Hunting with Silencers

May 4, 2014

Alabama legalizes hunting with Suppressors Effective Immediately

On Friday May 3rd, Alabama voted unanimously to repeal the prohibition of the possession and use of suppressors or silencers while hunting for all game and non-game animals. As of Friday, May 3rd, 2014, it became legal to possess and use a suppressor while hunting.

The majority of states now allow hunting with a suppressor. Alabama will be the 32nd and on July 1st Georgia will become the 33nd.

It shall be unlawful to possess fully automatic firearms or silenced firearms while hunting any species of wildlife.

April 25, 2014

Suppressors Legal for Hunting in GA as of July 1, 2014

by David M. Goldman

This week the Governor of Georgia signed a NRA and ASA backed House Bill into law. It is one of the most comprehensive gun bills to pass in the state of Georgia. Included in the bill is a provision to legalize the use of a suppressor while hunting. The law will go into effect on July 1, 2014.

Once the law goes into effect, Georgia will become the 32nd state in which civilians can use suppressors while hunting. Of those states, only Louisiana and Montana does not allow the use of suppressors while hunting game animals.

(Map from American Silencer Association’s website

April 9, 2014

Ohio Bill to allow Hunting with Suppressors

by David M. Goldman

The Ohio House passed a bill to allow hunting for some game species. The legislation that would permit the use of suppressors while hunting white-tailed deer, rabbits, squirrels and other game. The suppressors would need to be legal and registered with the ATF. The ATF permits individuals, Trusts, and business entities to apply for a $200 Tax Stamp to purchase and be in possession of a suppressor or silencer. While a suppressor reduces the noise it does not make a gun silent.

The Ohio bill would require that hunters who want to use a suppressor must submit to a background check and complete an application. Once the bill is approved the Ohio Senate it can be sent to the Governor for his signature. We will update you with progress on this bill as we learn about its status.

August 8, 2013

Suppressors and Hunting in NC – Legal as of 10/1/2013

by David M. Goldman

North Carolina will become the next state to legalize hunting with a suppressor. As of 10/1/2013, a suppressor will be legal to use on firearms while hunting. The NC Wildlife Resource Commission made the changes which are not found in the NC statutes and also not found in the in the NC Hunting Regulations which were printed before the legislation passed. Here is a link to the legislation as well as the press release. If you plan on hunting in NC after October 1, 2013, I would suggest keeping a copy of the legislation and press release with you as many police officers may not know that it will be legal to hunt with a suppressor after 10/1/2013.

Every time a state legalizes hunting with a suppressor, the sales of suppressors in that state dramatically increase which creates a longer approval wait time. Given that current approval times in most states is more than 6 months. it would be advisable to purchase your silencer now if you have any plans on hunting with a silencer in 2014. Remember that if you use a Gun Trust, you do not have to obtain your local sheriff’s permission to purchase a silencer as well as creating the flexibility to have multiple authorized users. There are many things that are different with Title II firearms (like suppressors) and it would be a good idea to request our free report on What is a Gun Trust and Why you might need one.

May 29, 2013

Where can I hunt with Suppressors (Silencers): Updated List:

by David M. Goldman

Thumbnail image for 50calsilencer.jpg While in some states, it is illegal to hunt with a Silencer, in the following states it is legal to hunt with a suppressor (often referred to as a “silencer”).

In states where hunting with suppressors have been legalized, we have seen substantial increases in the sales of suppressors and the wait times for approval from the ATF have also increased. Many states that have legalized suppressors still have CLEOs who refuse to sign for individuals to purchase them. An NFA Gun Trust or a more flexible Gun trust can not only avoid the CLEO signature requirement in most states, but can also provide many benefits to firearms owners and their families. To learn about the benefits, please fill out the contact us form at the top of this page and request information on what a gun trust is and how they may benefit you.

Remember these laws change frequently, so please verify this with your state prior to hunting with a suppressor.

May 16, 2012

Texas Legalizes Hunting with Silencers starting September 1 2012

by David M. Goldman

With Dove season just around the corner, Texas is becoming one of the growing list of states that allows the use of silencers when hunting.

A silencer is a Title II Firearms which is restricted by the National Firearms Act and can only be sold by dealers who have a Class 3 SOT license. (They can also be purchased second-hand from individuals using the same ATF Form 4). Because of their classification they require a $200 Tax stamp and approval from the ATF or BATFE before you can take possession of them.

Other states including Texas have previously allowed the use of silencers when shooting varmint but not on game. While the law was passed in March, Texas hunters have been patiently awaiting September 1st to legally use silencers while hunting.