We hear all the time that the future of hunting depends on our ability to introduce new hunters to this lifestyle and make sure they have a positive experience. There are some obvious factors within our control that make a hunt more enjoyable – comfortability in hot or cold weather, being well-fed whether they’re putting on the miles or sitting in a stand, as well as finding every possible moment to teach them something they didn’t know to keep them entertained. They may or may not get a chance to shoot, but what if they do? Have you considered what would make that moment of truth more enjoyable given the opportunity?
With this being the Texas issue of Huntin’ Fool and being that Silencer Shop is based in Texas, we’d like to note some of the benefits of hunting in The Lone Star State – it’s a target-rich environment, there’s not a minimum age for youth hunters, and you can hunt 365 days a year, 24 hours a day if you desire. It’s a great option for new hunters, especially the youngsters! When you can simplify things and make it safer, while also increasing your odds of success, that’s a pretty good combination. That’s why we believe hunting suppressed is something every hunter should consider.
HERE ARE FIVE REASONS TO HUNT SUPPRESSED WITH NEW AND YOUTH HUNTERS:
1. To Protect Your Hearing
Long exposure to loud noises will damage your ability to hear over time, and it only gets worse as the years pass. Suppressors have the ability to reduce the noise of a shot by 20 to 35 dB. The CEO of Silencer Shop, Dave Matheny, began looking into suppressors for his son who was born deaf in one ear. They were looking to protect the hearing in his one good ear. Using all five senses is important for everyday life, but it’s especially important for hunting. One of the greatest assets a hunter can have is the ability to hear crunching leaves, rattling horns, and an animal’s vocalizations. It’s worth protecting! Also, if you happen to hunt with dogs, you’re protecting their ears as well.
2. One Less Product to Worry About
In addition to protecting your hearing, you’re eliminating the need to carry another product in the field. Most outdoorsmen are gear junkies deep down inside, so it can be tough to decide what you truly need on a hunt. Think about how often we hear of hunters leaving key items behind, like rangefinders, releases, and satellite device. It’s only a matter of time before you forget that hearing protection too! Hunting suppressed eliminates the need to carry any form of ear protection, yet still be safe. Also, you can use one suppressor for multiple firearms.
3. Less Likely to Fear the Gun
It’s common for new hunters, especially children, to be nervous when they first get behind a gun. It doesn’t take long to understand why that might be. Guns are loud, they kick, and if you get scoped between the eyes, it can really make you timid. We’ve witnessed children squinting their eyes closed as they pull the trigger, anticipating that loud shot and kick. It’s as if they’re convinced closing their eyes will make it less scary. It’s important to develop confidence behind your weapon to find success down the road, and suppressors are a great way to decrease the intimidation factor.
4. Surrounding Animals Aren’t as Startled
Hunting suppressed is an interesting experience because the animals act completely different after the shot. When you connect with your target animal, it’s not uncommon to see the surrounding animals look up, pause, and then go back to feeding or whatever it was they were doing before they heard a shot. It keeps them much calmer, rather than having them run for their lives. The added benefit is that you’re not messing up their habits. They’ll continue their regular patterns because they’re not alarmed by the muffled shot.
5. Follow-Up Shots
Whether you happen to miss or need a follow-up shot after the initial impact, you’re more likely to have that second opportunity when there’s a suppressor involved. This is very relevant for youth hunters who are still learning so much about those fine motor skills and how to be patient as they squeeze through the trigger. Heck, any hunter can benefit from this because it happens to everybody!
The stigma around suppressors has created controversy among many industries, but they’re thriving in the world of passionate sportsmen. Contrary to what many claim, suppressors aren’t silencers.
In 2016, Obama pushed through a rule change (41F), and that rule required everyone to submit fingerprints. There were additional hoops, forms, requirements, and signature requirements that didn’t exist before. Before 2016, you didn’t even have to sign your silencer application. When that rule was announced, Silencer Shop knew it would add more effort for the customers and they wanted to provide relief. The Silencer Shop kiosk was their effort to simplify silencer buying for the entire 2A industry and make NFA easier for Americans. With millions of new firearm owners every year, Silencer Shop has grown into the largest NFA distributor in the U.S. with over 4,000 “Powered By Silencer Shop” dealers in their network.
The first time you buy a suppressor, whether it’s on our website or from a “Powered By Silencer Shop” dealer, like Huntin’ Fool, you go to a kiosk and enter basic information, such as date of birth, height, etc. The great thing is that you only go to the kiosk one time. It only takes five minutes, and the information is integrated into your Silencer Shop profile thereafter. Once you have finished that visit, which only takes a few minutes, it is very automatic and very quick. There is a certification for ATF eForm 4, too, and that can be done remotely and doesn’t require another visit to a “Powered By Silencer Shop” dealer. As of July 2022, per ATF’s website, these eForm 4s have been approved in an average of just 100 days. With Silencer Shop and Huntin’ Fool, you can be shooting suppressed sooner than ever.
Visit Huntin’ Fool or any other Silencer Shop dealer near you!
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