Snakes in Florida and elsewhere are part of life, if you hike, hunt or camp in wilderness areas – go prepared.
You’ll need comfortable, waterproof boots to insure your safety in thick brush and swampland.
Medical treatment for a venomous snakebite can exceed $100,000 – the cost of protective boots is an investment in your safety and financial security.
By Forrest Fisher
When I approached retirement age in snow country, my better half and I considered finding warmer weather during the chilly, deep snow season of Western New York. We looked west, south, and finally, deep south, finding a rental we used for a few months each year for five years. We discovered that Southwest Florida offers a continuous supply of warm days and nights from January through April every year. These are the heavy lake-effect snow months of eastern Lake Erie landscapes; our house was only a few miles from ski resort country. Moving south unlocked new adventures and challenges, more than the sunny beach life, especially since I like to fish, hunt and hike in the bush country wherever we travel.
Thick-bodied eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are fairly common in south Florida and in many areas of the southern USA. Stay aware when hiking. Marvin Grant photo.
We discovered that the southwest Florida critters of the outdoors were to be respected, and we needed to learn how to be better protected when going into the wildland areas of the area. Poisonous spiders, lengthy alligators and crocodiles, flying insects, and heavy, thick snakes are relatively common when you leave the settled civilization areas here. If you’re careful when walking a well-traveled hiking trail, you can see many of the larger critters, but the venomous snakes are so well camouflaged that they easily disguise their location as you travel the wilds. Especially when hunting in the jungle areas for deer or turkey.
These Irish Setter Terrain snake boots pull out easily when you step into muck. I like that for walking in Forida swamp land.Stay out of the woods in snake and bug area without one of these kits in your pocket. They are carried at Walmart, Bass Pro, and other stores.
So, our first addition to outdoor gear was footwear. After a lengthy search for snake-tested boots, we settled on the Irish Setter Terrain boots. I like them for many reasons, but the biggest is that they are pit-viper tested, and the internal protective Snakeguard liner runs from the toe to the top edge of the boot. Many venomous snakes down here are enormous in physical thickness and length. Copperheads, eastern diamondbacks, timber rattlesnakes, pygmy rattelsnakes, water moccasins, coral snakes and others are among the common venomous snakes here. Nobody needs to worry about boot puncture from venomous fangs and sharp-pointed cactus-like palmetto brush with razor edges. The old phrase “snake in the grass” is not uncommon here for actual snake sightings. We carry a Sawyer Snake Bite kit with us whever we go because it works for bug bites on the beach too.
Next, the camo patterns they offer are perfect for all-weather hunts, we like the photorealistic 3D imagery of the Mossy Oak® Obsession camo. The pattern has the best visual concealment for whatever species you’re hunting. The boots are waterproof with their impregnated leather and fabric panels that combine to make them something I need for a long life. I regularly walk in streams and swamp land, and my feet must stay dry. Above that, I’m abusive with my footwear because I have really big feet, and I often purchase footwear in a smaller size that is not nearly long enough for my clodhoppers. I need a size 14 boot wide boot. Very few companies carry this size, but Irish Setter does. The boots also needed traction because I frequently amble around in these nasty, swampy areas. What’s cool about the Terrain snake boots is that they not only are waterproof and have traction, but when you step into a muddy creek bottom of silty muck, these boots pull out easily. I’m not sure how they did that, but these boots have the easiest “pull-out” force of any of my rugged boots, where I experience loving life outdoors.
In Florida, we hunt wild boars, too. These wild pigs are tough, and they hide in the thickest areas of the Florida underbrush. So do many varieties of snakes. Locals advise everyone here to come prepared to “dig around” when boar hunting on your own.
The old phrase “snake in the grass” is not uncommon here for actual snake sightings, especially when you’re hiking and hunting.
Wild boars, like Florida whitetail deer, have a good scent detection mode. If you smell like a human, the boars will smell you coming a hundred yards away, and you’ll never see them. If you’re sitting in a ground blind, you’ll wonder if any boars exist where you are because they will go around you. These Terrain boots come with an exclusive scent control formula that is added to the boot materials, killing the bacteria that cause odors. This feature ensures that your boots remain odor-free, reducing the chances of detection by animals with a keen sense of smell. Problem solved.
