I know this has been discussed before but I don't recall anyone mentioning snake proof gaiters. Is there any need to wear them while hunting in Namibia in May? I already have a pair so it's not like additional cost for the trip. Your opinions please!

John,

Who knows what kind of response you will get on this but I would say no. I think I have seen five snakes total in Africa and they were trying to get out of my way. Another thing is that unless your gaiters are different than anything I have seen before they are probably noisy as Heck if you are walking through grass or brush. Gaiters could be a drawback when trying to sneak up on something.

Regards,

Mark

I'm looking for a pair for myself. What i've heard is that they're very useful for keeping the irritating grass seeds etc out of the socks. Bob

Bob- I solved the weed seed problem with a pair of Speed Hunters from Cabela's. As Mim's pointed out, the snake proof variety are probably too hot and as Mark has pointed out, most hunters don't even see a snake and they are noisy which isn't a factor when dove hunting here. So, one less item to pack! Thanks guys!

30ott06,

I don't think you need snake gaiters.

Regular gaiters are generally useful (especially with shorts).

I like these:

Boyt Canvas Gaiters


Another option is:

Terra Gaiter

Regards,

Terry

John,

Crocodiles are in Africa, Gaitors are in Florida.

A PH I was with in Zim had some gaiters made from Kudu leather. I'd love to find some like his. Was going to get some leather tanned to make my own, but never got around to it.



BTW, Crocs are in Florida as well:



American Crocodile



FWIW ,



-Steve

30ott6,

Don't worry about snakes in Africa, Egyptians and Mambas all bite above the knee anyway, some higher than that.

Certainly there are a lot of "professionals" here on the AR-forum who would advise you to take everything from GPS to gaiters along on a plainsgame hunt in Namibia, forget about them!!!!!!
Here is a list of things that I would take:
1. A gun somewhere around 7mm/.300# (if eland is excluded)
with a decent scope on it. (Sight it in on 180 meters)
2. A hat made of a soft material so you can "wrap" it up
and put it in your pocket
3. A light shirt. (I know that africa is doorning, but
heavy material will become too much of a hassle during
midday when it�s hot.)
4. Convertable trousers!!!!! (Zip the bottom off when it
becomes hotter during the day)
5. "Atheletic" socks wich look like balett-shoes. (They
don�t stik out of your shoe and don�t fill up with seeds.
6. Very light and comfortable shoes, preferably made out of
leather.(I have the ones made out of kudu or seal
leather) Havy boots are made for "hunters" who don�t do
more than 5 miles of walking and stalking per day.
7. A sweater for the early and late hours when out in the
bush or sitting on the back of a vehicle. Maybe another
jacket, depending on the season.
8. A light pair of binocs
9. I almost forgot the camera and some sun-blocker (very
important)

If you want to hunt in a proper way, thats all to take along for the day. The rest is supplied by your PH. If you want to "harvest" or simply "bag" some plainsgame, don�t forget the GPS, sat-phone, gaiters, gloves, survival-knife and all the other heavy items.
Regards Kamaatu