Ear protection
Question:
> Next novice question – do you wear ear protection when out hunting? We > do > when we are at the trap range, and we noticed that on the show "Hunting > with Hank" it appears the handler wears ear protection only on his gun > side > ear. Is that common? I honestly cannot recall noticing at the hunt > tests > if the gunners wear ear protection… I was too overwhelmed with my > rookie > trained and handled dog doing so well that she kept passing… But we > are > wondering. We keep those little foam ones in the gun case right now, and > that’s what we use at the range.
Depends on how much shooting and with what type of gun. For big game hunting, where you would fire one shot, ideally, you can probably forget the hearing protection. Or, you can put in one earplug, in the ear thats closest to the muzzle. This is mainly to have your sense of hearing when you are out hunting for game and you have not located it yet. Of course, you can try and locate your game first, and if you could, put on hearing protection just before you shoot. For shotgunning at ducks/geese, you will probably have the time to put on hearing protection when you start calling them, and they get to within range. Of course, you can always get some of those ‘hearing aid’ type hearing protection <http://www.walkersgameear.com>. This is not an endorsement, I do not work for them, nor do I receive any compensation from them. But this type of hearing protection will allow you to get a good cheek-stock weld for shooting. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Next novice question – do you wear ear protection when out hunting? We do > when we are at the trap range, and we noticed that on the show "Hunting > with Hank" it appears the handler wears ear protection only on his gun side > ear. Is that common? I honestly cannot recall noticing at the hunt tests > if the gunners wear ear protection… I was too overwhelmed with my rookie > trained and handled dog doing so well that she kept passing… But we are > wondering. We keep those little foam ones in the gun case right now, and > that’s what we use at the range.
(snipped) I like to wear ear protection whenever possible. I’ve lost 1/2 of my hearing now, and will never get it back. Range and target shooting, it’s mandatory. Small game and varmints, I’d recommend it, but calling turkeys, you can’t wear ‘em and be able to hear the turkeys. Use your own judgment. I sure miss those birds singing. Haven’t heard a cricket in years…… Bob Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
Response:
Hi there! Again, thanks for all your wonderful advice and suggestions so far in our entry into the world of hunting, upland bird in particular. We still hope to have our first "real" outing next year, as all the "hunter ed classes" are full up until January. Next novice question – do you wear ear protection when out hunting? We do when we are at the trap range, and we noticed that on the show "Hunting with Hank" it appears the handler wears ear protection only on his gun side ear. Is that common? I honestly cannot recall noticing at the hunt tests if the gunners wear ear protection… I was too overwhelmed with my rookie trained and handled dog doing so well that she kept passing… But we are wondering. We keep those little foam ones in the gun case right now, and that’s what we use at the range. Of course for the bow hunters, this may not apply as a question. ;-) Oh and now that we have our new shotgun sized for us, it has made a huge difference in our enjoyment of shooting and in our success in hitting those silly clays. We highly recommend getting a gun sized, especially if you are female! Right out of the box, the stock was easily 2 or 3 inches too long for both of us. Had to pull it as far in front of me as my arms would reach, just to even begin to plant it near my shoulder. HUGE difference now. Well worth the nominal (we thought) price of sizing it. Not to mention we got a free cleaning lesson out of it as well. Good luck to all! Tracy & Jeni Olympia, Wash kibble providers to Ch. Cameo’s Wild Cherry Jubilee WDX JH , Clumber Spaniel Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at: http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/
