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Boots & strike height
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by billyray on March 17, 2008
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As a wildlife photographer, I'm often in deep woods and marshes.Generally, but not exclusively, in VA, KY, WVA and Carolinas. I greatly appreciate and respect all snakes & wildlife. Often, my attention is on my camera equipment and animals I'm photographing, and know that makes me susceptible to snakebites. I wondered about wearing snakeproof boots. Are they really snakeproof? They vary in height from 13- to 19-inches, and some (chap type) do not cover the foot. I wonder if there is information about the maximum height on the human body that the largest venomous snakes in the U.S., are likely to be able to strike (above the boots)? This would relate to whether they are likely to strike above 16-inch or 19-inch boots. Also, if one is wearing regular leather boots (not snakeproof)would a snake's fangs likely penetrate the boots? I'm 72, but as a teen, I kept non-venomous snakes. I've greatly enjoyed and learned so much from reading the many articles in SHHS from the true experts who've been-there-and-done-that. Thanks so much for the enlightenment. Bill Edmundson, Virginia Beach, VA
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RE: Boots & strike height
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by earthguy on March 17, 2008
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In all likelihood most snakes would not be able to bite through a good leather boot. That being said, I personally don't trust my life and limb to liklihood. If I'm worried about 'the one I don't see' I generally wear calf length snake boots and chaps. The tall boots would probably work fine, but I find the chaps more comfortable for long hikes. Plus they just look cool. :)
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RE: Boots & strike height
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by Cro on March 17, 2008
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Josh, I agree that chaps are more comfortable for long hikes.
However, I can not agree with your fashion statement about chaps looking cool, LOL ! I think they look goofy !
Now as far as what snake boots to wear, it kind of depends on how tall you are, and the length of your calf.
If you are short, you will probably want the lower model as you don't want bind knee movement.
A stout pair of leather boots does offer good protection from a snake bite. However, many snakes will strike above them. The largest of the rattlesnakes sometimes bite above the tallest of snake boots, and there is always the chance you could pass an unseen snake up on a log or cliff that could easily bite up to waist level.
One other possibility would be the "snake proof" kevlar lined jeans that are sold by Bass Pro and Cabellas.
The nylon / kevlar boots look pretty cool, however if you purchase the best quality leather snake boots, which are made of heavy bull hide and very expensive, you could also use them for things like motorcycle riding and look pretty cool in them, LOL !
Now we should decide if it is more cool to wear snake boots "outside" of the jeans and tucked in, or "under" the jeans, which can require "boot cut" jeans.
Hope this helps.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Boots & strike height
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by Cro on March 17, 2008
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Greg, I have always worn boot-cut Levis 527 jeans.
Have to have them because of size 13 feet, LOL !
I agree that the snake boots should go inside of the jean.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: Boots & strike height
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by billyray on March 17, 2008
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Thanks so very much, Earthguy, for your response. I take it that you're recommending both the snake boot AND the chaps, to be worn at the same time. I'll take that to heart.
I photograph wildlife in places such as Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia, and there are cottonmouths and Canebrakes galore in there (along with bears, etc). Normally, I'm reasonably attentive to my surroundings, but when photographing an animal, I know my attention and vision is a bit tunneled toward the object of my photos -- not as wide-angled as it should be -- plus I'm surely not an expert on snakes. But, I'm trying to learn. Also, I intend to broaden my wildlife photography to include all types of snakes in the wild, so your experience and knowledge is super important to me. I'm learning much from reading SHHS
Thanks again, for sharing your knowledge.
Bill Edmundson
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RE: Boots & strike height
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by billyray on March 17, 2008
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Thank you, John Z,
You've got my attention by saying the larger snakes could strike above the boot. That was one of my questions. So, based upon the experience and training of you experienced snake handlers/keepers, I was wondering just how high on the body that those of you with experience would think a larger snake could strike. You surely answered that question, because if it is above the boot, then it would appear that both boots and chaps would be recommended to be sure that both the feet and the upper legs are protected. Neither boot nor chap seems to protect both. And, there are some really large canebrakes in my area. Mostly, I was concerned about a strike from ground level, as I learned long ago to watch for stumps and rocky area, and not to climb on them, but I do wade through swamps, mud, undergrowth and canebrake, etc.
Oh,yes, I do ride motorcycles, so your advice on that is timely, too, although at my last crash, rather than good looking boots, I could've used a helmet on my butt.
Thanks again, John Z; your advice sounds very, very good.
Bill Edmundson
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RE: Boots & strike height
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by Cro on March 20, 2008
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Shelby, I bet you do look cool in those chaps !
However, you are in Arizona, and chaps have a long time history out west, LOL !
That photo of you on the Harley is cool also.
I was not blessed with good looks.
Heck, I would have to be riding a Vincent Black Shadow before folks thought I Looked cool, LOL !
Best Regards JohnZ
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