New footwear for dove

I have always worn western style work boots for dove and quail (think Justin, Ariat, double H western boots with rubber soles).

They are comfortable, and protect from brush, prickly pear, snakes, but they are HEAVY!

I use some cheap hiking boots for yard work. They are comfortable and tough enough for kicking around the yard.

I’m wondering, should I opt for some hiking boots fore dove season?

As far as sitting at the tank in the evenings, the work boots are fine. But, in the mornings and afternoons,I like to take off through the brush.

The roads and cow/game trails are not too rough, but sometimes I get off of those beaten paths and end up in the mesquite and prickly pear. That’s the only thing keeping me from doing the hikers.

What are y’all wearing and why? I don’t mind spending a little bit of money, but I’m not trying to pay a ton of money to try something new.

Thanks guys!

I normally wear a set of justin snake boots while dove hunting. But I dont do a ton of walking.

For quail I've got a pair of Irish setter hiking boots I like.

I wore my old military combat boots. I did have a pair of leather gaiters for snake protection, but usually did not use them because I stayed out of the brush. Being the old guy most of the time someone else retrieved the birds.

I was wearing a regular pair of tennis shoes last year dove hunting. For safety's sake, but you might rethink the justins.

https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/7630915/live-from-the-farm#Post7630915

I wear a pair of leather "chuka style" boots that I got on sale from Cabela's last year...they are ankle high and being all leather, do a good job of protecting my feet and lower legs when paired with a set of cordura faced upland jeans...If I am in snake country, I keep an eagle out for snakes and use a healthy dose of bird shot to tame any that may cross my path...

With the rattle bugs still being active I opt for snake boots.

Danner Pronghorns with shorts is my go to attire unless I'm hunting thick sunflowers then I wear jeans.

Dove season = shorts and snake boots

For dove hunting I wear my tennis shoes.

I prefer crocs. yes, with white socks.

I cant get the picture of a dove running around with shoes on out of my mind.

I've worn these the last couple of years and roll them down (usually wearing shorts) once I get to where I'm going to keep cool. As long as I'm not sitting in direct sunlight my feet stay relatively dry and comfortable.

Decook- I had a very similar thing happen to me a few years ago.

[censored] a dove and he went down in the middle of a large Algerita berry bush (no clue what it’s actually called). At the base of this bush were a few prickly pear ears.

I see the bird laying in the midst of this thorny mess. And I could probably have reached in and got it with a few scratches.

Instead, I took my foot and swept it through this mess to bend some branches out of the way.

Just as I did that, a 5 1/2 ft rattlesnake popped the end of my boot!

I was amazed i didn’t even see it! I’m always looking in those situation, but never had the slightest glimpse of this one!

I exclaimed, ‘ a snake just bit me!’ Not the right thing to say! Lol.

My cousin who was in ear shot came running Just as I made the 5 ft rattler into 2- 2 1/2 ft pieces. The wingmaster did well.

We had a lot to talk about that evening, and every year it gets brought up by someone. LOL.

That’s why I’ve kept the tall western boots on. I love them, but as I said, they are just a little too heavy for wandering.

Those of you that mentioned wearing shorts- I wish I could get away with that. Our pastures and tanks are a little too grown up for that. I may could pull that off behind the home place’s house. It’s usually in dirt at that time of the year.

I’ll keep on the lookout for some upcoming sales. Thanks for yalls feedback!

I haven’t decided if I want to go traditional with some Irish setter type boots or ultra modern with some orange and yellow mixed in with camo.

We’ll see!?

Snake Boots with cargo shorts.


I've been a believer since the age of 17...when a 6' diamond back made me appreciate why my dad insisted we wear those cheezy hard pvc plastic leggings when hunting quail in south Tx

I had a similar situation a few years back. Walking across the dove field in the dark on opening morning I was thinking about how hot and uncomfortable my snake boots wear compared to other options. I set all my stuff down and then start walking back and forth putting out the mojos. On my last trip back to my stool, right in front of it, something slithered right between my legs. Knew it was a snake and wasn't waiting for the sun to come up fully to see what kind, so I shot it. As it was doing it's thing, it started rattling away. Don't think it ever struck at me on any of my passes, but it certainly could have. Nothing but those hot uncomfortable snake boots for me since. Just not worth it.

I need to get boots, tired of putting chaps on. I can wear them on deer lease too. I like the Danner's.

You'll love Danners and their customer service if there is ever a problem.

This!

Shorts and flip flops/Merrel low top hikers. I hunt on plowed private with a few stands of milo and snakes aren't an issue.

I used to go to family hunts on family property in the sticks and everyone wore Chippewa snake boots but that was years ago.

Been wearing these green/brown Chippewa For dove and Deer hunting, but found these at the Justin outlet yesterday for 200 bucks. The wooden heel on the KR boots worries me a little.

I have a pair of Danner Pronghorns that are finally starting to split after about 15 years of use. I wear snake gaiters over them, which I find more comfortable. Now I've gotta hurry up and get a new pair and break them in. Has anyone tried the latest version of the Pronghorns? If so, any feedback on them?

You don't have to break in danners. They might get more comfortable, but no break in required

Not gonna lie... I was half expecting you to recommend a pair of Boss shells for my feet KWood.

But have you seen Sitka's new waders??

Hahahaha

I've alway liked the classy look of those green Chippewa boots. Unfortunately, the calf on a size 14 is too narrow for my calves.

You've good taste in boots (and watches)

I own a pair of Cripi legend boots I upland hunt in. Dove hunting im stationary enough I just wear my cowboy boots.