*** News ***

From the American Suppressor Association:

Iowa: Suppressor Ownership Legislation Passes Committee, Full Vote Expected In House


*** Update (3/10/15) ***

Iowa Update: Suppressor Legalization Bill Passes In House

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Storm,

*** News ***

ASA is asking Montanans to contact members of the House Judiciary Committee and voice your support for unrestricted suppressed hunting in Montana.

quote:

Yesterday, Senate Bill 295 was heard by the Montana House Judiciary Committee. Sponsored by Senator Mark Blasdel (R-4), SB 295 would remove the prohibition on the use of legally possessed firearm suppressors while hunting for all game animals. Having already passed the Senate by an overwhelming majority of 35 to 15, SB 295 needs your support in the House Judiciary Committee.

Contact list in link

Montana: Suppressor Hunting Legislation Needs Support

*** News ***

Montana: Suppressor Hunting Legislation Supported By Governor

Yesterday, Gov. Steve Bullock took a major step forward towards legalizing the use of suppressors for all lawful hunting in Montana when he returned House Bill 250 to the legislature with proposed amendments. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Kirk Wagoner (R-75), originally pertained only to the use of a suppressed firearm “when hunting wildlife not protected by state or federal law”. Gov. Bullock’s proposed amendment seeks to expand the scope of the legislation to allow the use of a suppressor on a firearm during all lawful hunting. In order to become law, HB 250 must now go back to the legislature and pass concurrence in both the House and the Senate.

In 2013, Gov. Bullock vetoed HB 205, a similar measure which sought to legalize full game suppressor hunting. Since his initial veto, the ASA has engaged the Governor’s office to educate him on the facts and merits of suppressor hunting.

Link To Full Release From American Suppressor Association

*** News ***

Iowa: Suppressor Legislation Needs Support

Iowa is well on its way to becoming the 40th state to legalize suppressor ownership, despite some hiccups in the legislative process. Since we last updated you, the bill numbers have changed several times as Iowa legislators fight over specifics, but the ASA is happy to inform you that last Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee voted 19-2 to approve Senate File 427. This bill originated in the Senate, where it began as a stand-alone bill to legalize suppressor ownership. It passed the Senate 46-4, before moving to the House, where it was amended to include several additional pro-Second Amendment provisions.

SF 427 is now an omnibus bill that includes a “Shall Sign” provision, which would require Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) in Iowa to sign suppressor applications within 30 days of receipt, unless the applicant is found to be a prohibited person. If passed, SF 427 would make Iowa the 40th state to allow private ownership of suppressors. Similar legislation has been introduced in Illinois, Minnesota, and Vermont this session.

The ASA is very excited about the prospects of this bill becoming law, but there is still work to do before we can declare victory. We need your help to push this effort past the finish line! Using this link, please identify, call, and email your legislators and politely urge them to support SF 427.

Find your legislator here: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislators

With your help, we will get this legislation to Governor Branstad’s desk and legalize suppressor ownership for 3 million Iowans.

Source: ASA: Iowa: Suppressor Legislation Needs Support

*** Update - Montana ***

The American Suppressor Association announced that Montana signed into law, bill HB 250 which allows the hunting of both game and non-game animals in that state. The law went into effect immediately upon signature.

ETA (11/28/14): Adding an additional sources for this legislation.
A letter from Gov. Steve Bullock: http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2015/A...mS/SB0295GovVeto.pdf

Ammoland.com Article: http://www.ammoland.com/2015/0...b-295/#axzz3sYxvVEwN


Hunting with Suppressors Map - Montana

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Storm,

*** News ***

Vermont: Suppressor Ownership Legislation Passes House – Needs Your Help

Yesterday, a bill which would legalize the private ownership of suppressors in Vermont passed the House of Representatives. Chairman David Deen (D-Windham) of the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources successfully offered an amendment to include language from Rep. Patrick Brennan’s (R-Chittenden) H. 210 in an economic development bill, S. 138. H. 210, which passed Chairman Deen’s Committee last week, seeks to end the 103 year prohibition on suppressors in the Green Mountain State. After the amendment was accepted, S. 138 passed the House by an overwhelmingly bipartisan 141 – 2 margin.

The omnibus package has now moved to the Senate, where it will be placed in a Committee of Conference. If the language is able to stay in, and the bill is able to pass, Vermont will become the 40th state to allow private ownership of suppressors.

