Why It Matters: As hunters of all ages begin or continue their outdoor adventures, ensuring they have a safe and enjoyable experience is critical to hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) efforts. Whether it is guidance on how to properly handle a firearm or how to safely ascend a tree stand, hunter safety takes many forms. Education surrounding hearing protection while afield is often overlooked by many hunters. However, proper education on how to protect your hearing while pursuing your favorite game species can ensure hunters have a pleasurable experience afield, thus potentially strengthening hunter participation and R3 efforts.
Highlights:
- According to our partners at the American Suppressor Association (ASA), hunters and recreational shooters are among the groups that face the most serious threats to hearing loss.
- Firearm suppressors mitigate the sound signature of a firearm, often reducing the noise from a gunshot by 20 – 35 decibels.
- Currently, all Southeastern states permit the use of firearm suppressors for hunting.
Hunting seasons are in full swing across the Southeast and in most of the country. As you gear up to head afield after your species of choice, you may have a long checklist of items to grab before heading out the door. Unfortunately, many hunters neglect, overlook, or choose not to wear hearing protection to maintain situational awareness while in the field. When most folks think of hearing protection, they picture a traditional set of headphones or earplugs. However, as firearm suppressors have grown in popularity, they offer a safe and effective means of hearing protection while afield not only for the hunter, but also for hunting dogs and others in close proximity.
With processing times down to historic lows and hunting with suppressors now permitted in all Southeastern states, now is an excellent time for hunters to take hearing protection to a new level while afield. In addition to hearing protection, suppressors also reduce recoil and muzzle rise which leads to a more consistent shot and overall positive experience for new hunters, potentially contributing to hunter recruitment efforts. On the other hand, older generations of hunters that have suffered hearing loss due to repeated exposure to gun fire while afield now have access to a safe alternative for hearing protection. Regardless of the demographic of hunter, suppressors provide a safe option for hearing protection while participating in our time-honored traditions.
With the growing popularity of suppressors, the Southeast is not alone in allowing hunters to utilize suppressors for hunting. Most recently, thanks to an effort spearheaded by the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, hunting with suppressors was permanently authorized earlier this year, removing the two-year sunset provision previously in place.
Nationally, suppressor ownership is legal in 42 states and is legal for hunting in 41 states. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) will continue working alongside Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucuses across the country and our partners at ASA to advocate for suppressor ownership and their use for hunting.
