Did you know that, according to recent research, hunting licenses experienced a huge surge in nearly every state due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Prior to the pandemic, hunting, in general, was a declining sport with fewer and fewer hunters each year.
However, it now seems that forcing people to isolate and in general avoid people altogether has sparked a massive spike in outdoor activities like hiking and hunting.
So what does this have to do with snake chaps? Quite simply, with upwards of 67% more hunters tracking through the wilderness into snake country, it drastically increases your chances of coming across live snakes.
If you're a hunter, you likely know just what a great escape it has been during this time to be able to get out into nature and practice this sport. However, you may not have thought about the increased threat of a snake bite.
Fortunately, hunters can help protect themselves from snake bites by wearing a pair of snake proof chaps over their pants and by following additional safety tips. But do you know how to use snake proof chaps? If it's your first time, you might not know how to get started.
In this article, we'll review everything you need to know about how to use snake chaps so you can confidently spend your time outdoors. Read on to learn more.
Choosing the Right Snake Chaps
When it comes to using snake chaps correctly, you first need to choose the best snake proof chaps for you. Depending on the level of protection you're looking for and what you'll be using them for, different options might be best for you.
Level of Protection
One of the things you need to do when choosing snake proof chaps is to decide what level of protection you need. Chaps tend to offer your entire legs full protection from snake bites, while gaiters will only cover up the top of your boots.
While most of the unprovoked snake bites occur below the knee, your thighs become vulnerable in positions when you are kneeling or sitting on the ground. For this reason, it's better to buy protective clothing that offers full protection.
The Type of Material
When choosing snake proof chaps, another factor to consider is the type of material you need for ideal protection. If there's a chance you might get wet, selecting a pair of waterproof chaps will not only keep you dry but also not make you feel weighed down like with other materials.
It's also important to consider the type of hunting or activity you'll be doing when making this decision. For example, if you'll be spending a considerable amount of time squatting and maneuvering through the woods, flexibility will be important. On the other hand, if you anticipate wearing snake chaps while navigating desert-like envrionments, then something lightweight would be ideal.
The material that can check the most boxes is ideal. Stone Creek snake chaps are the best of both worlds because they are easy to put on, comfortable, and provide you with the protection you need because they are made from 4-ply waterproof nylon which is a high-strength fabric but they're also flexible and lightweight.
Plus, with our snake chaps, we have excellent results in testing trials. When we had them tested with a PSI that was extremely high, with 8,000 PSI and a jet stream of .035 millimeters, it didn't penetrate the chaps.
Zippers
We also recommend that you buy snake chaps that have zippers. These are easier to put on and take off while wearing boots.
When choosing snake-proof chaps with zippers, ensure that the zipper is made from aluminum, and zippers that go 3/4 way up leg give you the easy on and off capability while wearing your boots.
Additionally, it's a good idea to get snake chaps with zippers that have a nylon flap covering up the zipper. This fold protects the zipper from being clogged with mud, briars, or anything else mother nature sends your way.
The zipper construction will be the most heavily used component of the chap, so be sure the zippers come with a lifetime warranty so you can replace them whenever you need to.
How to Put on Snake Chaps
Once you've found your ideal pair of snake chaps, you need to know how to wear them so you can protect yourself from your hip to your ankle. To do this, you first open up the snake chap fully by undoing the zipper. Then, you'll step through the opening at the top and slide the chaps over your jeans.
The interior of the chap should be around your pants, with the label on the outside hip when you do this.
Once you have everything in the right position and the interior is around your leg, you can take the following additional steps.
Additional Steps
Next, attach the strap part of the snake chaps to your belt. This will keep them in place. This is an adjustable strap that has a quick-clip buckle. Don't have a belt? No problem, as you can strap it through your belt loop.
It's also possible to attach the chaps to suspenders.
Next, zipper the chaps closed on each leg.
Now, you'll be ready to go out hunting wearing the snake chaps!
Additional Safety Tips
Whether you're buying snake chaps for yourself or someone else, it's important that you follow additional safety tips to ensure that you, your friends, or your family are safe when going through areas that have snakes.
Combine With the Right Materials
When you combine your snake chaps with the right materials, this will offer you even more protection against a possible snake bite. Some great options to wear under your snake chaps include a heavy pair of denim, canvas, or leather. Additionally, wearing heavy-duty boots and gloves are also a great idea to protect other sensitive areas of your body.
Take the Right Precautions To Prevent Snake Bites
Just because you're protecting yourself with snake chaps, this doesn't mean that you shouldn't take precautions to avoid snakes. Snake chaps certainly help raise your level of protection against a possible snake bite, but you can never predict what will happen when you're in a dangerous environment.
Ideally, the best way to protect yourself is just to avoid any areas where there are snakes. But we know that's not always realistic, so the best tip is to be careful about where you step and where you put your hands. By doing this and being cautious the way you would be without the chaps, you'll be less likely to surprise a snake and cause it to instinctively attack.
Also, if you do get bitten, don't simply continue with your hunting. Instead, get the medical help you need immediately. It's also smart to review first-aid tips for snake bits before you head off on your hunting journey.
Snake Bite Tips
There are several things you need to make sure to do if you're bitten by a snake. First, immediately call 911 or go to a nearby hospital. If you go to a hospital, go to it as quickly as possible. While you're waiting for assistance, make sure you stay calm.
Additionally, position the area where the snakebite is so that it's below or at heart level.
Remove any tight clothing or jewelry before any swelling starts.
Don't apply a tourniquet or ice to the bite. Additionally, don't try sucking out the venom or cutting the wound. Also, avoid drinking alcohol or caffeine, which could speed up your body absorbing the venom.
Want to Learn More?
At Stone Creek, we're experts when it comes to snake chaps and other hunting gear made right here in the USA.
Now that you've learned about how to use snake proof chaps in this step-by-step guide, maybe you want to figure out which ones are best for an upcoming hunting trip, or maybe you want to learn more about the chaps we offer.
Learn more about our snake chaps here or you can contact our team by calling 814-627-2316 or emailing kim@stonecreekhounds.com.