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Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - mwilkins - 02-16-2012

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) is seeking public comment on a proposed rule change allowing the use of suppressors (also referred to as silencers) on firearms for the hunting of game species. Currently, Texas law permits the use of lawfully-possessed suppressors for all other shooting activities, including the taking of nuisance species. Enactment of this rule change would ensure that hunting is treated the same way as other shooting activities with respect to the use of suppressors, and allow all hunters to reap the many benefits suppressor use provides.

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 film. 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. The benefits associated with suppressor use include increased accuracy due to reduced recoil and muzzle blast, protection from hearing damage and reduced noise pollution.

According to the information accompanying the release of the proposed state rules, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has determined that “there is no resource- or enforcement-related reason to prohibit the use of firearm silencers for the take of alligators, game animals or game birds, and therefore proposes to eliminate the current prohibition.”

In order to acquire a suppressor, a purchaser must submit the appropriate paperwork to the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives where long wait times for approval are unfortunately common (four to six months), undergo a background check by the FBI, find a licensed dealer authorized to conduct the transaction and pay a one-time $200 tax for each device.

More than half of the states allow the use of suppressors for hunting without reporting any problems with increased incidents of poaching or other criminal activity. Noise complaints are being used more frequently as an excuse to close shooting ranges, informal shooting areas, and hunting lands throughout the country. Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate many of these complaints and protect hunting and shooting areas well into the future. For more information on firearm suppressors, click here.

This proposal is currently available for review on TPWC’s website, and is located in the last two paragraphs on the website. Comments on the proposed rules may be submitted at upcoming public meetings to be scheduled around the state, or to Robert Macdonald (contact information below). Please comment on this important change because allowing the use of suppressors would have a very positive impact on hunting in the Lone Star state. A final decision of this proposed rule will be made by TPWC at its March 28-29 public hearing.

To comment on the proposed rules, please contact:

Robert Macdonald
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
4200 Smith School Road
Austin, Texas 78744
(512) 389-4775
robert.macdonald@tpwd.state.tx.us


http://nraila.org/legislation/state-legi...&st=&ps


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - txgunner00 - 02-16-2012

Sent a comment last week. Looking good to get passed. Hopefully it does.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - ibgp3 - 02-20-2012

In years past a European guest indicated that in his home circle it would be considered impolite to hunt without a suppressor.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - txgunner00 - 02-21-2012

ibgp3 Wrote:In years past a European guest indicated that in his home circle it would be considered impolite to hunt without a suppressor.

I completely agree. We are required by law to put mufflers on any other loud piece of equipment. Just imagine how affordable suppressors would become we didn't have to go through the ATF bs.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - Variable - 02-21-2012

txgunner00 Wrote:I completely agree. We are required by law to put mufflers on any other loud piece of equipment. Just imagine how affordable suppressors would become we didn't have to go through the ATF bs.
Amen! I wish you guys luck getting them approved. It's perfectly valid logic, so that's the one thing against you with anything involving government.LOL Texas might be more logical than most though. Actually I'm surprised that they weren't legal to hunt with from the start down there.

They're legal for hunting in WV, but I'm guessing thats mostly because nobody ever thought to ban them. Our only NFA restriction is no hunting with full auto. Other than that WV only says you have to obey federal NFA laws.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - txgunner00 - 02-21-2012

Variable Wrote:Amen! I wish you guys luck getting them approved. It's perfectly valid logic, so that's the one thing against you with anything involving government.LOL Texas might be more logical than most though. Actually I'm surprised that they weren't legal to hunt with from the start down there.

They're legal for hunting in WV, but I'm guessing thats mostly because nobody ever thought to ban them. Our only NFA restriction is no hunting with full auto. Other than that WV only says you have to obey federal NFA laws.

Unfortunately we have more nanny state laws than you might think. This one looks like it's going the right direction but anything can happen. It only takes one a-hole with enough money. It appears that most TPWD officials support it so we are hopeful.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - LightningII - 02-21-2012

txgunner00 Wrote:I completely agree. We are required by law to put mufflers on any other loud piece of equipment. Just imagine how affordable suppressors would become we didn't have to go through the ATF bs.

your comment leads me to believe that you see a link between common sense and the drafting of laws.
you really should know better.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - txgunner00 - 02-21-2012

I can't help but hope sometimes. Reality always takes over though.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - mwilkins - 02-23-2012

Channel 11 news just did a piece on Suppressors and the fact that it is taking six months to get to use something that you paid for up front. Thought it was really good that the news castor also made the statement the Suppressors ARE legal to own in Texas.

Looks like there are enough people starting to raise enough of a stink that other people are actually starting to listen. Might not changes things right now but they might be moving in the right direction to speed up the approval process.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - txgunner00 - 02-23-2012

They might make it worse with broadcasting it on the main stream news like that. Now everyone will want one.Smile


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - mwilkins - 02-23-2012

Yea, that is a thought but with increased production, prices might come down a bit. Wishful thinking..... I know.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - txgunner00 - 02-23-2012

I was reading an article last night that said in countries where suppressors are less or completely unregulated they can be bought for as little as $40.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - mwilkins - 03-30-2012

Just announced on the news....... Suppressors approved for hunting in Texas. should take effect this year.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - Variable - 03-30-2012

Great news! Congrats Texans!!! Big Grin


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - Kikn - 03-30-2012

Sweet! I should have my NFA cleared in a couple more months. I'll be ready this fall :-) in the mean time pigs beware


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - LightningII - 03-30-2012

txgunner00 Wrote:I was reading an article last night that said in countries where suppressors are less or completely unregulated they can be bought for as little as $40.

there's nothing magical about a suppressor. $40 seems a little low for a centerfire rifle supressor, but if there was the same regulation as forearms, the price would obviously come down quite a bit.
I know that without the current level of restriction and high price, I'd have a multiple suppressors.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - LRRPF52 - 03-30-2012

I have bought them in Europe for about 2/3 to 1/2 the price in the US. I leave them there of course. Ase Utra, BR Tuote, and Brugger & Thommett are some of the best suppressor makers on the other side of the pond.

Utah is one of the Firearms Freedom States, so technically we are allowed to make our own without ATF approval, but nobody has really gone head-to-head with it in Court yet. As long as short barrel-rifles and shotguns, suppressors, and other firearms/accessories are made and kept in-State, the Firearms Freedom States are claiming exemption from any NFA or Federal regulations. It will be inetresting to see how that pans out.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - Opus Dei - 03-31-2012

Could somebody in Texas with a suppressor tell me a little bit about acquiring one? I know about the paperwork-trust vs. corporation vs. individual. I know about sign-offs, and I know the Sheriff here, and he's GTG. I have a CHL, so no issues.

What I need to know is do you simply state what you want to get (suppressor/SBR/AOW/etc.), send in $ and await approval? Or do you have to specifically name the exact product when doing the paperwork? Buy the item in advance and await pickup until approval, or subsequent transaction with a approval in hand?

I've want one for a long time, and this is good justification (for me) to get one. Might have follow-up questions on dedicated vs. multi-caliber and brands. Thanks in advance.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - Variable - 03-31-2012

Opus Dei Wrote:You have to specifically name the exact product when doing the paperwork. Buy the item in advance and await pickup until approval.

This. You buy up front (or your dealer does for you), and then you take possession of the item after approval.


Hunting in Texas with a suppressor - Kikn - 03-31-2012

Also you have to provide the size (.308, 7.62) make model and serial number on the form 4, its the serial number that has to match the Tax stamp