How to pick the perfect hunting footwear for every adventure

UPLAND GAME BIRDS

My go-to footwear for hunting upland game birds is a pair of eight-inch, uninsulated, waterproof leather boots from Schnee’s (above). I’ve inserted orthotics to lift my heel a little, allowing me to walk comfortably all day long. As often happens, however, they’re no longer being made. Perhaps Schnee’s newer models are even better, but I’m in no hurry to find out—thanks to a little leather conditioner now and then, my old pair will certainly outlive me.

Weather conditions can be inconsistent during the spring turkey hunt—some days it might be warm and dry, others cool, wet and muddy. To accommodate the variable conditions, I rely on uninsulated VaprTrek boots from Irish Setter. These nine-inch waterproof boots can be easily cleaned with a hose, and the soles shed mud easily. Best of all, they’re featherlight—it’s like hunting in running shoes.