There are many benefits to using a suppressor, including:

HEARING PROTECTION: Noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus are two of the most common afflictions for recreational shooters and hunters. Everyone knows that gunfire is loud, but very few people understand the repercussions that shooting can have on their hearing until it’s too late. Suppressors reduce the noise of a gunshot by an average of 20 – 35 dB, which is roughly the same as earplugs or earmuffs. By decreasing the overall sound signature, suppressors help to preserve the hearing of recreational shooters, hunters, and hunting dogs around the world.

NOISE COMPLAINTS: As urban developments advance into rural areas, shooting ranges and hunting preserves across the country are being closed due to noise complaints. Although it can still be heard, suppressed gunfire helps mitigate noise complaints from those who live near shooting ranges and hunting land.

ACCURACY: Suppressors reduce recoil, and help decrease muzzle flinch. These benefits lead to improved accuracy, better shot placement, and more humane hunts.

The American Suppressor Association is working hard to ensure that this bill becomes law, and we are very excited about the prospect of bringing suppressor ownership to Vermont. However, we need your help. Please call and email members of the Senate and politely ask for their support of the legalization of suppressors through S. 138.

Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs:

Chairman Kevin Mullin (R-Rutland): kjmbjm@aol.com

Vice Chair, and Senate Majority Leader Philip Baruth (D-Chittenden): pbaruth@leg.state.vt.us

Senator Bill Doyle (R-Washington): wdoyle@leg.state.vt.us

Senator Ann Cummings (D-Washington): acummings@leg.state.vt.us

Senator Becca Balint (D-Windham): bbalint@leg.state.vt.us

All Senators: http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/all/2016/Senate


Source: http://americansuppressorassoc...use-needs-your-help/

*** News ***

Vermont Legislature Passes Bipartisan Bill To Legalize Suppressors

After months of education and negotiation, and a great deal of hard work on the part of Rep. Patrick Brennan (R-Chittenden), the Vermont legislature yesterday passed H. 5, a bill that would make Vermont the 40th state in the Union to recognize the right to private suppressor ownership.

As you might remember from our earlier post, Rep. Brennen successfully lobbied to have suppressor ownership language inserted into an economic development bill, S. 138, last Tuesday. When the suppressor ownership provision was later removed from that bill in conference committee, Rep. Brennan went right back to work, reaching across the aisle to work with Sen. John Rogers (D-Essex/Orleans), who inserted the provision into H. 5, a hunting bill, on the Senate floor Friday morning. Together Rep. Brennan and Sen. Rogers, along with Rep. David Deen (D-Westminster), spent much of Friday working tirelessly to whip votes in favor of the suppressor ownership bill in both the House and Senate. Their efforts paid off, and H.5 passed both the Senate and the House with overwhelming majorities.

The American Suppressor Association would like to thank all the legislators who worked hard to secure suppressor rights in Vermont, but special gratitude is owed to Rep. Brennan. Rep. Brennan worked vigorously throughout the session for our suppressor rights, not only by drafting the language that would make them legal, but also by making sure the language was attached to no fewer than three bills before finally being approved.

The American Suppressor Association is working hard with Rep. Brennan to ensure that this bill becomes law, and we are very excited about the prospect of bringing suppressor ownership to Vermont. However, we need your help. Although we expect Gov. Shumlin to sign H. 5 into law, we ask that you reach out to him to let him know just how important this issue is.

Please call and email Gov. Shumlin and politely ask him to support of the legalization of suppressors by signing H. 5 into law. His contact information is available through the link provided below.

http://governor.vermont.gov/contact-us


Source: http://americansuppressorassoc...egalize-suppressors/

*** News ***

Minnesota has passed a bill which will legalize the ownership of suppressors and their use while hunting. The bill now is awaiting the Governor's signature to become law.


Minnesota Legislature Passes Bipartisan Bill To Legalize Suppressors

Late last night, both chambers of the Minnesota legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass Senate File 878, an Omnibus public safety finance and policy bill which includes a provision that will legalize suppressors in Minnesota. The vote came towards the end of a legislative session that kept lawmakers at the capitol throughout the weekend. After a great deal of debate and discussion, the Minnesota Senate passed SF 878 by a veto-proof 55-9 majority, and the House quickly followed suit, voting 116-15 to pass the bill and send it to Gov. Dayton’s desk.

This major victory for suppressor rights comes after months of hard work on the part of the NRA, the ASA, and especially Rep. Tony Cornish (R-23B), Chairman of the House Public Safety Committee, who acted as a champion for our cause by shepherding this bill through committee and ensuring that this issue stayed at the top of the legislature’s agenda.