Among other ‘most important’things I like about these boots are two more things. I have worn knee joints from 30 years of jogging. I never missed a day, rain or shine. Jogging allowed me to control the pressure of daily business meetings over all that time, but my knees took a toll – six miles a day wore out those ball joints. These boots are made with a cushy, high-rebound material in the heel and foot that provides relief with every step. These boots were made for comfort, I should know. Even the internal materials seem to stretch in every direction, providing a padded-like feel to them. With these boots, you can walk for miles without feeling the strain. The day becomes a comfortable and relaxed outdoor experience.
The initial dose of antivenom for a snakebite can be $40,000 to $70,000. The cost of medical care for a venomous snakebite can vary depending on the type of snake and where you are, but it is often more than $100,000. These boots cost $239 retail, less during hunting season sales. But who cares about the cost of boots when the other option to save your life is in six figures? With these boots, you’re investing in your safety and financial security. I like that.
After three years, I have almost worn out my first pair, but they have hundreds of miles on them. These boots are the Irish Setter Terrain 2746, if you go looking.
Wild boar in their natural habitat in the spring
** Note: Shallow depth of field
Overpopulation of wild feral hogs in many southern states NEED hunter help.
Choose hunting lodges carefully. Many provide full-service facilities, including meals, guides, and butcher services, at reasonable costs.
Thermal night vision rifle scopes are allowed for night hog hunting in Alabama – and they work.
By Forrest Fisher
Wild boar in their natural Alabama habitat are strong and always on the prowl for food, except during the peak of mid-day heat.
This summer, I enjoyed the most thrilling hunting experience of my life in the heart of central Alabama. Venturing into new territory, uncharted in my personal experience, I joined a group of four fellow hunter friends from across the country to hunt wild feral hogs. We planned and gathered at our destination, the renowned Great Southern Outdoors Plantation (https://greatsouthernoutdoors.com/) near Union Springs, Alabama. Nestled in the rich, fertile black topsoil sector of Alabama known as the Alabama Black Belt Region, this 23-county area supports a diverse range of wildlife, especially wild hogs and whitetail deer.
Great Southern Outdoors is a sprawling 6,000-acre private, unfenced plantation to accommodate hunters and anglers.
We arrived mid-week at the sprawling 6,000-acre private, unfenced plantation and were greeted by Hunter Pritchett, the owner, and Pam Swanner, the Executive Director of the Alabama Black Belt Outdoor Adventure Association. After completing in-process registration, we geared up for a mandatory pre-dinner orientation and then a new hog-hunting adventure—a first for me.
The anticipation of the hunt was matched only by the sheer beauty of the natural habitat here. The hardwoods and ground cover resembled north-country habitat. With accommodations that offered both comfort and luxury, we prepared for the post-sunset hunting wilderness on Day-1. Our hunting options included simple ground blind seating and elevated ground blinds, each strategically positioned near baited mechanical feeders on timers, offering the perfect vantage point for our pursuit of these elusive invasive wild hog creatures. Each feeder was equipped with a green light motion detector.
My trusty Remington 700BDL is one of my favorite 30-06 hunting firearms; I was using 165-grain Sierra Dovetail bullet hand-load ammo.
As I embarked on the hog hunting journey, I was a bit anxious about hunting in an unfamiliar area. I was sweating from the temperature, it was 90 degrees—but guided by Leroy Upshaw, a seasoned Alabama outdoorsman, I cooled down with his invaluable advice and confident encouragement. Each 10-15-minute trip to the stand was an enjoyable ride with Leroy.
Once at the stand, the sheer adrenaline flow from the anticipation of spotting wild hogs added to my sweat rate. Upshaw said the hogs would range in size and agility, and seeing them can be nothing short of electrifying. With Upshaw’s guidance, I planned to carefully select my targets – hogs or coyotes only; we could not hunt deer at this time of year. We were all mindful of the significance of the seasons. Each of us was captivated with expectation during each hunting episode. The thrill of the chase, the anticipation of a successful shot, and, for each of us, the satisfaction of knowing that we could contribute to the conservation of the natural habitat made this experience even more unforgettable.
