So I am asking about this because there has been so much concern for this Canucks safety (which I appreciate) that i would like to get some opinions on some equipment.
Boots for snakes - I have great high hikers - should I just get the chaps? or boots.
Camo - I only have heavy wool (sleeping indian) and so I will need somethign for the hot weather I guess.
Was looking at the ASAT cotton stuff.
Thanks for your help...really getting excited now - ONLY 2.5 months to go and I am on the road
:bigsmyl:
Jer Bear
When I hunted Texas i found that you need boots that cactus needles will not penetrate....I had snake boots and they worked pretty good but even two years later I would find cactus spurs that would work their way thru the boot liners. I would also suggest that you bring a pair or two of heavy leather work gloves if you are going to be making ground blinds. Every plant that grows there has something on it that will stick, prick or poke you and most of the time they will stay with or in you. Good tweezers should also be in your pack.
Hey Jerry,
I have never worn chaps or boots and have never had a problem. BUT... if an area looks snakey im very carefull. Ive seen guys wear the chaps but they look very hot especally in 99 degree weather. They are bulky and make a lot of noise. I would go with the boots. Lots of different styles to look at. One of the main reasons why I havent bought boots is because they all look hot to me. Just my .02 worth.
Hope I didn't jinks myself.
Been down three times over five years or so and never worn either. Matter of fact, the last trip I wore Converse sneakers and they worked as well as anything I've used.
Iv'e been several times and the only poisonous snake I have seen was speared by the guides while corning the road. Just keep alert and watch where you tread.
Cotton Camo t-shirts and pants would be the way to go. Take a jacket for early/late just in case.
I split the difference down there and wear the strap on snake gaiters. I never saw a live snake there (plenty of tracks tho), but the gaiters keep the pear off of your shins. They're quiet too, fleece covered, and not too hot as they stop below the knees.
I wouldn't worry about buying camo for pigs and javies - they don't see too well - just don't jump around. Plenty pigs and javies both killed in blue jeans (the hunters, not the pigs...). They can smell you, and you'll smell the javies too if you're downwind.
just 2 cents...
R
thanks - for the info guys - appreciate it
Jer Bear
Jer what you really need for Texas is something to keep the ticks, fleas, and chiggers off you. I have hunted Texas a few times and the bugs just about killed me. Took months for all the bites to heal up ...
I never did see a rattle snake. Any light color camo was good, Predator works very well. Javies are a blast to hunt.
Jer here is a pic of my wife holding one that was almost 6ft. The head is chopped off. I was walking back to my truck from my stand, just humming along and enjoying my surroundings when this thing lifted his ugly head and started buzzing. He was about 10 feet away. Talk about a heart attack, scared the heck out me. Regained my composure and stuck arrow in his head. He still in my freezer.
(http://i215.photobucket.com/albums/cc214/amicuspaint/DSC_0276.jpg)
Ok now you are making me ITCH.
We have mosquitoes here and black flies but you can deal with them pretty easily if you can take it.
I just use Muskol or a bugnet if I am fishing a stream, but mostly it's bearable.
I grew up in tick country in Kamloops BC - short haircut was the ticket back then and a hot pin or needle....
Fleas - are these on the hogs etc and what the heck is a CHIGGER.
jer bear
Amicus that's a fine rattler - I used to hunt them as a youth with a 22 then a pellet gun and then a 10' piece of doweling and a piano wire (just loop over their head and pull tight).
Snakes is ok...been awhile but I think I will be ok, but those pesky biting little buggers I HATE...always have.
Jer Bear
Chiggers:
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2100.html
I wear jeans most of the time for hunting, lots of things down here with attitudes that like to bit you back.
If you are hunting public land then I believe that you will be required to wear hunters orange, from what I read there was nothing that said during rifle season only, so I hope that somebody have provide more clarity on that.
Just spray you cloths real good with a good insect repelent, the kind that kills on contact, and the bugs will stay off you. Let your cloths dry before wearing them.
Snakes, I grew up in Texas and hunt there every year, never wore snake boots or chaps, just watch where you are walkin.
Now that is a good sized buzzer, looks like he had a full belly too.
Check into Turtleskins. That is what I would get if I didn't already have boots.
Leather chaps would be handy for thorns above the boots.
I never really worried that much about snakes until I started wearing bifocals and trifocals.
Permanone for the clothes and while snake boots may not be critical for snakes they help with the spines and thorns. Heavy leather gloves are great for all sorts of stuff down there.
