Guys i don't know what the regulations are like where you are, but if you check out the UK, most stalkers, hunters are using moderators on thier rifles, the situation here in Germany is a little different, moderators are not illegal, but its **** difficult to get a permit, hence ALL the older hunters are ALL deaf or hard of hearing to a point. I'm 37 and my hearing is still pretty good, but i have also lost certain tone levels from 31 years of shooting shotguns and 27 years of shooting rifles. not to mention 10 years in the Army, where although we where issued ear defenders, the actual requirements for "in the field" communications meant that ear defenders where only worn on the ranges. Ive used the electronic ear defenders mentioned here, but i find they are cold in cold weather, and whistle like heck when its windy and are cumbersome, things like the game ear are expensive, as are those reactive things that are custom fitted to your earsnow lets also not forget your dog, many guys stalk with a dog as a companion, where is the dog when you take a shot, almost right under the muzzle if your standing, and not far away to one side if your prone or kneeling, how many deaf gun dogs have you come across? the best way to protect your ears and those of your 4 legged pal is to reduce the noise level at source, and moderate the rifle. If local regulations don't permit that, then your stuck with some form of ear defenders, I found that a flap sided hat, one that folds down at the sides over your ears helps just take the edge of the shot if you can't use anything else, but 2nd to a moderated rifle, the electronic defenders are the next best thing, its down to personal choice then i suppose, look after your hearing, it is so important when hunting. Pete
