I searched the forum for any past posts on this subject but didnt find anything...sooo here it goes:

I went out this last Saturday for an afternoon hunt, got there way too early so decided to walk around the back part of the lease, where no one really hunts. I know that deer are going to go into the thickest parts so I decided to give it a go...I walked for 2 hours and got in maybe...300-350 yards in...I'd walk abit and sit-grunt and listen. Well I didnt hear anything...no movement or sounds so I headed back out. Now here is my question....what is the best thing to wear to PREVENT cactus needles from sticking to your pants. I spent a good hour in the stand pulling those suckers out. I was wearing thermals, blue jeans and my hunting pants...and had needles in all three layers. I know some bird hunters use "coated" blue jeans in the front side but I really needed protection all around...Suggestions??

And Seth..please dont suggest that I not walk into the cactus...LOL I know you were thinking it.

But seriously if I had to go retrieve a deer/doe from the area I'd need some cactus protection.

Tall hunting boots like snake boots are excellent. Snake chaps are another good alternative. They are hot, but in the cold of winter they might feel good. Both offer great protection, and yes the needles hurt

yeah I thought about chaps...but then my G/F might get some ideas and I'd have to wear them after the hunt too...LOL

The upland bird hunting pants with the extra leg covering help for the small needles. I don't think Kevlar will stop the long ones.

unless you get some good leather chaps they aren't going to help the needles will go right through those snake chaps.

I have 2 suggestions.

1. Invest in a good pair of brush pants, some people use snake chaps.

2. Don't step into the cactus, take your time and work you way through or around them.

Any body's whose hunted on my place knows the Good Lord gave me an extra blessing of cactus. Some area's are so thick and wide they are impassable. More than once I've had hunters come in from Louisiana or east TX and they seem to charge through the cactus, usually resulting in somebody have to drop their knickers to pull cactus, and slowing down or bringing the hunt to a standstill. Just be real CAREFUL.

Bird hunting around San Angelo, we had pretty good luck with the waxed canvas chap/leggings from Cabela's. Some of the larger cactus spines still stick but usually don't go "too" far. They are heavy duty but not heavy or awkward-weight wise. They seem to get better with age. I am not sure we could have hunted without them.
They would be my choice for wear in any area with heavy cactus.

Get a good pair of snakes boots and tuck your legs pants into your boots. They keep the needles out and will prevent a trip to the hospital from a snake bite. I got a pair of Daner snake boots before deer season and they are comfortable as hell. Best investment I have made for my ranch use.

Will agree about the snake boots, but they sure let my feet get cold. The freezing mornings this past weekend was tough on the feet. Most snake boots don't offer any insulation. I guess it's because you don't expect to see snakes if it's cold out.

trying putting on some wool socks. I have not had a problem yet with cold feet. I just put on a pair of those wool socks and they work great

waiting on sethflush and side kick to answere.(drunk gay smiley goes here)

have had thick long cactus needles go right thru my knee high snake boots....best of luck w/ whatever u get

If it were me i would check into regular cowboy shotgun chaps as there all leather.

Thanks for all your opinions...I'll be looking into chaps for those rare occasions when I decide to head INTO the brush. And yeah no smartalecky responses from Seth??/ hummm he must had gotten tied up at the local walmart impersonating a salvation army volunteer with his stolen red bucket?? much love Seth!!

Duck Tape will help remove spines from your clothes and skin. Not 100%, but better than hand picking 100%.

Duck tape is great!! You could build a house with it.

Ngine51,i just remembered.If there is a motorcycle shop near you,you can probably get a pair of leather pants or chaps a lot cheaper than going to a western store.They shouldn't be more than $70. but if you go to a harley shop then expect to pay more.

ALSO if u have gotten some of those fine little needles in ur skin...melt some candle wax, put over the area w/ the needles in it, let it harden & peel off wax....out comes the needles...shouldnt take too much hair lol...also try Elmers school glue the same way

wow... leather chaps and candle wax??

Humm should make for an interesting night AFTER the hunt

JOHN2,
that was a great idea found some at the poteet flea market for 80 bucks, black leather..pretty thick motorcycle pants...but dammit no [censored] to them!!

My son was laughing his butt off when he saw me looking at them.