Suppressed rabbit hunts?
In the past decade, there has been an explosion in popularity of the use of NFA-compliant suppressors (commonly but incorrectly termed silencers) both in recreational use and in hunting. With that being said, is there a place in the rabbit dog community for these devices?
Hunting with suppressors?
First off, sound moderating devices such as suppressors and silencers have never been illegal in the United States, the country of their birth. From 1909 when the first Maxim silencers came out, until 1934 when the National Firearms Act placed restrictions on these devices, you could even buy them mail order over the counter.
In just the past four years, suppressor ownership across the country has doubled from 285,000 registered “cans” in 2011 to more than 571,000 today. No less than 39 states allow ownership of NFA-registered suppressors, and most of these further allow their use in hunting, with this club increasing every year. In 2014 alone, Georgia, Louisiana, and Alabama all expanded this right to their sportsmen, while Florida and Montana approved the measure so far this year.
According to the American Suppressor Association, 35 states currently allow for their use in hunting, with most of these having regular rabbit seasons.
Why fool with it?
Obviously, use of a suppressor can translate into quieter hunts in which hearing protection is built-in to the firearm rather than stuffed in your ears. Sadly, many of us choose not to use earpro while in the field so we can listen to the sound of the dogs, the flush of the bunnies from the brush, and other reasons. This translates into loss of hearing over time. (How often do you say, “What?” when people are talking to you?)
As noted by the ASA, “Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20-35 dB, which is roughly the same as earplugs or earmuffs. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, and hunting dogs around the world.”
Overseas, especially in New Zealand and Great Britain, taking rabbits with what they term “moderated” shotguns is considered not only smart, but also downright polite.
So why not here?
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