Noise suppressor for hunting

[Subsonic]

I read an article awhile back about how it is legal to hunt predators (coyotes, hogs, etc!) in texas with a noise suppressed rifle. Is this true & does anybody know where this info can be found?

 

[Charlie]

Although one must have a hunting license, my understanding is you may hunt "non-game" animals with a suppressor. Check with Texas Parks and Wildlife regulations for the specifics before you do it though.

 

[Bithabus]

Yep.

Texas Administrative Code

Next Rule>>

NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

WILDLIFE

STATEWIDE HUNTING PROCLAMATION

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Lawful Means

TITLE 31

PART 2

CHAPTER 65

SUBCHAPTER A

DIVISION 1

RULE §65.11

It is unlawful to hunt any of the wildlife resources of this state except by the means authorized by this section and as provided in §65.19 of this title (relating to Hunting Deer with Dogs).
(1) Firearms.
(A) It is lawful to hunt alligators, game animals, and game birds with any legal firearm, including muzzleloading weapons, except as specifically restricted in this section.
(B) Special muzzleloader-only deer seasons are restricted to muzzleloading firearms only.
(C) It is unlawful to use rimfire ammunition to hunt alligator, deer, antelope, or desert bighorn sheep.
(D) It is unlawful to hunt alligators, game animals or game birds with a fully automatic firearm or any firearm equipped with a silencer or sound-suppressing device.

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/tac/index.shtml

 

[Driller]

This is true. Some Game Wardens even have personal suppressors for hog hunting. They must of course be registered with the ATF. This makes it through the "any legal means" clause for non game animals. Non registered suppressors gets you a ride to the jail and you face federal charges. I keep a picture of my federal stamps form 1 and form 4 on my smart phone. The game warden will want to see you show proof and they can arrest or detain you until they have proof of registration. Never have the original stamp with you. Good idea to have that in a fireproof safe. I have some copies inside the stock of some of my SBR.

 

[Subsonic]

Thanks for the information! Now it's time to start the process & search for a new hog/coyote gun with a suppressor. I wonder what's the time frame with the ATF for the paperwork?!

 

[secondstoryguy]

I hunt hogs with a suppressor on occasion. I thought I would use my can more but the thing makes the rifle really long/unwieldy even with a short 16"-18" barrel so it gets left at home more often than not. Another thing is the pigs run regardless. It does make it easier on the ears but my buds often run unsuppressed so i wear earpro anyway.

 

[BigFatAmericanDream]

you havent had an unwieldy weapon till you have shot a gun equipped with a metrogun system.
http://www.metrogun.com/

noise reduction: excellent
recoil reduction: excellent
having a 3 foot extension on whatever sized barrel you already have: not going to happen in the woods.

Its a really neat system though, and Isn't classified by the alphabet police as NFA so you can have one shipped to your door!