Another snake boot question

[Sam McMichael]

All who know me are aware of my obsession with snake boots. My grandson is 5 years old and is beginning to follow me around the woods. How high up on the leg do most bites occur - especially big guys like rattlesnakes? Would these bites reach over the top of little boy sized boots? What about chaps? Do they make them small enough for little guys? As you might guess, this is a fairly big issue for me. Thanks for your help.

[Deno]

Sam
That's a scary thought right there.  Kids boots are not all that high off the ground even up to there knees.  They may make chaps for kids but having 4 Grandson's myself, I don't venture out with them when snakes are about. If I do, it's mostly hikes on wide trails.  At 5 years old, way too dangerous in snake season for me. New Jersey has some mean snakes too!!

Sam
I just checked LaCrosse kids snake boots are 12 inches high.

Deno

[Wapiti22]

For the little guy, I would do both chaps and boots.

[katman]

Originally posted by Wapiti22:
For the little guy, I would do both chaps and boots.

x2, and treat them with permethrin.

I am sure you have seen snakes hanging in bushes a ways off ground, you should lead the way being observant.

[Sam McMichael]

I like Wapiti22's suggestion of both boots and chaps. It is expensive, but when that little guy is in question, I don't care about the cost.

[Wapiti22]

I lived and bowhunted in South Carolina for 4 years back in the 80's. You are going to see snakes in the woods, and alligators.

[Deno]

"I am sure you have seen snakes hanging in bushes a ways off ground, you should lead the way being observant."...Katman

Sam
I'm not tryin' to talk you out of time in the woods with your Grandson but a 5 yr old's hands,  arms, and backside are way too close to the ground for me to take chances.
Deno

[Sam McMichael]

Deno, I have some wide and well cleared path/roads on my place, so I stay on them for the exact reason you mention. Plus, I always make him walk a few steps behind me so I can scout for them. However, your comments do ring true and make good sense regarding how low to the ground little ones are. That is something to consider, especially since we have seen some big rattlers there.  

Maybe during the summer, we will stay in the yard.

[CRM_95]

A big snake can strike pretty high...I don't know if y'all have many rattlers in Georgia or not, but if you do for kiddos snake boots and chaps wouldn't be a bad idea. Here where I'm at we have more copperheads than anything, and just my regular work boots or rubber boots are all I wear. We have a few canebrake rattlers but they're few and far between. When I head down south though I ALWAYS wear snake boots and am super careful. Better safe than sorry.

[Deno]

Sam
Hangin' out with the Grandkids is always the best when they are interested in hiking and the outdoors.  
Deno

[monterey]

Deno, I have some wide and well cleared path/roads on my place, so I stay on them for the exact reason you mention. Plus, I always make him walk a few steps behind me so I can scout for them.  

I agree with the max protection possible.

But, you should be aware that it's most often the second person that gets bit.  Not a"theory", but a fact!