Hunters in Florida might soon be able to use silencers.

According to the Sun Sentinel, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission is considering a proposal at its upcoming Sept. 10 meeting in Kissimmee which would allow hunters to use silencers when shooting deer, turkey, gray squirrels, rabbits, quail and crows.

Supporters maintain that silencers protect hunters’ hearing, reduce the felt recoil on a rifle, and enable hunters to hunt near residential areas without causing a commotion.

“It basically will take a high-powered rifle and make it sound like a .22,” said Tony Young, spokesman for the wildlife commission. “It still makes a sound, but it’s at a lower decibel level. Maybe they’re hunting close to some houses and maybe they want to be quiet for their neighbors. Maybe if they’re quiet when they shoot, it will scare the game less. We’re just trying to give people the opportunity to be able to buy one and use one if they choose. We don’t see enough negatives to not allow them.”

Read more: http://www.sun-sentinel.com