what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Hunting in general, or with a suppressor.

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romad7
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by romad7 »

Ohio allows hunting with suppressors as of this week :D
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by whiterussian1974 »

TX, KS, OK, LA all allow. Though KS doesn't allow IT's citizens to own suppressors. :(
I'm not sure, but think that MO and CO also allow.
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

whiterussian1974 wrote:TX, KS, OK, LA all allow. Though KS doesn't allow IT's citizens to own suppressors. :(
I'm not sure, but think that MO and CO also allow.
Suppressors are legal in CO, KS, and MO. Hunting with suppressors is also legal in those three states. See map below.

Here's a list of states where this is legal.
http://www.guntrustlawyer.com/category/ ... ust-lawyer

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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

New Hunting with Suppressors Map (Valid: 04/23/2015)
Update: Montana


On April 23, 2015, Montana signed into law bill HB 250, allowing suppressed hunting of both game and non-game animals. Previously only non-game animals were allowed to be hunted with a suppressor. The law went into effect immediately upon signing.

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Sources:
Montana:
https://www.facebook.com/americansuppre ... 9812225289
Montana Bill HB 250 History
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid: 07/01/2015)
Update: Minnesota



Today May 22, 2015, Minnesota signed into law bill SF 878 legalizing the private possession of suppressors which will be effective on July 1, 2015. The bill also allows hunting with suppressors, effective August 1, 2015.

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Note: I will update this map with the appropriate hunting information once I find out what restrictions, if any, are imposed.

Sources:
Minesota
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/laws/?year=2 ... pter&id=65
https://www.facebook.com/gocra/posts/10153848881827542
http://americansuppressorassociation.co ... ppressors/
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid: 08/01/2015)
Update: Minnesota

I received information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on where and what wildlife are legal to hunt suppressed. All game and non-game wildlife are legal to hunt suppressed, and there are no restrictions with regards to whether it's on public land or private. Below is a copy of the email.

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Source:
Minnesota
E-mail from Minnesota DNR:
Storm7,

There are no restrictions on what game you can hunt with a suppressor – there are restrictions on the type of firearm you can use to hunt game in MN. Currently you can’t use a .17 caliber to hunt deer but you can legally use a .22 and since it’s a legal firearm to take deer, you could have a suppressor on it.

Right now there is no language that address private versus public – they are legal throughout the state.

You are correct on the date – August 1st.

Here is the language that was passed regarding revocations if convicted of committing a game/fish crime while in possession of a suppressor.


Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.421, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor. (a) A person who is convicted of a violation under paragraph (b) and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for five years from the date of conviction.
(b) The revocation under this subdivision applies to convictions of:

(1) trespass as provided in section 97A.315, subdivision 1, paragraph (b);

(2) hunting game in closed season;

(3) hunting game more than one-half hour before legal shooting hours or more than one-half hour after legal shooting hours; or

(4) using artificial lights to spot, locate, or take wild animals while in possession of a firearm.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2015, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.



MN DNR Enforcement – Operations Manager
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

New Hunting With Suppressors Maps (Valid: 7/2/15 and 8/1/15)
Update: Vermont


On June 17, Vermont's Governor Peter Shumlin signed Bill H.5 into law, legalizing the possession and use of suppressors in that state. Vermont is the 41st State to legalize suppressors. The law will go into effect on July 2. It restricts the civilian use of suppressors to "(4) a person lawfully using a sport shooting range." This "use" provision is designed to expire on July 1, 2017. [Sec 18 (c) (4); Sec 19 (3)]


Effective July 2, 2015
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Effective August 1, 2015
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Note: The two versions of this map reflect the different dates Minnesota's law legalizing suppressor ownership, and hunting with suppressors goes into effect.

Source:
Vermont
http://legislature.vermont.gov/assets/D ... nacted.pdf
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid: 10/15/2015)
Update: Maine


From The American Suppressor Association:
At midnight last night, ASA backed Legislative Document 942 became law, making Maine the 37th state to legalize full game suppressor hunting. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason (R – Androscoggin County), LD 942 also includes a “Shall Sign” provision, which will require Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) in Maine to sign NFA applications within 15 days of receipt, unless the applicant is found to be a prohibited person. The legislation will take effect 90 days after the end of session, on October 15, 2015.


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Note: The map has now been updated with the law's effective date.

