HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base
Module 08 - HUNTING PREPARATION
YOUR GEAR AND EQUIPMENT
Hunters need more than just the right clothing on their backs. Are you prepared with all the right hunting gear and equipment? Let’s start with your ears and eyes.
Ear Protection
Firearms are loud and unprotected exposure to shooting noise will cause irreversible hearing damage. Always protect your ears—the noise level of a gunshot compares to a jet engine taking off at close range. This is going to do some damage.
Your Ear Protection Options:
- If you’re shooting at a firing range you should always wear earmuffs.
- Reusable rubber earplugs or disposable foam earplugs can be used but they're definitely not the best option for ear protection.
- Plan ahead a few years—do you want to be able to hear the excited cheers when your grandkids catch their first fish? Then you better take care of those ears. Wear both earplugs and earmuffs with a high Noise Reduction Rating (NRR). Or you may only see the splash… so long as you also protect your eyes.
