Chaps or Snake boots

[sean english]

I have seen these things in the hunting magazines. They just look good. Do you recomand them? Hunting in Southern Cal where the weather is hot, I dont know how comfortable they are. Even late in the seasn when I hunt in the Sierras, I have to start taking clothes off during the they. If they are not so thick and therefore hot, they might help in keeping the thorns and the foxtails from getting to you.
What do you California hunters think about them and where can I purchase a pair? I have not seen any in the local sporting stores.

[dhall61]

I know someone will post how often they see rattlers when hunting/hiking ect.... However, I am 45 years old and have been hunting CA. AZ. and CO. for over 20 years and I have seen a snake twice. I say save your money for good hunting boots, and be aware that there are snakes out there. Normally they will avoid you at all costs, and if you do get too close a rattler will let you know.
MY .02, good luck!

[Hogskin]

I loves me some turtleskin gaiters. Got them from the JHO store. Peace of mind is worth its weight in gold. My http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/two-cents.gif

[silvercoach]

Bought a nice pair of gaiters this summer just to give me a little confidence. I used to hunt chukar in Washington on the breaks of the Snake River and hunted in boots and shorts, not down here in California.....two many guys telling me they just saw or killed a Mojave Green rattler. I believe a pair gaiters just makes you feel a bit safer when you step into a shaded area behind a big rock chasing the red-legs.

[Varmint Cong]

First off, I&#39;ve seen more rattlesnakes while playing golf than hunting and I don&#39;t wear snake chaps out on the the course. (I probably should since I shoot a shotgun far straighter than a golf ball)

However, for the first month of the quail season I do wear Turtleskin snake chaps. They are very light and offer great protection against thorns, brush and fangs out in the desert. If it is really hot out I&#39;ll wear them over my shorts but most of the time its cool enough to wear them over military BDU pants.

While hunting I&#39;ve seen 3 western diamondbacks, a sidewinder, a coral snake and a Mojave green so I&#39;ve had my share of encounters. Two of the WDs and the sidewinder were well within striking range when I first saw them and NONE of them rattled.

I haven&#39;t been struck yet but would like to know if anyone out there has while wearing snake proof clothing.

[Two Rugers]

Hey if you have to ask then you probably would feel better getting some.
I don&#39;t SEE too many snakes whe I hunt but as soon as the sun starts going down you HEAR en all over the place http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/afraid_face.gif Buzzng in every direction http://www.jesseshunting.com/forums/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smiley-wow-eyes-yellow.gif
At that point only an Abrams tank would have made me feel safe.