I have the Redhead snake boots from Bass Pro. They were like 5 year old boots comfort wise when they were brand new. Come just below the knees. Good for fending off cactus too! Got them on sale for $89. Don't leave home without them.

Got bit, this sunday will be 2 weeks ago. Climbed down out of my bow stand right at dark walked about 20 feet and heard a buzz. My 1st thought was in the hell is that feeder going off this late, the holy sh*t thats not the feeder where is it, IT was right at my feet about a 5 footer, it got me about 3" above the ankle. Luckly very luckly it was a dry bite, left 1 good mark and another small one. I drove my self straight to the ER about 30 miles away, we watched it for over an hour, no blistering, coloring or other effects, I got lucky. I now own snakeboots, if its above 50 I'll be wearing them you can count on it. Ive had some close calls before, but I not pushing my luck anymore.

WOW you were lucky Geof. Really lucky.

Lucky is right, had it been just a little warmer and the rattler been in full motion who knows what would have happened. I'm not pressing my luck anymore. For years Ive tried to pay attention, move through the brush slowly, and be alert. Even with everything we know and do about them as hunters in west texas there could all ways that one time.

Decrotive purposes of corse

I should wear something but don't. Encounted quite a few. One slithered not an inch from my foot while I was turkey hunting. Guess he had somewhere to go b/c I didn't even see it until he was sliding right by me. Made me dance. I killed him a week later in the exact same spot.

I know two people who were bit. They spent quite a time in the hospital but fully recovered. One was on the arm while reaching for something in the hay barn in Amarillo. Said his arm swelled up to the size of his thigh. They had to cut it open. Scar is probably a foot long on his forearm.

Never wore snake boots, always paid attention...dad taught me well. BUT, I wear snake boots now since I've started doing a lot of hog hunting at night especiallly running with the dogs. Almost stepped on a rattler chasing pigs, I've taken enough chances & figured it was time to wear the dang boots lol. I use to raise snakes, (non venomous), I've been bit on the hands & my lil' brother was bit on the throat being stupid, (pythons & boa constrictors). I kill every water moccasin I see....hate'em, & will usually kill the ratlers too just because. Snakes don't bother me, I kinda like them. But I freakin' HATE spiders. All spiders die when I see them.....period

Yes a spider bite is bad news. I was bit by a brown recluse spider & got sicker than heck. Black widows are bad, a Brown Recluse is worse and there is no antivenom.

I love me some rattlesnakes! We hunt up here by the Red River, some dang good serpents!