As the sun settled over the Alabama Black Belt on day-1, I found myself immersed in the darkness of the Alabama night wild in a world of untamed beauty. The sights and sounds of this amazing region were bold and new. Each encounter with the majestic nightlife creatures here left an indelible mark on my soul, conjuring up that primal connection between man and nature. The after-dark sounds of the birds, chirping tree frogs, and snorting hogs in the distance, 17-year cicadas, and other wildlife – the Alabama nature music, kept me wide awake in the stand. I’m only a few years short of 80, and while sleep is a very welcome and good thing, I did not have to fight to stay alert and awake. I did forget my coffee thermos, but the water bottles in my backpack would help prevent dehydration in this heat.
In Alabama, boiled peanuts are a special delicacy to be savored. They are delicious.Prior to hunting, lodge owner Hunter Pritchett provided hunting rules and safety.
My journey to the heart of the Alabama Black Belt was a transformative new hunting experience that deepened my gratitude for the great outdoors and added to my life-long appreciation for the importance of responsible wildlife management. The staff at the Great Southern Outdoors Plantation are part and parcel of annual controlled burns, reforestation efforts and healthy game harvest management. Each hunting episode was an adventure that will forever linger in my heart. This outing simply fueled my personal passion for conservation and the untamed spirit of the Alabama wild.
Over our three days of hunting, I spent a thrilling 17 hours in the stand, surrounded by the picturesque Alabama wilderness.
Prior to hunting, lodge owner Hunter Pritchett had provided a detailed firearm safety and wildlife awareness introduction. Hunter advised us to stay in the comfy and slightly elevated ground stands placed along trails leading to the baited food sources and bedding areas to realize the best odds for hog harvest success. This rule was in our signature agreements. He said, “Stay in the stand if you down an animal, text your guide, wait for your guide to arrive.” The reason? After dark, familiarity with property lines and unseen or unfamiliar critters that could be on the after-dark prowl. There are no rule-breakers in our group; safety comes first.
In the middle of the day, the hogs lie down in the shade, so it’s a good time to visit the activity center and check the refrigerator for a cool drink.
The wildlife sightings were phenomenal, as I witnessed over 40 majestic deer, mostly doe, and watched wild turkeys gobble up the sweet corn during daytime hunting stints. The anticipation of each hunt episode was electrifying, as I was eager for the perfect moment to take a shot.
The full moon during our visit illuminated the wild surroundings, offering a distant, seeable animal profile. However, it was too dark to shoot a glimpse of nighttime hogs and deer in the far distance. Despite this, it was still an exhilarating experience. I made sure to prioritize safety, following my father’s wise words, “Be sure of your target.”
The thrill didn’t end there. One of our group members, Serena Juchnowski, displayed incredible marksmanship, taking down a magnificent hog sow with a single, accurate shot. Her target expertise and the advanced firearm gear she was using left us all in awe. Her file was a Savage 110 Hog Hunter with a handsome GRS Bifrost stock chambered in .350 Legend, using Hornady 170-grain SP American Whitetail ammo. With the addition of a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 1.75-14x50mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope, Serena could see in the dark and could see long-distance thermal images in daylight. The scope is powered with two rechargeable batteries that provide up to 10 hours of continuous operating time.
The Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope allows viewing and recording mode with download to any Bluetooth-compatible device (your phone) to capture the exact moment of view desired. Serena Juchnoswki photo.
Though not necessary in Alabama, the Pulsar Thermion scope provides an impressive 2,500-yard detection range and 875-yard laser rangefinder for pinpoint accuracy.
On the second night out, the air was thick with heat, a sweaty 91 degrees, as we settled into our individual stands two hours before sunset. The anticipation was palpable. About an hour later, I heard a gunshot in the distance, the sound echoing through the stillness of the evening air, and I couldn’t help but wonder if one of our group had made a successful kill.
A few minutes later, Serena’s text came through, breaking the silence with the exciting news that she had downed a nice sow. Thanks to the magic of modern technology with the thermal scope, Serena provided all of us with an exhilarating video recording of the entire episode as seen through the thermal scope optics. The replay was stunning, allowing us all to see her group of wild hogs approaching the feeder from over 100 yards out. At 70 yards, she took a shot and immediately downed the animal.