The American Suppressor Association thanks the National Rifle Association and Rep. Cornish for continuously supporting SF 878. We also thank Rep. Mark Anderson (R-09A), who sponsored the initial legalization bill, as well as the eight conferees who voted to support suppressors in conference committee. Finally, we would like to thank Speaker of the House Daudt, Senate Majority Leader Bakk, Rep. David Dill (DFL-03A), and the other 170 members of the House and Senate who voted to recognize your suppressor rights.

The American Suppressor Association is working to ensure that this bill becomes law, and we are very excited about the prospect of bringing suppressor ownership to Minnesota. However, last month, Governor Dayton cast doubt as to whether or not he would sign any legislation that would legalize suppressors. The ASA and Vista Outdoors responded by sending letters to the Governor explaining why the legalization of suppressors is in the interests of Minnesotans.

ASA Letter

Vista Outdoors Letter

Please contact Gov. Dayton and politely urge him to sign SF 878 into law. Contact information can be found below:

http://mn.gov/governor/contact-us/


Source: http://americansuppressorassoc...egalize-suppressors/

*** Update - Minnesota ***

Minnesota becomes the 40th state to legalize suppressor ownership and hunting.

quote:

From: MN-GOCRA
---------------------------------
SUPPRESSOR EFFECTIVE DATE: JULY 1
---------------------------------
Good news: The ban on possession of suppressors in Minnesota ends on July 1, not August 1.
(Gory details: most laws take effect August 1, unless otherwise specified in the law, but appropriations bills take effect July 1 unless otherwise specified.)
Here are all of the effective dates:
July 1:
Suppressor ban ends
Capitol carry notification rules change
Carry permit recognition standards change*
August 1:
Emergency Powers provision takes effect
Ban on hunting with suppressors ends

Hunting with Suppressors Map - Minnesota


Note: I will update the map with respect to hunting privileges once I have received information on any restrictions from the Minnesota DNR.

Congratulations Minnesotans!

Sources: MN-GOCRA Facebook: Suppressor Ban Ends
American Suppressor Association: Minnesota becomes the 40th state to legalize suppressors

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Storm,

*** Update: Minnesota ***

I received information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on where and what wildlife are legal to hunt suppressed. All game and non-game are legal to hunt suppressed and there are no restrictions with regards to whether the land is public or private. Below is a copy of the email.

Hunting with Suppressors Map - Minnesota

quote:

E-mail from Minnesota DNR:

Storm,

There are no restrictions on what game you can hunt with a suppressor – there are restrictions on the type of firearm you can use to hunt game in MN. Currently you can’t use a .17 caliber to hunt deer but you can legally use a .22 and since it’s a legal firearm to take deer, you could have a suppressor on it.

Right now there is no language that address private versus public – they are legal throughout the state.

You are correct on the date – August 1st.

Here is the language that was passed regarding revocations if convicted of committing a game/fish crime while in possession of a suppressor.


Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 97A.421, is amended by adding a subdivision to read:

Subd. 3a. License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor. (a) A person who is convicted of a violation under paragraph (b) and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for five years from the date of conviction.
(b) The revocation under this subdivision applies to convictions of:

(1) trespass as provided in section 97A.315, subdivision 1, paragraph (b);

(2) hunting game in closed season;

(3) hunting game more than one-half hour before legal shooting hours or more than one-half hour after legal shooting hours; or

(4) using artificial lights to spot, locate, or take wild animals while in possession of a firearm.

EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective August 1, 2015, and applies to crimes committed on or after that date.



MN DNR Enforcement – Operations Manager

You can HUNT DEER with a 22 in MN?!

quote:

Originally posted by exx1976:
You can HUNT DEER with a 22 in MN?!

I caught that too. I'm interpreting that to mean .223 or more powerful. I'm sure it's in the hunting handbook of regulations somewhere.

That said, even .223 seems a bit small/under powered to dispatch a deer.

re. using .22 caliber ammo:


On page 60 of the 2014 MN Hunting Regulations

quote:

LEGAL FIREARMS (INCLUDES HANDGUNS) FOR BIG GAME
• It is at least .220 caliber and has center fire ignition;
• It is loaded only with single projectile ammunition;
• The projectile used has a soft point or is an expanding bullet type;*
• The muzzleloader (long gun or handgun) used cannot be loaded at the
breech (muzzleloading revolvers are not legal for taking big game);
• The smooth-bore muzzleloader used is at least .45 caliber and
• The rifled muzzleloader used is at least .40 caliber;
• Muzzleloaders with scopes are legal during the regular firearms deer seasons,
but are not allowed during the muzzleloader season except by special permit
for hunters with a medically certified visual impairment. ....

