Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: ToxophilitePastor on August 18, 2009, 09:08:00 AM
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I just found out I am going to hunt hogs!!! :archer: My boys are taking me for my 50th birthday. We are going to GA and a fellow tradganger is going to help us. He has recommended that we bring snake boots. I've never had to deal with snakes before, so, what should I look for in a snake boot? What are you recommendations? From what I understand, we will be in water a lot of the time. Since I am not sure when I will need snake boots again, I would like to keep the cost reasonable. Thanks1
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Gander Mountain carries a LaCrosse water-proof side zip boot that runs about $120 when they're on sale. I really like mine. The other alternative to snake boots is a good pair of water-proof boots and snake chaps.
That's the route I'd go if hunting in snake country is not going to be a frequent experience.
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Bass pro has a pair ghat are like rubber knee highs but thicker. Water proof n snake proof. Haven't used them but sounds like what ur looking for. Can't remember cost want to say around 80.00. Also academy had similar pair for a lot less but were seasonal. Might be back in now or check web. Hope this helps n shoot a big'n!!! Most of all enjoy the time with the kids!!!!
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I have an old pair thet I cut small slits in near the sole for hot weather hunting. They all say waterproof but after a bit they leak. Plus the pigs will always be on the other side of the creek thats just deeper than your boots. I go on across and the water goes out the bottom of the boot . Your feet will be wet from sweat after a while anyway because I have never seen a snakeboot that was not hot. I have worn out several pair.The zip up redheads at bass pro are the best deal I`ve found at under 100 bucks.RC
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This is why you need them ,He never even rattled. (http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj10/longbowben/0043.jpg)
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Black rubber work boots are cheap & suitable. As RC mentioned, they'll get wet inside anyway. I use knee high cordura or hard plastic snake chaps instead. They're easier for me than floundering around in hot wet boots. Snakes are not a problem unless you encounter one unexpected when they can strike to your knee & above. I've never been bitten and have been too close to too many snakes. They don't want to see you anymore than you want to see them. Use common sense caution & you'll be fine. Remember, they climb trees & bushes also.
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I use them all the time, not just for snakes, but all the cactus, thorns and stuff that we have here in TX.
I use the Chipewa snake books, that look like cowboy boots and fit great. They do get hot though cause they pretty much go up to your knee.
Mine are waterproof and snakeproof, and pretty comfortable for a snakeboot. You can look at them on Chipewa's website. I think I paid around 150 for them but I use them all the time for all my hunting so it's worth it to me.
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Never rattled and had raised a quarter his body length from the ground and was turning toward me when I saw him 4 feet away.RC
(http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w39/rcswampbucket/rattlesnake.jpg)
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Check into a pair of snake proof Muck boots. The Muck is the most comfortable rubber boot I've ever worn. :thumbsup:
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Man those are some huge rattle snakes.
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Pastor Mark,
We hunt some pretty snakey stuff around here in NE Oklahoma and I have hunted some of the Big Thicket areas of E. Texas. A hunting buddy turned me on to the idea of wearing the super tough hip waders, both to stay a little drier and fend off the snakes. I have looked at Cabela's and they don't seem to have them anymore. I think they were called "Brushbusters". I'm sure another manufacturer has something similar.
The ones that I own have been put to the test with everything BUT a snake strike. Barbed wire, blackberry bush, green briar. I even climed an Osage Orange tree in them once and was punctured every where else but through the hip boots.
Since you may never need snake boots again, these might fit the bill and be useful back home. Unless they would be just too cumbersome.
From the looks of the pictures of those snakes I'd be worried about them biteing me on the chin, not to mention the legs!
Good luck with your hunt.
OkKeith
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I use the Redhead lace-up snakeboots sold at Bass Pro Shops. They are very light(for a tall boot) and comfortable,they advertise them as waterproof but aren't. I think around $100.
I've heard snakes can't bite through rubber boots but I wouldn't want to test that theory.
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Don't even think about insulation. When it gets cold enough for that, you no longer need snake boots.
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Forgot to mention, you might want to wear sock liners...you don't need heavy socks.
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As I have read the posts and talk to some via messages, I think I am leaning toward snake chaps. DO they protect as well? What type do you recommend?
