Can you hunt with a silencer?

[OneBadV8]

Does anyone know the legality of this? I was curious if I could go squirrel hunting with a silencer or varmints in general.

 

[techres]

It is illegal to my knowledge. A leftover from the depression days. I had the same idea you did and it got shot down.

 

[Soundslikejosh]

Yes, the 2008-2009 DNR book page 5. Illegal to hunt with a silencer.

 

[VUPDblue]

It depends on the game and the location. In Indiana, you may not use a silencer to hunt with. That said, you can hunt non-game animals and use them then. The example I have been given is the statute for hunting Coyotes, it states that you can hunt them any time using any equipment.

From the DNR website:

It is legal to hunt fox and coyote with the use of mouth- or hand-operated calls, or with the use of recorded calls. Spotlights may be used to take fox and coyote. There are no restrictions on hunting hours or firearms.

Of course this is open to interpretation. The above quoted passage, IMHO, means that you CAN use a silencer when hunting Coyotes because a silencer is, by definiton, a firearm. The passage states "no restrictions on firearms" ergo silencers are not restricted. This can, and should, cause great debate. It is yet another example of Indiana firearms laws that should be void for vagueness.

 

[Soundslikejosh]

This is an interesting point you make VUPD. Especially due to the nature of coyote hunting (night), silencers would be appreciated by the neighbors.

Have you ever discussed this with someone at the state level?

 

[VUPDblue]

Nope. If I thought I knew someone at that level I'd have a laundry list of firearms laws for them to work on.

 

[bwframe]

That also brings the question of the crop depredation permits. I'm not familiar with those rules, but I do know they aren't the same as normal. I've seen various accounts of rifles, no seasons and possibly even night hunting being allowed? Wonder if suppressors would be legit for this?

 

[Soundslikejosh]

Nope. If I thought I knew someone at that level I'd have a laundry list of firearms laws for them to work on.

Good point.

 

[hotfarmboy1]

That also brings the question of the crop depredation permits. I'm not familiar with those rules, but I do know they aren't the same as normal. I've seen various accounts of rifles, no seasons and possibly even night hunting being allowed? Wonder if suppressors would be legit for this?

I've been wondering that same thing. One of our fields is on the north side of our woods and pond. And I always see deer out there in the off season. But can never find them during the season (property across the road is no hunting allowed, they have a safe spot). So if its possible I'd love to see if I can get them during the off season, and if I have to stick to the rules on the firearms since we are farmers and use the ground for crops. MMM a silenced 30-06 or SKS would do very nicely

 

[Marc]

its only illegal if you get caught. i never received hearing or notification on when or where these laws were made. since i wasnt there/present and wasnt consulted. who says those laws/rules apply especially when i didnt sign off on a agreement that i will abide the rules of which i wasnt infromed of and consulted. :moon:

 

[Soundslikejosh]

its only illegal if you get caught. i never received hearing or notification on when or where these laws were made. since i wasnt there/present and wasnt consulted. who says those laws/rules apply especially when i didnt sign off on a agreement that i will abide the rules of which i wasnt infromed of and consulted. :moon:

I believe you are joking but I hope you realize this would never fly and the authorities would grill you up for lunch and never break a sweat.

 

[Marc]

I believe you are joking

yes i am joking.

 

[wolfman]

yes i am joking.

Good thing because the search and sezure laws are more relaxed for DNR related offenses, and probable cause is grounds for searches that would require warrents if it didn't involve wildlife.

 

[pftraining_in]

No, you can not use a silencer while hunting in Indiana.

IC 14-22-6-11
Silencers prohibited
Sec. 11. (a) This section does not apply to an employee of the department or an employee of a federal wildlife management agency who:
(1) is acting in the performance of the employee's duties; and
(2) has received the express written consent of the director for the employee's action.
(b) A person may not:
(1) use or possess an apparatus designed for use with or on a firearm commonly called a silencer; or
(2) use or possess a device used as a silencer;
in Indiana while in the act of hunting.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.15. Amended by P.L.13-2007, SEC.2.

IC 14-8-2-128
"Hunt"
Sec. 128. "Hunt", for purposes of IC 14-22, means to take a wild animal except by trapping.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.1.

IC 14-8-2-228
"Pursue"
Sec. 228. "Pursue", for purposes of IC 14-22, means following wild animals with the intent to take.
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.1.

 

[theweakerbrother]

its only illegal if you get caught. i never received hearing or notification on when or where these laws were made. since i wasnt there/present and wasnt consulted. who says those laws/rules apply especially when i didnt sign off on a agreement that i will abide the rule?s of which i wasnt infromed of and consulted. :moon:

You've seen "Waiting..." haven't you?

 

[Marc]

i completely for got about that movie... thats where i heard that from.