Oh yeah, almost forgot, get ahold of some Sevin dust or other dust pesticide for vegetables...when you kill your hog or javie and get your pictures done dust him down good, let him lay a half hour then kick him around in a circle...the fleas, ticks, chiggers and hog lice will rain off him. Makes skinning a nicer chore.
R
Snakes are way over rated as an issue. They would rather avoid you and the Rattlesnake is kind enough to give you a warning when you can't see him and are getting too close. Wear what is comfortable so you can stay in the field longer. ThermaCell is woth its weight in gold for skeeters!!!!
I too will be heading down south next winter or early spring. Chiggers???
Thanks again everyone. I found a dead lynx once on the road up here....hit by a car but was in mint shape.
threw it in plastic bag and hit it with raid....could believer the amount of fleas it had WOW.
Jer Bear
Those Chiggers sound nasty for such a little bugger...makes my skin crawl just thinking about them....
fun how that is eh! never think twice about bears here - grizz or otherwise but little chiggers are making my skin crawl...wierd.
Jer Bear - the CHIGGER hater already and I haven't even seen one..don't even know if I could see one - 1/20th of an inch...hmmmm
You need some special Aussie hunting boots:
(http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l164/b_kleinig/Schafer%20Silvertip/069.jpg)
We call 'em thongs; I think you blokes have a different idea about thongs, but I don't know your word for 'em.
HA! Ben, the fellow that guided me in Oz called those flip-flops his "mud boots" (as opposed to bare feet, of course). I spent a couple hours watching a pretty little green snake chase gekos around the porch one evening, then told the Aussie about it. He went a little funny - something about pretty little green snakes being poisonous.
Jer - them chiggers will go places you don't even want to think about. If you get into 'em soaking in a REAL hot bath with a half cup of Clorox seems to help.
R
Jerry seriously, consider trying to get down on hands and knees (gloves and knee pads please . . don't ask how I know this) wearing dark clothing and appear as if you are feeding on the corn. Doing this, mosey in on the javelina. Not certain if hogs will allow this but I KNOW the javelina will.
Also, consider making a large black hog or cow silhouette and using that as a means to get closer. If nothing else, it is fun to play.
Chuck
I was in oz and with the red back spiders and brown snakes and tiger snakes I didn't get much sleep in the swag.
Anyway I guess I will see when I get there. hopefully the boyz I meet won't play with me too much (practical jokes side that is).
If they will do it I will...
Hey Chuck - if I do that I will be sure to get ticks and fleas right...wink wink....or shot at maybe.
I know when I was Dall sheep hunting I wore off white hunting clothes....it was pretty warm and I fell asleep on the hillside and woke up and i had a few lambs and yews scattered around me...that was cool.
Jer
It depends 100% on what part of Texas you are going from. I grew up in southeast, live in central, and work in south and have family just about everywhere else. Texas landscape changes about every 2 hours. I would hunt barefoot where I live. Very few thorns and briars just a cactus but they are easy enough to spot, waterproof boots are a must back east, and some nice thick britches for down south.
If your not use to watching for snakes I would get some snake guards/gaiters just something to protect a little above the boot. Be sure to bring some needle nose plyers for removing cactus and other thorns. I carry a leatherman when i hunt. PM me if you want some more detailed info.
QuoteOriginally posted by nightowl1:
It depends 100% on what part of Texas you are going from. I grew up in southeast, live in central, and work in south and have family just about everywhere else. Texas landscape changes about every 2 hours. I would hunt barefoot where I live. Very few thorns and briars just a cactus but they are easy enough to spot, waterproof boots are a must back east, and some nice thick britches for down south.
If your not use to watching for snakes I would get some snake guards/gaiters just something to protect a little above the boot. Be sure to bring some needle nose plyers for removing cactus and other thorns. I carry a leatherman when i hunt. PM me if you want some more detailed info.
This makes a lot of sense!
coby pm sent ok
I live down here and dont own snake boots. Ive seen exactly 3 rattlers in the last 10 years. I dont worry about in the fall and winter. Spring turkey and summer I just pay attention. I've stomped many of fields dove hunting in prime snake time too. Come to think of it- that probably wasnt too bright though. :saywhat:
Jerry, to your question ... "and what the heck is a CHIGGER"? let a scratch-scarred Texan try an answer. I've been suffering God's wrath or chiggers ... same thing ... for decades here in TX. While scratching chiggers one day faster than a cat shaking peanut butter off its paw, it came to me that Adam and Eve sometime must have sorely tried The Good Lord's patience, and as a punishment He created the chigger. This little demon gets on you, punches down its tiny straw, drinks his fill, then disappears. You are left with a maddening itch that can only be compared to the feeling of battery acid spilled on poison ivy rash. You can't see or feel these tiny devils as they crawl past your boot, sock, leg and on under fruit-of-the-looms to the worst possible destination on an hombre. Plan for about a week to either spend time in private and scratch, or go out in public and suffer the "worse than a thousand skeeter bites" itch in an area where rapid hand movement could result in disapproving stares at best, and explanations to police at worst.
