HUNTING — Wyoming hunters could use sound suppressors on firearms for all types of hunting under a bill that cleared the state House of Representatives on Wednesday, according to the Casper Star-Tribune.

The House stripped an amendment it had adopted earlier this week that would have allowed silencers for hunting predators and small game but not for big game species such as elk and deer. It passed the final bill 44-14.

The measure earlier cleared the Senate and now heads to Gov. Matt Mead for his consideration.

State wildlife enforcement officers had opposed the measure.

HUNTING — What are the chances that Wyoming legislators will listen to wildlife enforcement professionals and landowners and keep rifle sound supressors off-limits for hunting?

“The suppressors themselves might not be a total fair chase issue, but when you're talking about extremely long range rifles now, and special high powered scopes, and range finders, and now you throw suppressors in, you're starting to get into a situation where, are you hunting or are you just killing?. And we feel that suppressors are just another step in the wrong direction for that. And we feel it's an issue for the future of hunting.”

Roger A. Bredehoft, lobbyist for the Wyoming Game Wardens Association, speaking against legislation that would allow hunters to use silencers on their rifles. - Casper Star-Tribune

SHOOTING — A tip of the hat to a Wyoming newspaper editorial for standing up in the volatile world of firearms debate to call for reasonable limits that would help wildlife enforcement.

Hunters don't need silencers on their guns in Wyoming

The Wyoming House's decision to kill a bill that would have allowed hunters to use sound supressors on their guns seemed like the right decision, but the Senate has reworked to legislation to make it even worse. —Casper Star-Tribune

IN MONTANA, however, the state House of Representatives Tuesday voted 68-32 to allow the use of rifle silencers while hunting wolves after the end of the general elk and deer season.

Supporters said ownership of silencers is highly regulated by the federal government, ensuring against abuse, and argued they would make for a quieter hunting experience. Opponents unsuccessfully argued that landowners should be able to hear where shots are being fired from.