The law allows the hunting of any animal or bird for which the hunter is licensed. There are no land restrictions, so suppressed hunting should be allowed on both public and private lands.
Noise suppression device. An individual in lawful possession of a device to suppress or deaden the sound or natural report of a firearm when the firearm is discharged may hunt any wild animals or wild birds the individual is licensed to hunt under this chapter and for which the firearm is allowed with that device attached to the firearm.
Sources:
Maine
ASA: Maine: Pro-Suppressor Legislation Becomes Law
Law's Status
Law's Text
Last edited by Storm7 on Wed Aug 12, 2015 12:42 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Joker31D »

Not Really Adding much to the Post, just celebrating the fact that after I spent the last 3 years Lobbying the Florida Agriculture Commission for the legality of using Suppressors for hunting and bringing mine out to several events for them to shoot, it was allowed this year and this deer season will be the first in the history of Florida that we are allowed to hunt with Suppressors.
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

Joker31D wrote:Not Really Adding much to the Post, just celebrating the fact that after I spent the last 3 years Lobbying the Florida Agriculture Commission for the legality of using Suppressors for hunting and bringing mine out to several events for them to shoot, it was allowed this year and this deer season will be the first in the history of Florida that we are allowed to hunt with Suppressors.
Thanks for all your hard work. And congratulations.
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Joker31D »

The downside is that I just sent off paperwork on my new can and it wont be back in time. :( oh well, will use 300AAC and an Osprey for now. Hopefully it will be back before the season is over so I can use it with my Grendel.
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

Update: Maine - Suppressed Hunting Permit

In order to hunt with a suppressor in Maine, you must apply for a permit, separate from a standard hunting license.

Here's the link to the permit application: Maine Suppressed Hunting Permit Application

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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

News

American Suppressor Association introduces bill to remove suppressors from the NFA. It looks like they are finally getting around to this. They must think they have enough states in the go column to give this a shot. I hope they succeed. The only thing is if they plan on getting it through this year (2015-2016), they are going to have to amend it to another bill to get Obama to sign it.

http://americansuppressorassociation.co ... m-the-nfa/
ASA Announces Hearing Protection Act: A Bill To Remove Suppressors From The NFA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is pleased to announce the introduction of the Hearing Protection Act (HPA) by Rep. Matt Salmon (AZ-05). This historic piece of legislation will remove suppressors from the purview of the National Firearms Act (NFA), replacing the antiquated federal transfer process with an instantaneous NICS background check. The HPA also includes a provision to refund the $200 transfer tax to applicants who purchase a suppressor after October 22, 2015.

“The American Suppressor Association believes that citizens should not have to pay a tax to protect their hearing while exercising their Second Amendment rights,” said Knox Williams, President and Executive Director of the ASA. “The removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act has been our ultimate goal since day one. For months, we have worked alongside Rep. Salmon’s office and the National Rifle Association to craft this legislation. Although we recognize that introducing this bill is the first step in what will be a lengthy process to change federal law, we look forward to working with Rep. Salmon and the NRA to advance and ultimately enact this common-sense legislation.”

Also known as silencers, suppressors are the hearing protection of the 21st century sportsman. Despite common Hollywood-based misconceptions, the laws of physics dictate that no suppressor will ever be able to render gunfire silent. Suppressors are simply mufflers for firearms, which function by trapping the expanding gasses at the muzzle, allowing them to slowly cool in a controlled environment. On average, suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by 20 – 35 decibels (dB), roughly the same sound reduction as earplugs or earmuffs. In addition to hearing protection, suppressors also mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting lands.

Unfortunately, suppressors have been federally regulated since the passage of the National Firearms Act of 1934. The NFA regulates the transfer and possession of certain types of firearms and devices, including suppressors. Currently, prospective buyers must send in a Form 4 application to the ATF, pay a $200 transfer tax per suppressor, undergo the same background check that is required to purchase a machine gun, and wait months for the ATF to process and approve the paperwork. In stark contrast, many countries in Europe place no regulations on their purchase, possession, or use.

Rep. Salmon’s Hearing Protection Act will fix the flawed federal treatment of suppressors, making it easier for hunters and sportsmen to protect their hearing in the 41 states where private suppressor ownership is currently legal, and the 37 states where hunting with a suppressor is legal. This legislation will remove suppressors from the onerous requirements of the NFA, and instead require purchasers to pass an instant NICS check, the same background check that is used during the sale of long guns. In doing so, law-abiding citizens will remain free to purchase suppressors, while prohibited persons will continue to be barred from purchasing or possessing these accessories.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN SUPPRESSOR ASSOCIATION

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is the unified voice of the suppressor industry. Our mission is to unite and advocate for the common interests of suppressor manufacturers, distribu­tors, dealers, and consumers. To accomplish our mission, our principal initiatives focus on state lobbying, federal lobbying, public education, and industry research.

