Oklahoma’s Suppressor Bill—SB1743, the Landowner’s Hunting Freedom Act—has passed out of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, reports the Outdoor Wire. In a 10-1 vote, committee members voted to send the measure which would permit the use of suppressors for hunting on private land in Oklahoma to the full Senate. Before it could become law, SB1743 must pass the entire Senate, House, and be signed by Governor Mary Fallin. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has public hearings scheduled for March all across the state to hear public opinion about allowing suppressors for hunting white-tailed deer and other big game animals. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission brought up the proposal earlier in the year, and after collecting public input, should make its decision by the end of March. Texas and Oklahoma would join at least 14 other states in allowing use of sound suppressors on firearms used to take game animals. Interest in using noise suppressors on firearms has exploded over the past few years as shooters have become more aware of hearing damage caused by firearms, efforts to reduce noise complaints associated with shooting, and some hunters’ fascination with technology and the “coolness” factor of suppressors.
