New Law Allows Hunters to Use Suppressors to Shoot

Turner Valentine was mentioned in a Times-Union article about the new Indiana hunting laws which allow  hunters to use sound suppressors.

Hunters may now use sound suppressors to shoot game in Indiana.

A new state law, which took effect July 1, repealed the prohibition on suppressors for individuals who are otherwise hunting legally.  The bill was signed into law May 11, making Indiana the second state after Wyoming this year to end its prohibition on hunting with silencers.

The bill also includes enhanced criminal penalties for poachers who use or possess silencers while taking game unlawfully.

By attaching suppressors to firearms, hunters can help protect themselves against hearing loss caused by the sound of a gun.  They also can reduce noise pollution and disturbances for those that live and work near hunting areas.  Additionally, hunting with sound suppressors can lessen recoil to make for more precise shooting and fewer wounded animals.

While suppressors are legal in Indiana, the possession of them is still regulated by federal law.  The ownership of suppressors requires the registration and approval of the purchase with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.  This obligates potential suppressor owners to be fingerprinted, photographed and authorized by the chief law enforcement official.

Turner Valentine Law Office in Warsaw notes that an NFA Trust is a way to expedite this process for hunters looking to take advantage of the new sound suppressor law.

An NFA Trust is a type of revocable trust that deals with the unique issues of owning suppressors and certain other types of firearms.  For example, and NFA Trust provides a safeguard to gun owners by protecting loved ones from committing an accidental felony through constructive possession, both through unregistered access to the suppressors or possession after the owner’s death, according to the law office.  Additionally, and NFA Trust removes suppressors from probate proceedings and allows the owner to pass them down to loved ones upon his or her death.

Times Union of Warsaw, Indiana

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