The best strategy, short of staying indoors from April until November, is to tuck your pants inside boot tops and then spray Deet on boots and pants. Whatever else you do, never sit down in any grass or on any logs. Those areas are chigger condos, and they will be glad to accommodate you if you offer your belt area close to their hangouts.
If chiggers get on you and do their evil, the only real cure is the passage of time. Digging them out with pocket knife, calamine lotion, bleach baths, ... I've tried them all and the only thing that works is about a week of scratching. I remember my father-in-law used to say "Ticks don't bother me for long. They just get on me, swell up real big, and after a few days drop off." Chiggers are tick's mean little brother. Lots of great souvenirs you can take back home from TX, but chiggers aren't one of them.
Best of luck on your trip, and I hope you get to enjoy your time here in the Lone Star state without wearing down fingernails from scratching! John
:thumbsup: :clapper:
SO are they only in TEXAS - I am going to florida too and out to arizona?
They sound bad. I hate things I can't see that BITE
JB
Chigger are all over the south. I use permithrin(sp)concentrate from tractor supply. I cut it and mix in a spray bottle.Use it only on your clothes. Spray it and let dry -its good for a few washings and is oderless once dry. Never got bit by the buggers once last year.
SL :bigsmyl:
We've got chiggers galore here in Missouri, so no, they aren't just a Texas phenomenon.
Little buggers are true, pure evil.
Yep. Chigs Spray your clothes and let them dry before you put them on. Best medicine. Don't go out without it. They may not be out when you make your trip, but I sure wouldn't take the chance. They are pure misery.
What may be worse than the snakes themselves is stepping on a covey of quail at dusk with rattlesnake on your mind.
As far as thorns go Oldtimer makes a trapper pocket knife that has a needle and tweezers that slide in the scale handles. I recommend it. There are some mean ones down there.
Ok looks like I will be picking up some Permethrin when I get to Kitchener - then i can do up my hunting clothes for the trip.
Wow what you don't learn - but thanks everyone for your input here.
jer
Jerry:
If you are going to be hunting in the brush country of south texas, I would definately bring some chaps. If you shoot something, the tracking jobs can be very brutal without some type of protection for you legs. Every bush has thorns. I would also suggest wearing some tyoe of glasses when tracking because it is pretty easy to catch a limb in the face. When the limb is full of thorns it can be dicey. You don't have to wear the chaps all of the time, but they are nice when you have a tough tracking job thru the brush.
As for the snakes, I suggest you wear some type of high top boot. I have hunted alot in south texas and have had some close calls with rattlesnakes. The boots never saved me from being bitten (yet) but they make me feel a little more. comfortable. I agree with the bug spray -- chiggers and ticks can take the fun out of a hunt in a hurry.
Paul
I was thinking of just getting these pants - then putting the Permethrin to them..
Turtleskin Snake armour hunting pants - they should do the trick and with the bug dope I should be ok...have gloves and good boots.
Jer
That quail stuff above is just plain funny. I quit quail cause of it. Tired of wearing my spincter for a necktie.
Redbugs (chiggers) are out anytime it isn't real cold. They congregate on tops of plants in order to attach themselves to your clothes eventually bypassing everything but hard to reach skin where they bury into a sensitized flesh cacoon. Uncontrolled (as in the wild woods) there may be hundreds on any one plant waiting for a warm ride. They're ultra small red dots the size of the tip of a new sharpened pencil. W/o chemical preventions you'll itch from your head to your toes as many as 30 or more welts to be stress scratched at the same time. They're responsible for a lot of our Texas slang which you'll pick up quick if stricken. You'll live.
South, June, snakes, skeeters, & redbugs? Guarantee, it'll be a worthwhile trip you won't soon forget. You'll love Southern hospitality especially if you can hook up off the beaten path in Acadiana (Louisiana/Sportsman's Paradise) a day or two!
Thanks Forrest - I will definately be spraying up the clothing. this permethrin looks safe enough for humans so I will get lots of her on the clothes I hunt with.....anyone put it on their normal clothes too or do you just avoid the areas unless your hunting etc.
Well Acadiana is on the route from milton - i'm game, but I don't know anyone.
