There was a lake we used to fish, just crawling with rattlers. Back then we would use short sections of stove pipe!
Need a recommendation on snake gaiters
- Thread starter Flintlock Whiskey
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Stop and think about it: we are training the rattlers not to rattle. Every time one rattles some cowboy runs over and hacks off its head. Not great for reproductive success. The better tactic is to bite first, rattle last.
I wish I had found these shin guards last time I went shopping. The ones I bought are more expensive, hard to put on and have plastic panels sewn in with fabric gaps between panels, probably OK for most bites, but a lucky strick might get between the panels.
For years I used knee high rubber boots wnen wandering about in snake country. Not snake proof, but a darn sight better than just jeans (never got to test it). I tried to find suitable plastic sheeting that I could simply tuck into my boots for protection but couldnt find it... now that I think about it I have just that sitting in my recycling bin right now: an empty cat litter container!
I wish I had found these shin guards last time I went shopping. The ones I bought are more expensive, hard to put on and have plastic panels sewn in with fabric gaps between panels, probably OK for most bites, but a lucky strick might get between the panels.
For years I used knee high rubber boots wnen wandering about in snake country. Not snake proof, but a darn sight better than just jeans (never got to test it). I tried to find suitable plastic sheeting that I could simply tuck into my boots for protection but couldnt find it... now that I think about it I have just that sitting in my recycling bin right now: an empty cat litter container!
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Snakes being a serious risk to consider in Australia, we don't muck around.
These are mine, something similar to this would be good. They're rigid but at least I know I won't have an eastern brown or tiger snake hanging off me.
https://www.moroka30.com.au/snakebuster-snakeproof-civilian-gaiters-109
These are mine, something similar to this would be good. They're rigid but at least I know I won't have an eastern brown or tiger snake hanging off me.
https://www.moroka30.com.au/snakebuster-snakeproof-civilian-gaiters-109
There's a variety of gaiters that will work but if being quiet is a factor you want pants large enough to fit over the gaiters, a lot of gaiters make a scratching sound when wandering through brush. I wear them when I can. A few years ago in Gila NF I ran into two black tail rattlesnakes within about 50 yards. When the ground is so thick you can't see where you are putting your foot- snake boot time. I was wearing sneakers at the time. Jumped about 3' into the air upon hearing the "Buzz". Some snake boots today are lightweight.
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I remember reading a research paper (U of Ga.?) talking about how people are creating a trend toward "silent" rattlers. Just as you said. Any rattler around here gets shot or chopped. The quiet ones reproduce. None of the rattlers I've encountered on the sea islands ever rattled. I didn't harm them either. As my huntin' buddy and I both agreed, it's their neighborhood.
Well, I am in disagreement. it is OUR territory/neighborhood...the snakes and us..I am not ceding them everything outside of my house. If they would leave me alone, I will leave them alone. But they don't. I have had one hung in my pant leg, another bounce off the toe of my boot, several strike at me and fall short and they have bit several of my dogs and innumerable sheep. Thankfully I have never been hit.
So they get killed when I meet them. And I don't care if you don't like it, so save it for someone who cares.
So they get killed when I meet them. And I don't care if you don't like it, so save it for someone who cares.
TDM
Cannon
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I bought a pair of snake boots from Cabelas about 12 years ago when they still had good stuff. They weren’t cheap but surprisingly comfortable and come up to just under the knee. But now I don’t get out in the woods during snake season much anymore. Our worst months are May and late September to late October. But it’s always best to keep your eyes down on the trail. I’ve killed as many as 5 rattlers in one year.
May/June when they are coming out then denning season September through October. I don't hunt the desert as much as I used to so I don't see as many, but bird hunting in the fall if we have a warm one, I get to do the old snake dance a couple of times a year at least.
When I was 7, a neighbor girl, also 7, got bit at the park (bordered a brushy ditchbank) and she died a slow miserable death from it. The venom ate her flesh up and got into the blood stream and destroyed her heart valves we were told. Never forgot.
When I was 7, a neighbor girl, also 7, got bit at the park (bordered a brushy ditchbank) and she died a slow miserable death from it. The venom ate her flesh up and got into the blood stream and destroyed her heart valves we were told. Never forgot.
True. Some places have "rattlesnake roundups" and wind up killing thousands. As a result, the snakes with a genetic propensity for small or no rattles breed. And presto-silent, formerly rattle snakes. To just kill them on sight is mindless and stupid. They have a place in the ecosystem and unless one is in love with rats and the diseases they carry, they should be left alone.
Change my mind.
Nope, not going to try. Don't try changing mine. I will get your share and then some if I run into them
kansas_volunteer
45 Cal.
Get snake boots from Russell Moccasin Co. They are hand made in the USA, and worth every penny spent on them. You won't find higher quality. If you want to be cool get tall riding boots from Dehner boots.
TDM
Cannon
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I agree, and the ones I have are Cane Break rattlers, they’re big and since the closest hospital is 30 minutes away it’s a chance I just can’t take, not with grandkids coming to visit. Now if I’m in woods well away from my trails I’ll leave them alone if they leave me alone. But when I find one on a trail or close to camp he or she is a dead rattler. Usually always have a shotgun with me in the active periods. Luckily I’ve got King snakes and Rat snakes that I see periodically around the camp and I love them. They rough on rattlers too.
Fair enough.
Cool as in
Maybe for Chorizo and everyone else, I should clarify. I'm not for letting the things slither around where people live. I've killed my share on my own property and on neighbor's property just because of the chance of their grandkids happening by. I don't believe in a scorched earth policy when visiting their (snake) habitat as I've seen so many people do.
Prairie Banditti
32 Cal
Late to this post, but my money would be to buy a set of "Turtleskin" snake gaiters - check out the videos on their website - pretty convincing testimonial to their product. What I like is the flexible fabric that doesn't chafe your shins after a few hours in the field.
kansas_volunteer
45 Cal.
Russell snake boots are lined with Turtle Skin
Son of a gun. I bet you have a cat skinner tale as well.
alcessapiens
40 Cal
Yup, my cat hates getting fur in his food so when he hunts he brings his skinner. He usually hunts under and around my dozer…
I was looking for snake gaiters at Gander Mountain once when a buddy of mine called. I told him what I was doing and where I was. He heard Snake Gators on Gander Mountain and asked if I was on mushrooms.
That being said, Turtleskin snake gaiters are great and a lot of my crew members swear by them. My wife used Gonex and I use the Knight and Hale type. Our careers are in the woods and fields, and I can say that the gaiters are all hot and uncomfortable. I've only used mine in Louisiana and only when the snakes were coming out. I'll throw them on every now and then, but for the most part, with how hard we stomp they're already gone. And if they aren't gone, then they ain't moving when I come through.
That being said, Turtleskin snake gaiters are great and a lot of my crew members swear by them. My wife used Gonex and I use the Knight and Hale type. Our careers are in the woods and fields, and I can say that the gaiters are all hot and uncomfortable. I've only used mine in Louisiana and only when the snakes were coming out. I'll throw them on every now and then, but for the most part, with how hard we stomp they're already gone. And if they aren't gone, then they ain't moving when I come through.
