Good point on the issue of them lifting above boot level-I hadn't looked at it that way(and I study reptiles as a hobby). Then again, if it lifted that high it would likely be seen first. I was thinking more along the lines of accidentally stepping on one-but if you're watching for game sign you'd probably see it first too. Maybe we've figured out why bites don't seem to be an issue, especially if most hunts take place in their winter like your hunts do.