Suppressor bill sent to governor
State lawmakers passed SB 1743 that will allow hunters to use suppressors (also called silencers) on their rifles when hunting on their own land.
Other hunters who are on private land also could use suppressors with permission of the landowner.
The bill has been forwarded to Gov. Mary Fallin. If she signs the bill, it would become law on Nov. 1.
The bill had been opposed by the Oklahoma State Game Wardens Association. Lawmakers did impose harsher penalties for game violations involving a suppressor.
In additional to the usual penalties, anyone convicted of a wildlife offense while using a suppressor could face an additional fine of $500 to $1,000.
Other wildlife-related bills still pending include one which would create a one-day non-resident fishing license.
Another bill in conference committee would allow disabled hunters to use laser sights when hunting on private land and accompanied by another hunter.
This is the final week of the legislative session.
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SB1743 was just signed into law by the governor…and why shouldn’t it? The game warden’s association and the Wildlife Department’s arguments against the passage of this bill made little sense. When asked pointed questions as to the after effect in other states with similar legislation their responses left others dumbfounded. Apparently they feel that Oklahoma is different from every other state and those statistics didn’t reflect what would happen here.
Regardless, now that it is law there is sure to be a lot of unhappy wardens roaming the woods come November 1st. I guess they would only be happy if hunters sounded an airhorn every time they took game, even with a bow.