Don't know what's keeping Iowa, Illinois, that's another thing. I'm really surprised that those three Mid Western States are red. Two now.

quote:

Originally posted by coanan:
Don't know what's keeping Iowa, Illinois, that's another thing. I'm really surprised that those three Mid Western States are red. Two now.

This is the last thing I heard about Iowa: Iowa Firearms Coalition: Legislative Session Ending Soon Omnibus Gun Bill Still Alive. I haven't heard anything about Illinois since March, I believe. Vermont's legislature passed a bill, that was waiting on their Governor's action. That was over a week ago.

The American Suppressor Association's Blog tracks all legislative action on suppressors.

*** News ***

It looks like Maine will be the next state to legalize suppressed hunting.


Maine: Pro-Suppressor Legislation Passed, Goes To Governor

On Friday, June 12th, the Maine State Senate passed ASA backed Legislative Document 942, a bill which seeks to make Maine the 37th state to legalize full game suppressor hunting. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason (R – Androscoggin County), LD 942 also includes a “Shall Sign” provision, which would require Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) in Maine to sign NFA applications within 15 days of receipt, unless the applicant is found to be a prohibited person. The legislation is now on its way to the desk of Governor Paul LePage.

If signed into law, Maine will become the 37th state to allow hunters to use legally possessed suppressors in the field. Earlier this year, Minnesota and Montana passed and enacted similar pro-suppressor hunting reform. In 2014, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Ohio did the same. Maine will also become the 13th state to enact some form of a “Shall Sign/Certify” process, joining Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia.

In recent weeks, the American Suppressor Association has spoken directly with Gov. LePage about suppressor legislation. He assured us that he will sign LD 942 into law one the bill reaches his desk.


Source: http://americansuppressorassoc...ed-goes-to-governor/

*** Update - Vermont ***

Vermont Legalizes Supressor Ownership

On June 17, Vermont's Governor Peter Shumlin signed Bill H.5 into law, legalizing the possession and use of suppressors in that state. Vermont is the 41st State to legalize suppressors. The law will go into effect on July 2. It restricts the civilian use of suppressors to "(4) a person lawfully using a sport shooting range." This "use" provision is designed to expire on July 1, 2017. [Sec 18 (c) (4); Sec 19 (3)]

Effective July 2, 2015


Effective August 1, 2015


Source: Vermont Bill H.5 Status

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Storm,

*** Update - Maine ***

Maine: Pro-Suppressor Legislation Becomes Law


At midnight last night, ASA backed Legislative Document 942 became law, making Maine the 37th state to legalize full game suppressor hunting. Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason (R – Androscoggin County), LD 942 also includes a “Shall Sign” provision, which will require Chief Law Enforcement Officers (CLEOs) in Maine to sign NFA applications within 15 days of receipt, unless the applicant is found to be a prohibited person. The legislation will take effect 90 days after the end of session – likely mid-October.


Maine: Pro-Suppressor Legislation Becomes Law



The law allows the hunting of any animal or bird for which the hunter is licensed. There are no land restrictions, so suppressed hunting should be allowed on both public and private lands.

quote:

Noise suppression device. An individual in lawful possession of a device to suppress or deaden the sound or natural report of a firearm when the firearm is discharged may hunt any wild animals or wild birds the individual is licensed to hunt under this chapter and for which the firearm is allowed with that device attached to the firearm.

Status and Text of Law:
Status Of Law
Text Of Law

Note: The map has now been updated with the law's effective date.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Storm,

*** News ***

Vermonters, ASA is hosting a Suppressor Rally at Barre Fish and Game Club on July 2nd.


Thursday, July 2 at 10:00am - 2:00pm in EDT

Barre Fish and Game Club, Inc.
PO Box 130, Averill & Gun Club Roads, Barre, Vermont 05641

The American Suppressor Association wants you to joins us as we celebrate the legalization of suppressors in Vermont!

Located minutes away from the Capitol, this live fire event serves as an opportunity for members of the public and interested dealers to shoot suppressors for the first time in the Green Mountain State. During the event, the ASA will recognize those who worked hard to legalize suppressors in VT. This event is open to the public, and is free to attend. All ammo will be provided.

https://www.facebook.com/events/1464510317192909/

*** News ***

Today suppressors become legal to possess in Minnesota. Congratulations Minnesotans!




ASA: Minnesota: Suppressors Now Legal