There are many states in the US that allow the legal use of suppressors for hunting whitetail deer and other game species. Now the state of Texas is making suppressors for deer hunting legal in the state. An important misconception among many people is that suppressors and silencers are not exactly the same thing. If one were to shoot full-powder loads through them, then they are quite loud. But even with a “hot” bullet, suppressors are still quiet enough on the ears to not need hearing protection, at least in most cases.
Source: “There is an incredible amount of misinformation on what suppressors do and how they may be acquired. Suppressors are not “silencers,” as depicted in typical Hollywood action films. While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle.”
In my opinion, suppressors have several benefits for hunters that use them with sub-sonic (less than 1,129 fps) ammo specifically for deer hunting. Many properties have deer densities that are in line with the habitat of the area, but there are also many places where deer overpopulation is a real issue. In cases where deer numbers must be drastically reduced, it would seem that suppressors for deer hunting would make a whole lot of sense.
Yes, there is hassle in applying and registering for suppressors for hunting, but the benefits received could be well worth it. Many may contend that suppressors are the enemy of legal deer hunters, suggesting that poachers will use them. They may, but they may be already using them for deer hunting before they were legal. To wrap up, it looks like suppressors for deer hunting in Texas will be completely legal here shortly. This gives hunters another option when it comes to whitetail hunting. I expect suppressors sales will go up!
Austin American Statesman: “Here’s one thing I feel about silencers on hunting rifles: I don’t think there will be a rush on gunsmiths as people hurry to get their rifles cut up and altered. There are recoil reducers and some suppressors on the market already, and plenty of people use them. But the details of getting a silencer are going to be a little too much for most people. I think.
First, you’ll have to have a federal firearms license, which costs $200. Then you’ll need the rifle — which most of the time will be a military style, semi-auto selling for up to $1,500 — and the silencer/suppressor, which is going to be about $400. That’s more than $2,000 just to start. Then, to make the gun really quiet, you’ll need hand-loaded, sub-sonic ammunition that costs more than $50 a box in .308 or .223.”