Quickly applying hearing protection?

[nickE10mm]

OP,

I use either the Howard Leight banded plugs above and the Howard Leight Impact Sports electronics when stalking.

But you're right ... This is the single bigger thing about hunting deer in thick woods with a .44 or 10mm handgun: finding a way to protect your ears while not sacrificing hearing small sounds and not spooking game.

Good luck

 

[Vol46]

Walkers game ears - in both ears. Improves my lousy hearing and protects what I have left when it is time to shoot.
BTW, you are kidding yourself if you think your current deer rifle is "quiet" & will not damage your hearing. Same with "low brass" shot shells. The only difference in low brass & high brass is the height of the brass - no correlation to velocity or noise. A longer barrel may, in fact, help a little, but not enough to avoid damage if you shoot much.

 

[ole farmerbuck]

Has anyone used these: http://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item.asp?sku=001682320

Use them all the time.

 

[Sav .250]

Hearing protection is great for constant "loud" noises. Competition shooting as well.
But for just hunting is more a personal choice.

Most don`t fire that many rounds when out for a day hunting.

Course if your hearing is bad to start with (job noise,around jet engines ,etc) absolutely.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Most don`t fire that many rounds when out for a day hunting.

And each of those rounds IS damaging to your hearing.

 

[frgood]

I am considering http://www.earplugstore.com/walkers-game-ear-digital-hd.html.
They seem pricey but I think it is worth the NRR29 protection and the amplification from behind the ear to help with location identification.

 

[buck460XVR]

Hearing protection is great for constant "loud" noises. Competition shooting as well.
But for just hunting is more a personal choice.

Most don`t fire that many rounds when out for a day hunting.

This may be a consideration for those hunting with a shotgun or rifle, but even one shot outta a big-bore handgun will permanently damage your ears. Those earplugs/muffs that allow one to hear well, but yet shut off excessive noise are the best solution. The little bit of inconvenience or discomfort is a small price to pay for saving your hearing. At least for some of us.

 

[oneounceload]

There are electronic IN the ear protection devices from a variety of makers. Not cheap, but your hearing is priceless. Don't kid yourself about .22 and shotshells - they can, and do, cause hearing loss