Hunting and hearing protection

[cobrian45]

There are many different models to choose from. If you really want to blow a wad, you can spend that much on one. The website has many different ones and a couple under $200. I have never had a problem with the less expensive ones. I just recommend taking the batteries out after use and and have a good case that will not retain moisture. Clean and dry the battery chamber if you have been sweating using them. I use them to shoot IDPA and in Texas, it gets a little warm in the summer running around shooting at stuff.

High Definition Digital Game Ear - SoundTube
$174.95

That's MSRP on the website, I'll bet you can get a better deal like sam700 and I both did

http://walkersgameear.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=7&Itemid=66

 

[mike shaak]

I bought and used the Peltor Tactical Pro this year for dear. This unit has a behind the head strap, so wearing a hat works well. It did feel a little heavy after a day out in the woods, but when that buck came running straight towards me I forgot it was on at all. I hunt with the 460 S&W Mag, so ear protection is a must. First dear with the 460 and first time out hunting with the ear protection and I'm very happy with the proformence of both.

 

[S&Wfan]

I've been wearing an olive green pair of Remington electronic range ear muffs for many years now while hunting. They cost $99 at Wallyworld way back then. Newer Remingtons are cheaper.

I imagine they are similar to the Peltors. They have a microphone in each muff so the 360 degree soundfield is very convincing . . . except everything is louder!

Yes, you can pinpoint that deer coming, or "triangulate" the exact location of that squirrel in the tree the same as without the electronic ears.

I don't want to hunt without 'em . . . and yes, they do keep your ears nice and warm with it is cold.

T.

 

[jak67429]

I hunt with a 44 mag. I found the best solution is a pair of walker game ears, then go to the local hearing aid store and have them make you a set of custom in ear plugs for them so no more expandable foam plugs. They are much more comfortable and with one in each ear you can still tell which direction the sound is coming from.

 

[22-rimfire]

Prior to packing a six gun deer hunting, I pretty much ignored potential hearing damage for the couple of shots with a rifle you might take deer hunting. I now carry electronic muffs and keep a pair of standard ear plugs on a shoe lace around my neck. With the handgun, I will take a shot without protection in place if absolutely necessary, but if I see a deer advancing toward me at a reasonable distance, I slip on the plugs if I don't already have the electonic ones on. I keep the movement to a minimum. I am also frequently getting my monopod positioned as well. Had a deer hear the metal "tick" of shooters sticks on a rock as I readied myself once. You have to pay attention to sound and movement. Bottom line is that I always take protection with me now without exception and do my best to use it.

 

[tblt]

no

Just go hunting save the hearing protection for the range.Unless you are going hunting with a revolver and plan on shooting 50 times or more.

 

[Jeffreii]

I have a 444 marlin pistol barrel for the encore (15") and I do not think I would want to have that thing go off without some hearing protection, and then you have the muzzle break sending more noise right at you! Are you able to take it off for hunting? Otherwise, I would go with an electronic ear muff setup. I bet your ears would be ringing reallllly good with just one pop of that pistol. If you hand load you could make them a little better (customized for shorter barrel so not so much powder still burning when the bullet leaves the muzzle) but it still would be too loud unless you used 44 mags power.

The venison will be gone in a little time (especially if I am around!) but that hearing loss is for the rest of your life. I personally don't think it is worth it, not with that round, that close, and with a break.

 

[41 Mag]

I have been bringing my grandson into shooting and hunting for the past few years. When he was three I bought him a set of muff so he would have some protection while we were target shooting or hunting hogs. I sort of got him trained so that when I stopped the 4 wheeler for what seemed no reason he was already putting them on in preperation of me making a shot. Since he is a couple of years older I have been letting him use my Peltors which make things WAY easier while giving him instructions on taking a shot. He has take two hogs and a yote, and one missed shot on a deer. All shots were taken while using the Peltors.

I have been shooting and hunting since I was 6, and have always tried to use hearing protection. My job is in a facility where 120 - 160db is an everyday experience. I use the foam plugs whiel there as well as at the range. I have a few high intensity loads I shoot and sometimes wear both the plugs and muffs. In 25years of working, shooting and hunting, I have expereinced no significant hearing loss on my annual hearing test. Yes I have a small amount of high frequency loss but I can only attribute that to saws, and loud music.

Get the Peltors for general hunting or the fitted ones, wear whatever is most comfortable at the range, bottom line, is wear the hearing protection now or the hearing aids later.

 

[macFarlaine]

I suffer now from the stupidity of my youth.I have a hearing problem in my right ear.Years ago hearing protection was always regarded as a non essential piece of kit,even when in the armed services.The first thing in my pocket now is protection for my hearing,better late than never....

 

[Skoghund]

Wear ear protection every time you shoot. Or you will end up a deaf old git like me.