if the snake strikes 20 inches high. What do yall think? Any chance they might strike over the boot?
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RE: Snakes!
ORIGINAL: salukipv1 how many hunters really see snakes while hunting? out west on a elk hunt I saw 1. Keep your eyes open. Though I guess snake boots and a snake slayer pistol is rarely a bad idea... It only takes one |
RE: Snakes!
I hunt in Kansas I don't wear them. It is always in the back of my mind every time i go out. A couple years ago i thought i was a dead man. i was walking back to the truck after a fruitless hunt i wasn't really watching what i was stepping on then all of a sudden i heard a rattling noise. i figured my life was already over i might as well see what killed me before i died and it turned out to be a little gardner snake that was shaking its tail in dry leaves.
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RE: Snakes!
I wear them during turkey AND early deer season. I almost stepped on a timber rattler in late October when it was 46 degrees and raining. He may have been too cold to bite me, but I'm not taking any chances in the future.
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RE: Snakes!
I hunt in South Georgia, and I hunt snakes as well as turkeys. I am a nurse and have taken care of countless numbers of people who did not wear snake boots. A bite by a rattlesnake, especially a eastern diamond back is no laughing matter. I have seen people die from something that could be prevented. Don't you be foolish boy!
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RE: Snakes!
ORIGINAL: salukipv1 how many hunters really see snakes while hunting? out west on a elk hunt I saw 1. Keep your eyes open. Though I guess snake boots and a snake slayer pistol is rarely a bad idea... |
RE: Snakes!
I always wear snake proof boots, better be safe than sorry.
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RE: Snakes!
I'm hunting in Mississippi ,and I always wear them during turkey season.I've already killed a cottonmouth moc in the first week,and as it gets warmer it'll get worse.
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RE: Snakes!
I hunt Texas and Arkansas and I wearsnake bootsall the time starting about now. The places I hunt are thick with them and I have almost stepped on a couple of the bad ones before. Even with that, during turkey season, I'm more afraid of sitting on one. Always check the ground around the tree you are about to sit besides.
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RE: Snakes!
Thanks for all the advice everyone. I decided to err on the side of caution and bought a nice pair of Danner Pronghorn boots.
They are very comfortable, offer extra support and, of course, snake protection. As mentioned, a good pair of snake boots doesn't replace being aware of your surroundings and they do nothing for your hands or crotch area (ouch!). There are only three venomous snakes in Ohio. Two are rattlers (one being extremely rare) and the other is the copperhead. I don't plan on running into any, but life has thrown many things at me I never planned for! A snake bite in the foot or leg below the knee won't be one of them! Thanks again and good hunting! |
RE: Snakes!
ORIGINAL: bmumford Thanks for all the advice everyone. I decided to err on the side of caution and bought a nice pair of Danner Pronghorn boots. They are very comfortable, offer extra support and, of course, snake protection. As mentioned, a good pair of snake boots doesn't replace being aware of your surroundings and they do nothing for your hands or crotch area (ouch!). There are only three venomous snakes in Ohio. Two are rattlers (one being extremely rare) and the other is the copperhead. I don't plan on running into any, but life has thrown many things at me I never planned for! A snake bite in the foot or leg below the knee won't be one of them! Thanks again and good hunting! |
RE: Snakes!
I had my last day turkey hunting last weekend. I really felt good having my Danner snake boots. I had to walk through a lot of ground covering (and couldn't see at times what I was stepping on or into). I felt better knowing that if there was a snake under there, they wouldn't be able to tag my legs/feet. I was/am very careful about where I sit and watching my hands/arms.
Even if I never see a snake in my life, I will always have more confidence each and every time I set foot in the woods. These things are great--I love them! They are very comfortable too! |
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