Ohio vote on hunting gun silencers delayed
COLUMBUS (AP) — An Ohio Senate committee has delayed a vote on whether to let hunters use silencers on their guns under some conditions.
The bill, which passed the House earlier this year, would let licensed hunters use the noise suppressors while hunting certain birds and other wild game, including squirrels, rabbits and white-tailed deer.
Only those authorized under state and federal laws could use the devices, which must be registered.
Senate Civil Justice Chairman Bill Coley said today that lawmakers are trying to make clear that the devices suppress gunshots, not entirely silence them.
The bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Cheryl Grossman, has said the suppressors would help protect hunters’ hearing, while making field commands easier to hear.
Opponents say quieter weapons are less safe and easier to use illegally.