Hunting Moccassins?

[Islandbowhunter]

Does anybody have a recommendation on who could make me a pair of hunting moccassins?

I don't want the Wal-Mart specials, I want a pair of real, durable, moccassins. Perhaps a synthetic-dipped sole for wet-coast use?

I don't expect them to be inexpensive, I know what leather work can cost so I won't be shocked by the price (hopefully).

Locally made, at least BC or Canada?

I have an old pair of mukluks made long ago for me by an elder native woman, but they are really pretty and beaded and more for the memories...I don't want to ruin them outside.

I want the person who asks for a tracing of my foot, not shoe size.

Can anybody help?

[Monashee]

Coastal Indians went barefoot in wet weather , moccasins are too slippery

[Spy]

Coastal Indians went barefoot in wet weather , moccasins are too slippery
Tough buggers!
Have you ever thought of using neoprene booties! I might give them a go this season!

[Slinky Pickle]

Try looking into wetsuit booties. They're pretty touch and some have pretty decent tread on them. I think you'll sweat your toes off though.

[1980skywalker]

We had a native lady from Fort St James make us a few pairs out of the moose hide we shot last year, she asked for the foot tracing and everything. They were the decorative kind but I am sure you could ask her to make a pair for the bush, I can get some contact info for you if you want?

[hunter1993ap]

i would like to buy the leather, does anyone know where to get good quality leather. i would also be interested in buying a pair of mocasins. i almost had a line on some out of chetwynd but never could get a pair.

[huntcoop]

With all the sh!t going down in region 5 I'd stay away from these.......

http://rugrabbit.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/640/allan_arthur/48-2010/plains_indians_moccasins_2046lrg.jpg (http://rugrabbit.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/big/allan_arthur/48-2010/plains_indians_moccasins_2046lrg.jpg)

[warnniklz]

always wanted a knee high pair for early season hunts, when the gorund is hotter than a popcorn fart.

[Islandbowhunter]

Coastal Indians went barefoot in wet weather , moccasins are too slippery

Right you may be...that's why I specified a synthetic-dipped sole for wet weather use.:-D


Thanks!

[Big Lew]

Yes, I noticed you specified a synthetic-dipped sole for wet weather use. Leather moccasins can truly be dangerous on uneven terrain or smooth logs etc. but they can also be very dangerous on dry high country range grass if it's on a slope or hillside.

[The Dawg]

Google Two Bears Buckskin and Taxidermy.

Rod and his wife do amazing work.

Located in PG, but they ship

[Islandbowhunter]

Thanks NoahDawg, I'll check them out.

I've had a couple of cool ideas thrown at me on how to get the silent-sneak-setup going.

Thanks to BigLew for sharing his design!

I never thought about the wetsuit boots...too obvious I presume? I have a pair of surfing booties that would be AWESOME! They have sticky, gummy soles that let your feet feel the ground (surfboard). I think we may have it!

[smoothbor]

I think divers boots are a bad idea if the weather is warm as I dont think neoprene breathes well, so i think your feet would be in rough shape from sweating, you know softening up those hard earned kaluses and peeling skin. But the moccasin idea sounds neat hope all works out for ya but i would stay away from divers neoprene boots for sure.IMHO

[Islandbowhunter]

Good point smoothbor. I think a moccassin with waterproof sole type idea, or a modification of BigLew's idea.

[TARCHER]

Try Russell Custom moccassin hunting boots. Expensive but have had mine for 20 years.

[Islandbowhunter]

With all the sh!t going down in region 5 I'd stay away from these.......

http://rugrabbit.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/640/allan_arthur/48-2010/plains_indians_moccasins_2046lrg.jpg (http://rugrabbit.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/big/allan_arthur/48-2010/plains_indians_moccasins_2046lrg.jpg)


Thanks for the support & encouragement!

[Islandbowhunter]

@Tarcher: those look closer to what we might need!

I was going through my closet (to get some more arrows, incidentally), when I saw my steelhead boots...started thinking "felt soles".

Anyways, I'm going to take a closer look at the Russell's.

Thanks everybody!

[The Hermit]

Given all the potential issues with traditional moccasins, neoprene I'd just stick with Vans on the hot easy days.

[Islandbowhunter]

Sometimes it's the simple solution, hey?