1. Dress to Protect
While hiking, wear boots that come up to the middle of your shin, or higher, to protect yourself from snakebites. The boots should be made of a thick material that will resist the bite, preferably thick leather. Cover your other exposed areas, like your arms and legs. Be sure to wear jeans and a long-sleeved shirt on a hike. While jeans and shirtsleeves may not prevent all bites, it sure will lessen the chance of sustaining snakebites on a hike.
2. Stay on the Beaten Path
Stay away from unfamiliar areas and tall grass during the hike. If you can't see below your knees, then there is a greater chance that you will suffer a snakebite. Stay on the normal hiking paths and try to avoid any unkempt areas, where snakes may lurk. Finally, never reach into a hole or covered area, for any reason, while hiking.
3. Carry a Big Stick
Carry a walking stick on the hike, which can be used as a tool, to prevent a snake from biting you. If you must cross an unkempt path, you can use the stick to probe the grassy areas to detect snakes lurking in the underbrush. Obviously, it is best to just stay out of those areas, but if it can't be avoided, a walking stick can provide some means of testing the area for potential snake-bite dangers.
4. Discretion is the Better of Valor
If you see a snake, whatever you do, do not try to agitate the snake or kill the snake. Just get the heck out of there as quickly and as quietly as possible! Most snakes are not aggressive creatures. They will usually only bite you out of a reaction or in defense of what they perceive to be a danger. So, just remember that discretion is the better part of valor, and do not try to demonstrate your bravery or wilderness acumen by provoking the snake.
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