Gov Jindal Signs Law Legalizing “Silencers” for Hunters

Governor Bobby Jindal signed a new bill into law which allows Louisiana hunters to place a silencer or sound suppressor device on a firearm and use it to hunt. Proponents say the use of these devices helps protect the user's hearing.

Previously, the law allowed sound-suppressor devices when hunting "nuisance species" such as beavers and wild hogs.

The law goes into effect on August 1, and the legislation received strong support in the state Senate and House of Representatives.

Metairie Rep. Cameron Henry suggested that this type of legislation is typical in many states today.

"There are 39 other states that have this law," Henry said. "So we are not breaking new ground here, we are just on par with the rest of the country when it comes to the use of a silencer."

Sound suppressors are not easy to obtain, and require a thorough background check.