Hunting in Snake Country: Gear and Habits for Spring and Fall

Hunters spend long stretches near the cover where snakes shelter: standing, sitting, crossing brush and retrieving game from places they cannot see. That makes habits and planning more valuable than any single piece of gear. This guide covers when bites tend to happen, habits for long sits and retrieves, and where boots and gaiters fit.

When bites happen

In a 2016 US dataset of emergency department visits for venomous snakebites, summer accounted for 50% of visits, fall 26%, spring 22% and winter 2% (Jaramillo et al., 2019). Colorado State University Extension notes that snakes, being ectothermic, avoid temperature extremes and prefer mild conditions.

For hunters, that means spring turkey season and early fall seasons can overlap with active snakes in many regions, while cold-weather seasons often do not. Which snakes live where you hunt, and when they are active, varies by region; your state wildlife agency can tell you.

Habits for long sits and stalks

• Check before you sit. Look at the spot and the ground around it, and do not sit with your hands in cover you have not checked.
• Look before you step. Step on logs first, then look; do not step over blindly.
• Sweep ahead in grass with a long stick when you can.
• Do not rely on a rattle. CSU notes that rattlesnakes do not always rattle before striking.

Retrieving game from cover

Downed game often lands in brush and tall grass. Look before you reach, use a stick to move cover aside, and never put a bare hand where you cannot see. Mayo Clinic notes that most snakebites happen on the arms, wrists or hands, which is a reminder that hands are at risk too.

Dogs

If you hunt with dogs, they may meet snakes before you do. Talk to your veterinarian about local risks and what to do in an emergency, and know the route to an emergency clinic.

Gear: what to think about

• Boots or gaiters: added leg protection is a personal choice. Compare coverage, weight and fit; see snake boots vs gaiters.
• Noise: stiff shafts, rubber and soft leather sound different underfoot. Read how the manufacturer describes the materials.
• Season and insulation: insulation that suits late-season hunts can be miserable in warm weather.
• Comfort when seated: a tall shaft can press behind the knee when you sit, so try boots seated.
• Break-in: allow time before opening day; our Break-In Planner helps.

Our overviews of hunting snake boots and snake boots for turkey hunting list what to check.

Plan for an emergency

1. Tell someone where you are hunting and when you expect to return.
2. Know your phone signal and the nearest road.
3. If someone is bitten, call 911 right away, keep them calm and still, and follow the first-aid steps in our snakebite risk guide.

The Trip Checklist Builder adds these to a printable list.

Frequently asked questions