Using a Savage 110 Hog Hunter with a handsome GRS Bifrost stock chambered in .350 Legend, with Hornady 170-grain SP American Whitetail ammo, and a Pulsar Thermion 2 LRF XL50 1.75-14x50mm Thermal Imaging Rifle Scope, Serena Juchnowski, displayed incredible marksmanship, taking down a magnificent hog sow with a single, accurate shot. Leroy Upshaw photo.
Thanks to the video and sound recording, it was a moment that would be etched in our memories forever.
This adventure was not just about the hunt; it was about the camaraderie, the thrill of the chase, and the stunning natural beauty that surrounded us.
Every member of our hunter group had an opportunity to harvest a hog during this fully catered hunting outing, but only Serena took home the bacon. Girls: 1, Guys: 0. The Great Southern Outdoors Plantation provides deluxe breakfast and dinner meals for camp attendees and munchies and beverages (water, cola, and juice) for hunting stand time.
Whitetail deer are prolific in this Alabama area.
If you travel to hunt here, pack deer tick protection to be extra safe. Deer ticks live everywhere these days. Three of my grandkids have had to fight Lyme disease delivered by deer ticks. We use Sawyers Permethrin spray for exterior clothing and boots (not for skin exposure) and Sawyers Picaridin lotion for exposed skin. Deer ticks are repelled upon contact. The Picaridin formula is people-friendly. Visit https://www.sawyer.com/product-categories/insect-repellent. Using this choice for bug protection is key since wild hogs are VERY sensitive to human odor; the Sawyer products are scentless. As an option, you can choose to wear a Rynoskin suit if you prefer the no-chemical approach. Rynoskin is a skin-tight full-body suit (uppers, lowers, socks, gloves, and head) that protects from deer tick penetration, no see-ums and other invisible insect critters. Visit https://rynoskin.com/. Beyond bug bite protection, I wore ultralight camo clothing, Irish Setter MUDTREK snake boots (https://www.irishsetterboots.com/) and a camo backpack with lots of water bottles.
To learn more about the Alabama Black Belt Outdoor Adventure Association, the region, and the certified outdoor professionals that form a part of this hunting-fishing-hiking-birding-camping group, visit https://alabamablackbeltadventures.org/.
Our expert guide, Leroy Upshaw, with a green motion detector light typically suspended at the bottom side of the feeder.
About Great Sothern Outdoors Plantation: The cost to hog hunt at Great Southern Outdoors Plantation at this time of year is affordable for every hunter. During the post-winter and summer months, the “Hog Wild Blowout Special” includes meals, lodging and guide service with no limit on the number of hogs harvested. The 2-night lodging fee is $600, a 3-night stay is $900. GSO hog hunts run from late February through mid-September. There are no hog limits, no cleaning fees, no trophy fees, semi-guided to stand locations, and you may choose your hunting implement of choice – firearms included. With your license, coyotes and bobcats (daylight hours only) are also fair game. For info or booking at Great Southern Outdoors, call 334-738-5066 or visit https://greatsouthernoutdoors.com/.
Alabama License fees: Add the cost of a license, and you’re good to go. As a nonresident, my small game license ($54.30), bait privilege license ($59.95) and nighttime feral swine and coyote hunting license ($58.30) added to the total cost for a 3-day hunting privilege: $172.55. Worth every penny. Visit: https://www.outdooralabama.com/licenses/hunting-licenses.
Lightweight Snake Boots that eliminate sweat! Irish Setter Boots.
Not many folks think about snake boots for hunting with sweat and scent control, but if you hunt or live in areas where the heat index soars to above 110 degrees, you really do need to consider this primary element for a successful hunting experience.
On this note, I found the MudTrek snake boots from Irish Setter to accomplish scent and sweat control for your feet while staying protected from venomous eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and cottonmouth water snakes that we have in Southwest Florida.
The Irish Setter TempSens technology helps regulate the temperature within the boot to maintain constant foot comfort. The system reacts, so moisture is hyper-wicked away from the foot in hot conditions, allowing for evaporative cooling. This helps keep feet cooler, drier and comfortable. In colder conditions, the system also pulls moisture from the skin but traps it to create a thermal barrier that helps maintain a constant, comfortable temperature inside the boot. Warm or cold, the ScentBan™ antimicrobial scent control helps eliminates odors within the boot. I found all-day underfoot comfort with these “safety boots” and excellent traction in slick or tough-walking terrain. The self-cleaning lugs help remove mud and dirt with every step. The vulcanized rubber upper design makes them waterproof and durable.
