On June 6th, Vermont hunters gained the permanent right to use suppressors in the field when Gov. Phil Scott signed House Bill 878 into law, thus removing a sunset provision installed in Senate Bill 281 in 2022 that temporarily legalized their use.

Vermont first authorized ownership of suppressors and their use on gun ranges in 2015. Now Green Mountain boys and girls no longer must worry about hearing protection while hunting. The state now permanently joins 40 others that authorize the use of suppressors while hunting. The move culminates a decade of work by the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus and the American Suppressor Association (ASA), which calls suppressors as “the hearing protection of the 21^st century.”

The ASA was quick to recognize this movement’s stewardship by state Rep. Pat Brennan, a Republican from Chittenden.

“Working with Representative Brennan over the past twelve years has truly been one of the greatest privileges and honors of my career,” said Knox Williams, ASA executive director. “His tireless work and unwavering dedication is the reason why law-abiding citizens in The Green Mountain State no longer have to choose between jeopardizing their hearing and exercising their Second Amendment rights. What he was able to accomplish is nothing short of extraordinary. The suppressor community, as well as the people of Vermont, will forever be in his debt.”

Founded in 2011, the ASA promotes the rights of suppressor ownership nationwide. The organization’s efforts have resulted in the legalization of suppressors in three states, the use of suppressors while hunting in 19 states, the defeat of numerous attempts to impose state level bans, and the dramatic improvements to transfer times under the National Firearms Act.

Vermont joins 40 other states in allowing use of suppressors while hunting

Article by J. SCOTT OLMSTED

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