Silencers are selling like hotcakes, and the media is starting to take notice. In an article published on Tuesday, the Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register informs readers in the Ohio Valley that most states do not prohibit silencers, and that more and more states are removing prohibitions on hunting with silencers.

The paper reports that ATF has seen a substantial uptick in applications related to the making and transfer of silencers both in Ohio and across the country.

Between March 2012 and April 2013, registrations of silencers nationwide grew 37 percent to 494,452, according to a 2013 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives report.

During that time frame, registrations in Ohio grew 144 percent to 25,353.

An Ohio NFA dealer correctly explains that silencers are hearing safety devices, and that they enable hunters to better enjoy their sport.

“I believe the best reason to have them is for hearing protection,” said Ryan Carr, owner of Sunbury-based RC Firearms, which sells the devices. “For this reason, hunting would be an excellent use of a silencer.”

As previously reported, the Ohio Legislature is currently considering a bill to legalize hunting with silencers in the Buckeye state.  H.B.  234 has been referred to the Agriculture & Natural Resources committee, but has not yet received a public hearing.