Also important, these snake boots are light, and they offer a traditional, roomier full fit with a wider leg and ankle openings. And, there is a convenient side zipper for easy on/off. I need that (I have big feet!). They are 17-inches high and are vulcanized rubber in a brown color boot design that features foot and lower leg comfort with resistance to fangs and thorns. These elements make the Irish Setter SnakeGuard boots the essential comfort tool for hunters and hikers in snake country. They cost about $230; visit www.irishsetterboots.com to learn more.
Significant Gifts for that one Significant Other, Outdoors Mom’s are special
Colorful 3-season and 4-season quilts, comfy outdoor footwear, bacteria-safe cutting board, a unique Wok w/ burner system
By Jason Houser
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, and significant others and children are not always the best at picking out gifts. Flowers die and chocolate is gone way too soon. This year get her something she can use and will last for years to come.
Cutting Boards and More
Mothers are great cooks (most mothers). Instead of letting her use the same old cutting board that is an eyesore, get her a cutting board that will last a lifetime and looks good in the kitchen. John Boos & Co. located in Effingham, Illinois, has been manufacturing cutting boards since the late 1800s. These boards can be found in kitchens across the country and on the sets of your favorite cooking show.
Cutting boards should last and that is exactly what a properly cared for cutting board from John Boos will do. It is not just cutting boards though. John Boos offers a wide selection of butcher blocks, countertops, worktables, and stainless-steel products.
If you can think of a need for it when it comes to this type of product, John Boos has probably already thought of it. Whether it is a block designed for cutting fresh herbs, holding your I-pad or your fresh loaf of homemade bread and everything in between, you will find it at John Boos.
If a durable and attractive board isn’t enough for you, then consider this. A scientific study conducted by Dr. Dean Cliver, Ph.D. has proved that maple cutting boards inhibit bacteria growth, while plastic boards have been scientifically proven to harbor bacteria inside the cut grooves. Also, wood cutting boards are known to be easier on your expensive knife blades.
Durable WOK with BIG KAHUNA Burner
Who doesn’t like cooking with woks? Eastman Outdoors is home to the best wok and outdoor burner on the market. Ideal for stir-frying, deep-frying, boiling, steaming, braising and simmering, this deep wok + powerful burner combination delivers versatile cooking, to decks, patios, backyards and campsites alike.
This outdoor wok kit is complete with accessories for styles of cooking. The 22-inch stainless-steel wok is 50% deeper than most traditional woks, allowing your favorite cook room to make your plenty of your favorite foods.
The propane burner has adjustable legs (18″ to 26″) making it perfect for not only the Wok, but the top surface flips to accept skillets and small pots but also tall pots.
Included in the kit are a stainless-steel wok spoon, spatula, 12-inch AccuZone (TM) thermometer, and an instructional DVD with recipes.
Boots
Every lady needs a good pair of boots. I bought my wife a pair of Vaprtrek from Irish Setter Boots. We recently returned from a turkey hunt in southern Illinois. To say that good footwear was important in the uneven terrain is an understatement.
I can only guess how many miles we walked on the days it took for us to scout and to fill our turkey tags. And, it was no walk in the park either. On this hunt, we both chose to wear the Irish Setter Vaprtrek. Walking over uneven terrain, crossing small streams, and experiencing mild temperatures, these boots were perfect.
Normally, we like to break our boots in before trekking through the wood’s miles from another pair of boots. Not doing so is only asking for sore feet and blisters. After trying these boots on for the first time, my wife felt comfortable enough to wear them hunting the very next day. These waterproof boots proved their weight in gold as we were on our feet all day long, day after day.
So, how does Irish Setter explain the Vaprtrek? VaprTrek™ boots were designed with the athletic hunter in mind.
Whether your deer hunting, scouting, searching for sheds or chasing that spring gobbler, you’ll appreciate how light yet rugged these technically advanced, high-performance boots are. Their innovative RPM™ sole, ScentBan™ scent control, and sleek profile combine to meet the demands of the most active hunters.
