CBS 5 - KPHO Arizona group supports silencers on hunting rifles

The idea may be in its infancy, but there could soon be legislation introduced that would allow silencers on hunting rifles. The Arizona Citizens Defense League emphatically supports such a  bill.

"It's a good thing for hunting. It makes people able to hunt in ways that are less damaging to their own hearing," said Charles Heller of the AzCDL.

The organization says that ultimately, it's a health issue more than anything else.

"I can tell you as a firearms instructor, one of the first things they tell you is to wear hearing protection. Most people when they're hunting don't do that because it blocks out the rest of nature," adds Heller.

Arizona Game and Fish law prohibit the use of silencers for the purpose of harvesting wildlife.

One Valley hunter we spoke to says the suppresser is considered a firearm, and hunting with a firearm isn't illegal, all weapons are required to be registered, and therefore doesn't see the problem. 

Those against the idea suggest that allowing silencers could make it easier for criminals to commit crimes.

"I don't think it'll cause any uprise in criminal activity since most of these guys that are doing hunting are legally doing it.  They have their tags, they've been drawn, they're out there enjoying an American tradition," said Daniel Touvell, a sales manager at Shooter's World and avid hunter.

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