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Rookie question on boots and saddles

M

Mitchell

New Member
Joined
Jan 8, 2020
Messages
16
I have bow hunted for 35 years now. This is my first year to saddle hunt. I turned 70 this month. So far I have really enjoyed it.

I live in MS, so we don't have to deal with severe cold weather. I learned early on that knee high rubber boots are very, very helpful in minimizing scent left from my entrance path. I am using Lacross Burly's and have done so for years. What I have experienced in the saddle is that occasionally a cleat on the bottom of the boot hangs up and makes a slight pop as I reposition. It almost cost me a doe last evening.

I would prefer to keep using some kind of knee high rubber boot. Any suggestions on how to deal with this?

Thanks for the help
Mitchell
 
Can say that the Aeroheads are less cleated in their traction, something to consider, pros and cons to each.
 
SNIPERBBB said:
Rubber boots do nothing for reducing scent. They are easier to clean and waterproof, but that's it. Just find a comfortable boot with the traction and warmth qualities you want.
Click to expand...

not even ground scent?

I gave up on them for other reasons (too heavy and uncomfortable to walk over a mile for me)
 
You could try adding some 3M safety walk tape to your platform (I'm assuming you're using a platform) where you normally place your feet. I have it on my platform and it should be enough to plug up the holes in your platform and prevent the problem you're describing. I believe I bought mine at Home Depot but I'd assume most lumber/hardware stores would carry it.
 
Nope. Just flows up and out. plus you're feet is dropping minimal scent compared to exposed skin.
 
Smell your rubber boots - what do they smell like? Rubber boots?then they aren’t scent free.
I wear tennis shoes that I store with cedar blocks and only wear hunting, they smell more woodsy then my chemical smelling lacrosse knee high boots. I have deer cross my trail all the time and not bust.
For me the tennis shoes grip the best are the lightest and most flexible in the tree. So get a cheap pair of trail running shoes and try them out.
 
JakeFromVirginia said:
Smell your rubber boots - what do they smell like? Rubber boots?then they aren’t scent free.
I wear tennis shoes that I store with cedar blocks and only wear hunting, they smell more woodsy then my chemical smelling lacrosse knee high boots. I have deer cross my trail all the time and not bust.
For me the tennis shoes grip the best are the lightest and most flexible in the tree. So get a cheap pair of trail running shoes and try them out.
Click to expand...

Maybe it was Eberhart can’t recall, talked about having a pair or two of rubber boots offgassing in the queue for a year or two at all times, get in the rotation once they’re low scent. Don’t know if it works, it can’t hurt though, and I respect the planning.
 
JakeFromVirginia said:
Smell your rubber boots - what do they smell like? Rubber boots?then they aren’t scent free.
I wear tennis shoes that I store with cedar blocks and only wear hunting, they smell more woodsy then my chemical smelling lacrosse knee high boots. I have deer cross my trail all the time and not bust.
For me the tennis shoes grip the best are the lightest and most flexible in the tree. So get a cheap pair of trail running shoes and try them out.
Click to expand...


I hunted a few times with my tennis shoes this year where I didnt have to mess with water at all. I usually wear Muck-type boots but the tread on them is dreadful. Especially on dry oak leaves and slick bark trees. Fell walking down a hill pretty hard with the mucks because of the stupid leaves! Thinking about getting some Rockies version of the mucks, hopefully those are a bit better. At least the least they look like they can take more abuse than the mucks. I can destroy new mucks day one on the trapline
 
SNIPERBBB said:
Nope. Just flows up and out. plus you're feet is dropping minimal scent compared to exposed skin.
Click to expand...

Again, I don't wear rubber boots, but I believe the argument is that leather is more porous and so holds scent that cannot be washed out easily (like a big sponge) and that sweat and scent from the inside of the boot eventually permeates to the outer layer (might take months of use) and then you have a big human scent sponge.

This outside the bounds of what we can figure out here and would have to be settled with actual experiments that no one has done (that I know of).

I wish more companies made neoprene lace ups. Muck made them (Pursuit Stealth, I believe) and they are very comfortable but then discontinued them.
 
Mitchell said:
I have bow hunted for 35 years now. This is my first year to saddle hunt. I turned 70 this month. So far I have really enjoyed it.

I live in MS, so we don't have to deal with severe cold weather. I learned early on that knee high rubber boots are very, very helpful in minimizing scent left from my entrance path. I am using Lacross Burly's and have done so for years. What I have experienced in the saddle is that occasionally a cleat on the bottom of the boot hangs up and makes a slight pop as I reposition. It almost cost me a doe last evening.

I would prefer to keep using some kind of knee high rubber boot. Any suggestions on how to deal with this?

Thanks for the help
Mitchell
Click to expand...

hi mitchel. First off good on you for being open minded and trying something new at 70. That is cool and kindve rare. It seems like a lot of people would rather argue about boots than help you with your question. If there is anything to argue about they’ll find it. I’m sure you know your choice in footwear does not determine your success as a hunter. I’m not a huge fan of wrapping things in paracord, however I have found that it really reduced the pop sounds to more of a thud. I wrap the outter edges and found it to help. I also think over time I’ve trained myself to not twist my feet as much. Good luck!
 
raisins said:
Again, I don't wear rubber boots, but I believe the argument is that leather is more porous and so holds scent that cannot be washed out easily (like a big sponge) and that sweat and scent from the inside of the boot eventually permeates to the outer layer (might take months of use) and then you have a big human scent sponge.

This outside the bounds of what we can figure out here and would have to be settled with actual experiments that no one has done (that I know of).

I wish more companies made neoprene lace ups. Muck made them (Pursuit Stealth, I believe) and they are very comfortable but then discontinued them.
Click to expand...
Neoprene is semi porous. Cleans up easier than regular hunting boots but still can hold scent. Too many bad experiences with frozen chest waders on the morning after a day of beaver or muskrat trapping.

What ive found hunting deer and trapping coyotes and beaver(their sense of smell is vastly underrated) is that it is more important to give them something to smell that's more interesting than your scent.
 
I had the same problem with my Rockies the first year I wore them. They are quite now I guess they got a little wear on them in the right places. But I still am careful moving my feet around when I use a platform. On ROS I have to be careful but that’s because the steps can squeak against the tree.
I hope you find something that works for you.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Well thanks so much for a lot of good ideas. I am not knowledgeable enough to call the shot on rubber and sent, but I can simply say I have used these for over 30 years and cannot remember a time when a deer was alerted by my entrance path. I do appreciate the comments though and will give more thought to them.

In the meantime, the since I am using a platform, I will try both the 3M tape and the paracord. These seem like inexpensive (already have a bunch of paracord) and easy things to try. So thanks for the tips!!
 
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