Quilts
These are not your grandma’s quilts. Quilts by Zenbivy are manufactured with the outdoorsman and woman in mind.
If you’re better half enjoys camping, she will enjoy one of these quilts. Unlike a sleeping bag that has a zipper to deal with when laid flat, these quilts do not have the extra weight to contend with. And, many people would rather not sleep in a sleeping bag that constricts their movement. It is much easier to cover up with a comfortable quilt for a good night’s rest.
Available in a variety of colors, it will not be a problem to find one just right for her. With three temperature ratings to choose from, there is one for every season. The 40º version is just as soft, just as light and just as packable as their 25º down quilt, but is built for warmer nights and tighter budgets. Built for 3-Season use, the 25 Degree down Light Quilt is one of the softest, most durable, lightweight quilts you can find. The buttery-soft 20º fabrication sets the 10º down Light Quilt apart from its more “purist” 10º competitors. Built for the widest range of temperatures, it’s a true 4-season ultra-light quilt.
The quilt is great, but be sure to check out the pillow, mattress and dry sack from Zenbivy to complete your sleeping comfort. These might not be the traditional Mother’s Day gifts many think of, but I am sure she would enjoy them for years to come.
Midsole support and solid heel fit helped heal my knee bones
Semi-automatic shoe-lacer, especially good for old guys
For hunting – they’re scent-free, waterproof and handsome to deer to stare at while I draw my bow
Click the boot to see how the shoe-lacing system works.
By Forrest fisher
In my short seven decades of hunting, hiking, fishing and camping, I have bought and tried virtually every boot ever made on the market. Most of them are pretty good and they work well for their intended purposes. Somehow without my knowing, time has passed and it seems I got old. First the back, then the knees, you know how things go when you wear out parts – especially in cold weather.
Then I had a chat with my long-time outdoor pal, Kim Emery, and she shared that there was this new boot that everyone was raving about for comfort. It was waterproof, you could get insulated or uninsulated, and if you wanted to save your back from bending over too far to tie the shoelaces, you could get them with the new, semi-automatic, wind-up shoe-lacer…push to lock, pull to release. Kim said, “You’re gonna like these Forrest.” When a trusted friend tells you that, they got ordered, they were on their way.
As soon as I received them, the shipping box wrapper lasted about 4 seconds until I reached the Irish Setter boot box. First off, they are handsome. Second, they were so lightweight. I felt myself hurrying to get my sneaker shoes off to slip into my new size 14 handsome boots. My heart was actually racing a bit, they looked so good. Would they fit? Would they work for me?
My wide foot slithered into them like a hot knife into warm butter. Wow, I thought, they feel really good. I stood up after figuring out the tighten-me-now shoe lace mechanism and there I was. I took a few careful steps. Then I hollered over to my better half, “Honey, come see these new boots! They’re amazing, they feel good, they help my knees, I can’t believe it!”
Smiling ear to ear, “I’m going hiking out back dear,” I was yelping. Underfoot and knee comfort like never before. Even my back felt good. I called Kim to share my surprise with this newfound hope for more time outdoors. Today, I wear them everywhere, every day – hunting, fishing, walking, shopping…everywhere. They are MY BOOTS. Good for uneven, even, rugged and un-rugged earth.
I researched them to learn more, because they are not only comfortable, they are warm and dry all day too. What are they made of? They are Irish Setter model 2890 boots and it turns out they use modern technology in putting these together, but without getting into the fancy names, they work. They even have odor elimination for smell-free feet when you hunt big game critters, like I’m doing today. I’ve had them a month and I’ve mistreated these like every other boot I have owned and they still look new. They don’t know what foot-dragging and toe-kicking abrasion means, they look brand new. AND, most of all, I can walk all day without looking to rest on my butt. That new shoe lace mechanism is called the BOA® lacing system. Only one word for these boots: LIFESAVERs! Irish Setter model 2890.
About Irish Setter: Based in Red Wing, MN, Irish Setter is a division of Red Wing Shoe Company that produces a full line of performance hunting boots and rugged outdoor casual footwear. Irish Setter continues to use leading technologies and the finest materials to offer customers the highest quality outdoor footwear. For more information about Irish Setter’s heritage, products and retailers, visit www.irishsetterboots.com.