JB
Chiggers....Check it out:
http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/L-1223.html
Chiggers and ticks are way more prevalent than snakes. I've killed 3 rattlesnakes in 28 years in TX. I've probably gotten 3 chigger or tick bites every day I've spent outdoors in those 28 years.
Of all the things to bring, just bring a good attitude and enjoy the ride. Texas is a great place and super fun to hunt.
Jeff my attitude is fine - can't wait to meet some of you and see your state.
Just want to make it the best I can. if i can avoid some discomfort then i will try, but it won't stop me from coming for sure.
Jer
Check out Bushlan camo for Texas or Hawaii. Made specifically to match vegetation in those states.
QuoteOriginally posted by Ryan Rothhaar:
Oh yeah, almost forgot, get ahold of some Sevin dust or other dust pesticide for vegetables...when you kill your hog or javie and get your pictures done dust him down good, let him lay a half hour then kick him around in a circle...the fleas, ticks, chiggers and hog lice will rain off him. Makes skinning a nicer chore.
R
What about the Sevin residue getting on the meat when you start skinning?
BFinegan, that's why I use dust made for vegetables. You're careful you won't get it on the meat, wash the meat if unsure. I guarantee the bananas or lettuce you get at the supermarket have more pesticide residue than that pig meat will have (pig hide is thicker than banana hide). Also keeps away the Rocky mountain spotted fever, or whatever crazy tick diseases they have in TX.
R
QuoteOriginally posted by Jerry Wald:
Jeff my attitude is fine - can't wait to meet some of you and see your state.
Just want to make it the best I can. if i can avoid some discomfort then i will try, but it won't stop me from coming for sure.
Jer
Sounds good! I look forward to your posts when you report back to us. I'm sure you'll have a blast. Best of luck!
thanks Jeff maybe we will meet on my trip. I want to meet as many of the gang as I can.
JB
Guys,
I live in Round Rock outside of Austin, used to live in South Texas. Every year I get some Baby Rattlers under my deck. Or, I find one in my yard or my neighbor's yard. I have come across them in the bush as well. Here is the deal; I never got close to one that I didn't want to. They are pretty easy to spot and avoid. Cactus is a bigger deal then snakes. Chaps are freaking hot. Just get some cheap plastic "snake" protector shin guards and you are good. Get some tough leather gloves, no deer skin. Get something to handle the brush, Mesquite needles, and cactus. You know what really sucks? Fire Ants and the dang 9 inch long Centipedes. Those suckers bite!
(http://i893.photobucket.com/albums/ac138/hemdell/Trad%20Pics/Texas20centipede20with20eggs-1.jpg)
please take snake boots and chaps. it will save on alot of grief :pray:
I wouldn't chance it not wearing snake boots plus they absorb all the cactus and briar damage...Danner 18" GTX Pronghorns are my faves. I have never come across a rattler in 18 years of TX hunting but I don't go sticking my hands into logs or under rocks either. You are far more likely to end up full of prickly pear and cholla spines, or get chiggers/ticks on you. Wear cotton camo and bring an insulated top for cool mornings and plenty of water if it's hot. I always tuck my pants in my boots and spray them with Off near the tops. I spray my waistline too underneath clothing and wear a belt. I always get a few scattered bites, and they aren't that bad, seriously itchy but you'll live. I don't hug the hog or deer I've shot, which has proved effective.
I'd wear the boots bring some pump spray insect repellent and toss in a pair of leather work gloves and some good quality tweezers in your hunting pack.
Welcome to TX, bro.
Well Alex maybe you and some others can show me the ropes.
I plan on wearing some good boots and these pants(Turtleskin Snake armour hunting pants) if you think that will do it.
I plan on tucking everything in and spraying down all my clothing with permithrin.
Not so worried about the snakes grew up with them in Kamloops bc and they generally don't want anything to do with us.
the ticks i lived with too...just checked each other out after a romp in the sage brush.
Jiggers are the only thing I haven't encountered so far.I OZ there were frogs that are deadly - jellyfish - myriad of deadly snakes - spiders - snails that were deadly you name it.
I survived that and only saw a few dozen red backs and two browns and a tiger snake when I was fishing by the river.
Anyway I will post my travel plans when I get about 3 weeks out so last week in april.
If I can fit your schedule i would love to meet some of you for sure.
My travels will be glacier national park - to whitefish and then east to Blue mounds - then around the lake to kitchener - then south to calhoun ga to see terry then to milton.
from there i am open but want to stay south and be heading west as much as possible ok
I can take some day trips (thats 300 miles and under for me).
Thanks again for all you help and concern and I head your concerns trust me. Best experience is someone elses I know that much.
jer Bear