52 bow? did it get you as far as a venomous bite?? I have to say there would have been another stain on my camo beside the streak of venom!
Yeah they dont rattle like people think, that is a misconception. I was bass fishing a few years back standing on a bank, just happened to look down and noticed something that didn't look right in the grass. turned out to be a diamondback less than three inches from my boot coiled, just laying there, not in a strike stance or anything? I tried to step away as calmly as I could. but he had me dead to rights.
I guess I have had enough encounters with them as not to see them as much threat that I need to buy 100 dollar pair of boots. Maybe I run across one that nails me one day, but as much time as I have spent in snakey country I doubt that will happen. I know if you step on them your bit, if you screw with them your bit, and alot of times as I mentioned if you are trying to kill them you could be bit.
In the end if it gives you a piece of mind wearing the boots then go for it. just concentrate on the hunt, dont let snakes worry you so much that you dont hunt well or dont enjoy the hunt.
Jason