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IMHO....I wouldn't waste my money on snake boots. I've lived my entire life in Texas, over half of it in W. Texas. I grew up on a farm that was thick with rattlesnakes, water moccasins, copperheads and, rarely, coral snakes. You learn to pay attention and to be cognizant of your surroundings. Snake boots aren't gonna do you a bit of good if you put your hands in the wrong place. It just takes a little common sense and you'll be fine.
I also don't believe in killing every snake that I see. I was taught as a kid that if it wasn't endangering anyone or any of our livestock then leave it alone. They do serve a purpose like eating rats, mice and other rodents.
One thing to remember about rattlesnakes.....they don't always rattle :D
Brett
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I would check out Russell's snake boot.
Oberon
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If you decide to go the boot route instead of chaps, the best deal I found was a pair of TrueTimber snake boots from Sportsman's Guide. I think I paid $70 for them. They wear really well for the money, IMO. Good luck in your search.
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Snake Gaiters by Turtleskin..best investment I made.
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I've used a pair from Bass Pro..run about $100. Kept my feet dry in 6-8" of water. Will probably waterproof them again just to be safe for next time.
I use them for spring turkey hunting too. No snakes that I need to worry about where I go but they're nice and light and not too hot for warm spring days.
I see them as insurance. I'm still cognizant of where I step and such but it helps me get my mind off of worrying about snakes.
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Hunting on foot trying to sneak up on a critter stickbow close rules out the chaps for me they are loud in briars and they are very hot.
As far as not worrying about snakes I have to disagree. I have hunted southern swamps my whole hunting life and can tell you there will be snake encounters if you do it much. I have a friend that was bit on the foot another on the hand. The one bit on the hand had a thumb that looked like it was rotting off for about a year. My very Good Friend John Bookharts Granddad was bit in the face and died over 40 years ago.He lived in the swamp and he was not "green" in outdoor things he just had that one second he was`nt paying attention and it cost him.
If your going hoghunting in a different area. A place much different than your acustomed to. Get the boots. Its a small price to pay for a little protection.
Hunting on foot most of a day spot and stalk for hogs will not mix well with waders either.If you were on a short walk to a stand maybe but you would be a mighty tired fella if you wore them walking most of the day.RC
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with out a doubt Russell Moccasin Co snake boots. by far the best made.
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Well I am from Florida, not too far from the Georgia stateline, and believe me meeting up with one of those kind in the photos will mess up your day or maybe week of hunting.
I would go with Cabela's lace up snake boots, I have a pair after a year they started leaking I returned them to Cabela's and they sent me a new pair no questions asked.
Best service I'v seen, had some real problems returning things to Bass Pro, and they weren't even used.
Mail order and save some taxes and if you don't like them or don't fit return them no problems.
I wouldn't hunt GA or Florida without them.
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I have tried the redhead , lacrosse, and then I went tor the danner pronghorn. If you can afford them go with the danner I do not have any regrets. They are the most comfortable snake boot made. The others will either leak water or hurt your feet or both.
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Plus, if you buy a pair it gives you a reason to have to use them again...mule deer, pronghorn, javelina, more hogs, Africa....snakes live in alot of places :goldtooth:
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My plastic chaps zip up the back for easy on/off. PLenty area to breathe through the bottom & top. When they're trouble just stick them in your pack awhile. My snake boots are hotter. Both are too hot to be sure. JMEO, no tromping around snake country anywhere without something on whether snake boots or other. Not afraid of snakes at all, but they sure have my respect. Getting hit can ruin your whole day.
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I bought a pair of the rubber snake boots made by cabelas and they are NOISY like you would not believe!
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I've been wearing a pare of the Bass Pro lace ups for about 8 years now. Been leaking for 7 but they are so comfy I can't bring myself to replace them. Went to Bass Pro yesturday in Charlotte, NC. Didn't find a single pare that had the Bear Claw sole or that I liked as well as the ones I have.
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chippewa's :thumbsup:
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I second what RC said about the Redhead zip up snake boots...Very good boot for the money....
As far as needing them or not....Early season I'm walking through places with lots of low green growth/weeds and I cannot see what's under that stuff and the snake boots give me peace of mind....