Do you use hearing protection when hunting deer, elk, moose, etc.?

[A207X2]

Title says it all. Sorry about the fat fingered characters. I can't go back and edit them out.

[Dewey Cox]

I use hearing protection any other time I use a gun, but not when I'm hunting.
If only there was a way to make guns quieter without the world falling into anarchy...

[A207X2]

Originally Posted by Dewey Cox

I use hearing protection any other time I use a gun, but not when I'm hunting.
If only there was a way to make guns quieter without the world falling into anarchy...

I'm with you there! Europeans can hunt with suppressors, and the prices of them are considerably lower than what they are here.

[-JR-]

Why would you want to wear ear plugs while hunting ?
How would you be able to hear any thing when you stop and listen and look around . You also would not be able to hear if you are walking on a load surface or be able to hear your hunting partner whisper something to you .The list goes on and on why you should not .

[rugerfan]

Not while hunting big game. I do wear active electronic earbuds when shooting coyotes and such where I expect more frequent shots, when I remember them that is.

[Bigwoodsman]

When I hunted I never used hearing protection. I would at a range when sighting in.

When pulling the trigger on game I hardly recalled the boom, nor the recoil of the 7MM Mag. I was in a zone.

BW

[bat119]

Not walking sitting in a blind I use electronic ear plugs I like the 5X amplification

[elkhunter11]

So now the OP should have a better idea of just how many people don't wear hearing protection while hunting big game. In the other thread he seemed surprised at the suggestion that not everyone wears hearing protection while hunting big game.

[windy67]

I use ear plugs when taking a shot at a critter, not while walking around. I have missed chances at animals while getting the plugs in. I hurt my ears one year shooting a WT with an old 303 and since then its ear protection every time.

[DiabeticKripple]

Bush hunting I don’t

Prairie hunting I do. Typically there’s time to spot the game, get in position and throw some ear plugs in before I shoot

[oldgutpile]

I double up at the range, but out in the field, nada. After so many years of hunting alone, my main go-to method is still-hunting the thick stuff. Being able to hear movement is critical.
After the shot, if it's not "dead right there", I want to be able to hear it's path through the bush as long as possible.

[Smoky buck]

The way I hunt in the bush most animals I hear them long before I see them so hearing protection would hinder this

At the ranges yes hunting no

[A207X2]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

So now the OP should have a better idea of just how many people don't wear hearing protection while hunting big game. In the other thread he seemed surprised at the suggestion that not everyone wears hearing protection while hunting big game.

I am STUNNED by the results! I never would have imagined so many people opting to not wear hearing protection, but if it works for you, who am I to say otherwise.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll.

[Homesteader]

I sometimes wear my sordins as they actually help me hear. I do not wear ear plugs

[MountainTi]

I've always worn ear protection when at the bench but never while hunting, not even bird hunting over a spread.
Too much of a hinderance while big game hunting to stuff plugs in my ears before a shot hence why I think brakes on a hunting rifle are a terrible idea (unless of course they are removed after sighting in).

I've only ever been to a gun range once and it was the Hanna club back in the day so there was no one else there but I can't imagine brakes being much fun for bystanders at the range. Just a guess though.

[schreyer]

I hunt with a braked rifle so I use hearing protection regularly. I like those electronic muffs.

[Dewey Cox]

Originally Posted by A207X2

I am STUNNED by the results! I never would have imagined so many people opting to not wear hearing protection, but if it works for you, who am I to say otherwise.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll.

The problem is it doesn't work for us.
We are damaging our hearing every time.
There is technology available to make shooting less dangerous to our ears, but it's been deemed illegal for emotional reasons.

[RayL42]

I never use to use hearing protection while hunting. 2022 season I started brining earplugs with me and 2 of the 4 animals I shot I remembered to use them.

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by A207X2

I am STUNNED by the results! I never would have imagined so many people opting to not wear hearing protection, but if it works for you, who am I to say otherwise.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll.

Hunt under the conditions I do and you will see way less game with ear protection muffling the sounds of the bush


Like was posted stupid laws in Canada don’t allow silencers for hunting where many other countries view it as tool to not disturb other or the game and protect the hunters

[jayquiver]

voted NO as I haven't in the past.

Thinking I will going forward... just need to find the right hearing protection for quicker shots, when I don't have time to put in.

I always cover my ears when my buddy has a shot at game.

[Big Lou]

I voted no but, I do wear electronic, noise cancelling protection while hunting predators and birds. I do pack plugs with me while hunting big game. If I have an appropriate amount of time to get them in before a shot, I do so. I only have one rifle with a brake that cannot be removed. I don’t care if I miss an opportunity with that one. It gets plugs every time and given my druthers, double protection. But it’s more of a Bean Field type rifle and the likelihood of a snap type shot situation, is pretty slim.

[heretohunt]

I always bring hearing protection. The intention is to use it and I almost always do but in reality not every time. Every shot fired damages your ears without hearing protection. I’ve done a bunch of bush hunting and most of the time there is time to put them in. I use the plugs that you wear around your neck and then just slide them up. If you don’t have time to put them in, then you’re probably shooting at a running animal.

[3blade]

I voted yes, because I do and have for years now, but that’s a lesson learned after a lifetime of hearing damage. Many critters were killed without hearing protection and im suffering the consequences.

You can train to get muffs on quick, one day I’ll get some fancy in-ear electronic plugs.

[Pathfinder76]

Originally Posted by A207X2

I am STUNNED by the results! I never would have imagined so many people opting to not wear hearing protection, but if it works for you, who am I to say otherwise.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the poll.

Stunned?

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by heretohunt

I always bring hearing protection. The intention is to use it and I almost always do but in reality not every time. Every shot fired damages your ears without hearing protection. I’ve done a bunch of bush hunting and most of the time there is time to put them in. I use the plugs that you wear around your neck and then just slide them up. If you don’t have time to put them in, then you’re probably shooting at a running animal.

Well you are faster and sneaker than me if you could have put in ear plugs and shot any of the last 3 bucks I took from my stands. None were running, close range, but small windows of opportunity

I guess I just don’t know what I am doing and lack skill

[markg]

Originally Posted by schreyer

I hunt with a braked rifle so I use hearing protection regularly. I like those electronic muffs.

I do as well. In fact the earmuffs enhance a persons hearing. As an added bonus they keep your ears pretty warm as well. Added bonus is you can use a muzzle braked rifle.

[Rio56]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Well you are faster and sneaker than me if you could have put in ear plugs and shot any of the last 3 bucks I took from my stands. None were running, close range, but small windows of opportunity

I guess I just don’t know what I am doing and lack skill

ear plugs start early in the morning . put them in and
Huny I'm gone for the day.."what " I don't know where .

and when you get there , out they come , peace and quiet

[Smoky buck]

Originally Posted by Rio56

ear plugs start early in the morning . put them in and
Huny I'm gone for the day.."what " I don't know where .

and when you get there , out they come , peace and quiet

If it’s hunting season my wife is heading to her stand/hiding spot and not wearing earplugs either

[heretohunt]

Originally Posted by Smoky buck

Well you are faster and sneaker than me if you could have put in ear plugs and shot any of the last 3 bucks I took from my stands. None were running, close range, but small windows of opportunity

I guess I just don’t know what I am doing and lack skill

If you say so.

[eaglemountainman]

Always at the range.
Never while hunting.