Texas P&W proposed changes?

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Magnuumpwr

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Does anyone know anything about the new proposal to allow suppressors to hunt game animals? Read something about it in a local paper, but haven't heard anything else.
 
Commissioners vote in March

Not much more info, but here's a link to some commentary in the Austin paper by outdoors writer Mike Leggett.

http://www.statesman.com/sports/out...hether-hunters-can-use-silencers-2133038.html

A few excerpts:

"Last Wednesday, without any discussion, commissioners approved the silencer proposal for public comment."

"I know that there are some experienced game wardens who think that allowing hunters to use silencers is a really bad idea. Not only do they think silenced rifles could make their job of catching poachers more difficult, but they also are just kind of opposed to that kind of hunting in general."

So it's definitely on the table but I don't know what will happen. TPWD commissioners are taking public comment now.
 
In a state that won't even allow laser sight for night hunting hogs, would shock me to here they approve this. I'm all for it, just would shock me. I won't bother, but it would make for some pretty deadly squirrel action if the squirrels couldn't hear their buddies getting knocked off. :D

Does sound like poachers would like 'em, but since when did poachers follow the law in the first place? :rolleyes: It's like wanting to ban guns when only the law abiding would care. Duh..... They finally woke up and allowed concealed carry, though, so maybe they'll come around on this. Not a big issue for me, I wouldn't mess with it, but it's a freedom thing.
 
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/busines...nda/regulations_committee/index.phtml#item_02

The proposed amendment to §65.11, concerning Lawful Means, would allow the use of firearm silencers to hunt alligators, game animals and game birds. Under current rule, the use of sound-suppressing devices to hunt alligators, game animals or game birds is unlawful. The department has determined that there is no resource- or enforcement-related reason to prohibit the use of firearm silencers for the take of alligators, game animals or game birds, and therefore proposes to eliminate the current prohibition. The department notes that if the proposed is adopted, it will not relieve any person of the obligation to otherwise comply with any applicable state, federal, or local law governing the possession or use of firearm silencers.
 
^^^^^^^^^

Currently, (in Texas) laser sights (your previous post) are legal to hunt non-game animals.

Suppressors also, provided you have the proper documentation and tax stamp.


What is being considered...is the use of suppressors for game animals.
 
Currently, (in Texas) laser sights (your previous post) are legal to hunt non-game animals.

Suppressors also, provided you have the proper documentation and tax stamp.
Click to expand...

Mmm, well, I guess I read the laser thing wrong. Hell, you can't night hunt ANY GAME animal and can't see a laser in daylight, maybe right at dusk they're worried about. A laser might add 10 minutes to the day, maybe, but I have a lighted reticule scope that I think would work BETTER for that.
 
Thanks for the heads-up! I'm off to comment favorably on the proposed changes. Hopefully the fact that the Wildlife Division Director is a blood relative won't torpedo my comments.
 
MCgunner wrote:

Hell, you can't night hunt ANY GAME animal and can't see a laser in daylight, maybe right at dusk they're worried about. A laser might add 10 minutes to the day
Click to expand...


Depends on the laser, I can see mine out to about 75 yds. in full sunlight, farther if its overcast…. and for hundreds of yards at dusk.

But, yes….a typical 5mW red laser would be useless in the daytime unless you were within 10 yds. of your quarry.

I have a 25mW green laser.... and its useable in the day time . The horses are a bit under 50 yds out.

dot_on_horse2.gif

dot_on_horse.jpg
 
Well, I have a red one that I didn't like, wound up potting it on an SKS which is just a range gun, but thought it might be handy at night sometime on that gun. It was cheap.

I want one of those new green laser spots that mount to the top of the scope, but really, I haven't done any night shooting in several years. When I did, it extended my hunting season, though. I have an old scope mounted spotlight. I think the green lasers available now would be a big step up.
 
Need to get the word out among game wardens that the folks who jump through all the hoops to get a suppressor are among the least likely to poach. And, after all, just possessing one says that the FBI believes the guy is as "pure" as any LEO.
 
Art Eatman said:
Need to get the word out among game wardens that the folks who jump through all the hoops to get a suppressor are among the least likely to poach. And, after all, just possessing one says that the FBI believes the guy is as "pure" as any LEO.
Click to expand...

So very much THIS! I even mentioned that in my comment to Mr. Macdonald. Simply allowing the use of suppressors will not necessarily increase the number of poachers. The high cost of aquiring one, plus the paperwork is not the route a poacher will take.
 
FYI,

I had a chat w my NFA Trust, legal defense attorney http://texaslawshield.com/ about whether it was legal to even have a suppressor on your person when hunting.

He said that it is and there is a good reason to as you can shoot a pig w a suppressed gun but not a deer (non game animal vs game animal).

So unless he is incorrect, you can use your suppressor for non-game critters.
 
Mmm, well, I guess I read the laser thing wrong. Hell, you can't night hunt ANY GAME animal and can't see a laser in daylight, maybe right at dusk they're worried about. A laser might add 10 minutes to the day, maybe, but I have a lighted reticule scope that I think would work BETTER for that.
Click to expand...

You can night hunt hogs because they are not game animals.
 
Yes, but you can't night hunt deer. You can use a laser sight on a hog, but not on a deer. If you could use the laser on the deer, why do it if you can't night hunt 'em? Sorta my point. Why outlaw a laser sight on game that can't be night hunted anyway? Dumb. Why bother outlawing laser sights on game species? I don't get the point.
 
Guillermo said:
So unless he is incorrect, you can use your suppressor for non-game critters.
Click to expand...
This is correct - suppressors are legal for non-game animals in Texas.

I'm hoping this gets approved - it would be nice to be able to quietly pop a few squirrels while waiting for the deer to show themselves.
 
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