The ASA is a sponsorship driven organization. Without the help of the following sponsors, this legislation would not have been possible: AcuSport, SilencerCo, Silencer Shop, Daniel Defense, Gemtech, Yankee Hill Machine Co., Thunder Beast Arms Corporation, Advanced Armament Corporation, Federal Premium Ammunition ®, Vortex Optics, Dakota Silencer, Freedom Munitions, and Liberty Suppressors.

For more information on how you can join the ASA, and help protect and expand your right to own and use suppressors, please visit http://www.AmericanSuppressorAssociation.com.
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

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New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid: 2/11/16)
Update: Michigan


From the American Suppressor Association:
On February 11th, Michigan became the 38th state to allow for the use of firearm suppressors while hunting when the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) voted 4 – 1 to approve an amended version of Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 1 of 2016. The measure became effective immediately.

The initial proposal included two arbitrary restrictions which would have limited the decibel reduction of suppressors allowed in the field to 30 dB, and would have also prohibited the use of subsonic ammunition by anyone using a suppressor while hunting. Prior to the final vote, Commissioner Louise Klarr offered an amendment to remove these two provisions from the proposed rule. Her measure passed also 4 – 1.

“We are incredibly excited that hunters in the great state of Michigan can now use suppressors to help protect their hearing while they’re in the field,” said Knox Williams, President of the American Suppressor Association. “It was a pleasure working to educate the NRC Commissioners and members of the DNR on the realities of suppressor use. We applaud their decision to remove the prohibition on suppressor hunting without the two restrictive provisions. In doing so, they have done their part to ensure that the next generation of hunters does not have to sacrifice their hearing.”


Effective February 11, 2016
Image


Sources:
Michigan
ASA: Michigan - Suppressor Hunting Now Legal
Michigan Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment No. 1 of 2016
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by rogerme »

We got the prohibition removed in Maine in 2015. We have to buy a "suppressor permit" for 12 bucks good till 2018 when hopefully they will no longer be needed. I took a deer, bear and many squirrels rabbits and yotes so far. Shot a Red squirrel the first day I had my permit and it was a very great feeling.

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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

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New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid 3/31/16)
Update: Iowa


I'm releasing this map update a couple days early as the signing of this bill has been scheduled.

From the American Suppressor Association:
Governor Branstad has announced that he will sign House File 2279, also known as the Hearing Protection Act, into law on Thursday, March 31st at 3PM. The new law will become “effective upon enactment”, meaning that Iowans will be able to possess and use suppressors as soon as he signs the bill into law.

To celebrate the new law, the American Suppressor Association will be hosting a public suppressor shoot from 10 AM to 1 PM on April 16th at the Big Springs Shooting Complex. We will be bringing the top manufacturers from across the country to showcase their products, and educate any interested Iowans on why they should be excited that Iowa became the 42nd state to legalize suppressors! Admission and ammo are free, so we encourage you to join us!



Effective March 31, 2016
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Sources:
Iowa
ASA: Iowa - Bill Signing Scheduled For Thursday
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid 4/25/16)
Update: Oklahoma


On April 25th, Oklahoma's Governor sign bill HB 2637 into law, allowing suppressors to be used for hunting on public land. The law went into effect immediately. Previously, suppressors could only be used while hunting on private land.

Effective April 25, 2016
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Sources:
Oklahoma
NRA-ILA: Oklahoma: Hunting with Suppressors Legislation Signed into Law
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

Call To Action: Illinois

The American Suppressor Association (ASA) is urging Illinois gun owners to contact your state senator and urge them to take up SB 206 (which will legalize suppressors in Illinois) during the summer session.


Illinois: Suppressor Legislation Still Alive, Needs Your Help

For over two years, the American Suppressor Association has been working alongside the National Rifle Association to legalize suppressors in Illinois. On Sunday, May 29th, Senate Bill 206 was amended in the House Judiciary Committee to include language to legalize the possession and use of these hearing protection devices in the state. On Tuesday evening, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 69 to 46 to pass SB 206 in an overwhelmingly bipartisan fashion.

