Ohio's deer hunters may soon have the opportunity to learn for themselves whether silence truly is golden.
The state is inching toward accepting the use of silencers -- a term that is the technical equal to suppressors, according to the National Rifle Association. Under consideration is a proposal to allow the use of these devices.
Leading the exchange in favor of silencer allowance is the Buckeye Firearms Association which has been giving the state legislature an earful on the subject. While Ohio does allow firearms owners to possess silencers, it is one of 10 states to also prohibit their use while hunting.
Based on the latest Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives statistics there are currently 10,407 licensed silencers in Ohio. Texas has the most with 47,712 and Rhode Island the least with 27.
Will silencers help deer hunters?
"I really don't think it's going to make much of a difference one way or the other," said Mike Tonkovich, deer management supervisor. "Maybe it's just a novelty."
Potential owners should understand that owning a silencer can be more of a curse than a help. They cost anywhere from $300 up to $2,500 and even more. They require constant maintenance and attention, and can uglify some firearms, critics say. The devices are sometimes likened to hunks of cast iron sewer pipe at the end of a barrel.
But it's entirely possible that they may become part of a hunters arsenal and that day may come soon.
The state is inching toward accepting the use of silencers -- a term that is the technical equal to suppressors, according to the National Rifle Association. Under consideration is a proposal to allow the use of these devices.
Leading the exchange in favor of silencer allowance is the Buckeye Firearms Association which has been giving the state legislature an earful on the subject. While Ohio does allow firearms owners to possess silencers, it is one of 10 states to also prohibit their use while hunting.
Based on the latest Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives statistics there are currently 10,407 licensed silencers in Ohio. Texas has the most with 47,712 and Rhode Island the least with 27.
Will silencers help deer hunters?
"I really don't think it's going to make much of a difference one way or the other," said Mike Tonkovich, deer management supervisor. "Maybe it's just a novelty."
Potential owners should understand that owning a silencer can be more of a curse than a help. They cost anywhere from $300 up to $2,500 and even more. They require constant maintenance and attention, and can uglify some firearms, critics say. The devices are sometimes likened to hunks of cast iron sewer pipe at the end of a barrel.
But it's entirely possible that they may become part of a hunters arsenal and that day may come soon.