SharpsNitro, It was property shopping (online) for a small bird hunting place just south of the Texas panhandle that got me looking into rattlesnakes. The rolling plains just southeast of the panhandle are 2500-3000 ft elevation, so not encouraged by Ripp's comments on elevation.

In Arizona you'll probably have the Mojave rattlers, nastiest of the lot in terms of venom. I think with reasonable precautions one can eliminate most of the danger. Leather boots, chaps, exercise caution on warm nights etc. I worry about reaching down to pick up quail under sagebrush, but never had a problem yet.