Unfortunately, the Senate did not take up the measure for a concurrence vote before adjourning just before midnight. However, because the Illinois General Assembly failed to pass a budget, they will be returning for a summer session, during which SB 206 can be called to the Senate floor for a vote.

If you live in Illinois, it is important that you contact your state Senator, and also call Senate President John Cullerton (D-6) at (217) 782-2728, and politely urge them to call to the floor and pass SB 206 during this summer session. You can contact your state Senator and Senate President Cullerton by clicking the NRA-ILA’s “Take Action” link.

We would like to thank all of those who took the time to contact their legislators in support of this important pro-suppressor reform. We would also like to thank Representatives Brandon Phelps (D-118) and Jerry Costello (D-116) for their hard work in passing SB 206 in the House. Without everyone’s hard work, we would not be where we are today.


Source: http://americansuppressorassoc...slation-still-alive/
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

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New Hunting With Suppressors Map (Valid 6/10/16)
Update: New Hampshire


On June 6th, New Hampshire's Governor signed bill HB 500 into law, allowing suppressors to be used while hunting. The law went into effect upon passage.

From the American Suppressor Association:
The American Suppressor Association is proud to announce that after 3 years and a lot of teamwork, suppressor hunting is now legal in the Granite State! Earlier today, Gov. Maggie Hassan signed Rep. John Burt’s (R-Hillsborough) HB 500 into law, making New Hampshire the 40th state to legalize suppressor hunting. We could not be more proud to have been part of the team that got this bill introduced, passed through both houses of the legislature, and finally signed into law!

As you may recall, the ASA began working with the New Hampshire Sportsmen’s Caucus three years ago to introduce legislation to bring New Hampshire on board with the 17 (now 18) states that have legalized suppressor hunting since 2011. We faced many obstacles along the way, including skeptical committee chairmen and Department of Fish and Game leadership, but in the end the logic in favor of allowing sportsmen and women to protect their hearing in the field prevailed.

The American Suppressor Association would like to thank a long list of people and groups who came together to make this day possible. First and foremost, we are incredibly grateful for Rep. John Burt’s sponsorship of the bill, as well as his continued championing of the issue each step of the way. We also could not have gotten here without the tireless efforts of Rep. Jeff Goley (D-Hillsborough), who was a constant champion from the Democratic side of the aisle. A special thanks is also due to Gov. Maggie Hassan for taking the time to learn about the benefits of suppressor hunting, and for signing HB 500 into law.

On the organizational front, we would like to thank the New Hampshire Sportsmen’s Caucus, and in particular Brent Miller, the Northeastern States Manager for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, who testified and advocated on behalf of this bill on too many occasions to count. We are also very grateful to New Hampshire-based Sig Sauer for the tremendous help they provided in pushing the bill past the finish line. This was a true team effort, and could not have happened without the efforts of everyone listed above, as well as many more we haven’t named.

Finally, the American Suppressor Association is grateful for the support of our members, and we are very excited about bringing legal suppressor hunting to New Hampshire. We will continue to work towards our goal of legalizing suppressor ownership and hunting in all 50 states. Special thanks to New Hampshire for taking us one step closer!


Effective June 10, 2016
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Sources:
New Hampshire
ASA: New Hampshire: HB 500 Signed Into Law–Suppressor Hunting Now Legal
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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

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New Hunting With Suppressors Map
Update: Textual Changes


Changed the text for the classes to make things clearer.

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Re: what states allow hunting with a suppressor?

Post by Storm7 »

In light of the American Suppressor Association's Hearing Protection Act coming up for a vote in Congress and it having a better chance than usual given the political realities, I thought I'd do a progress post to show how many states have changed their laws relating to suppressors since 2012.

In the period between March 1, 2012 and June 10, 2016,

14 states legalized the use of suppressors while hunting (Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming)

3 states, which allowed limited hunting of non-game animals with suppressors, legalized suppressed hunting of all animals (Florida, Louisiana, Montana)

3 states legalized the possession of suppressors (Iowa, Minnesota, Vermont).

A total of 18 states liberalized their suppressor laws within a 4 year, 3 month period.

Of the 10 states left to work on, most are in the North-East. With the full or partial victories in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, I think there's a good chance that a few more can be flipped, if not all of them.

March 01, 2012
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June 10, 2016
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