Indiana: NRA-Backed Pro-Hunting Reform Bill Goes to Governor for His Expected Signature

This week, the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives concurred on the conference committee report for House Bill 1563, and this pro-hunting reform bill now goes to Governor Mike Pence (R) for his expected signature.

HB 1563, sponsored by state Representative Sean Eberhart (R-57) and state Senators Carlin Yoder (R-12) and Richard Young (D-47), would repeal Indiana’s current prohibition on the use of a suppressor while hunting and, thanks to an amendment offered by state Senator Jim Tomes (R-49), would also strengthen Indiana’s shooting range protection law.

Currently, more than half of the states allow hunters to use suppressors while hunting.  There are numerous benefits to hunting with suppressed firearms, including:

• Increased use of suppressors will help to eliminate noise complaints that are frequently an excuse to close hunting lands throughout the country.  This will protect hunting areas well into the future.
• Using a suppressor while hunting will reduce recoil and muzzle rise to help increase the accuracy of hunters.  More accurate shooting in the field means fewer wounded and lost animals--a good thing for hunters and wildlife.
• While suppressors do not eliminate the sound of a firearm, they do reduce the muzzle report in a manner similar to the way that a muffler reduces exhaust noise from a vehicle.  Suppressors simply help to protect against hearing loss.

Once enacted, hunters in Indiana will be able to enjoy the same opportunities available to sportsmen in more than half of the country.

Please send Governor Pence an e-mail and respectfully encourage him to sign House Bill 1563 into law.  Click here to send an e-mail.

The NRA thanks all state legislators who voted for this pro-hunting reform this legislative session.