Not a reptile guy by any means. Just been around them for a long while and studied them because of what I do for a living, I do know that pit vipers (rattlesnakes) possess no audio ability so don't expect them to hear you coming and warn you. They are sensitive to foot steps (seismic activity) so stomp your feet as you walk but don't feel this is enough to let them know you are there (and more and more so because of what I have seen because I believe they have become acclimated to our presence and do not feel as threatened unless directly confronted and agitated) Best advice, Look where you are walking and to each side of your path and do the same for your dog and keep them on a leash if it looks like a bad area or don't bring them at all (spring time is the worst but any time in this part o the world is snake time if the weather is right) . Gaiters are a something everyone should seriously consider in this part of the world if you off road, especially if you venture far off the beaten path. Getting bit five miles off the trail head with no cell service would seriously suck.
