Ear protection,,,,,what do you use?

[mastercaster]

What kind of ear protection do you wear when you're in the blind. Up until now I was just wearing some wax ear plugs which I figure is much better than nothing but I bought some of the Walker electronic ear muff type with amplified hearing. Hopefully the colour (camo vs. black) doesn't matter because I got a sweet deal on the black ones off ebay.

[zippermouth]

the construction type that are super light and go around your neck work good as they are fast to put on. some are better than others, i had a blue set that had rubber plugs that were awesome but the orange ones that are more popular are not quite as good, still better than nothing.

[mastercaster]

the construction type that are super light and go around your neck work good as they are fast to put on. some are better than others, i had a blue set that had rubber plugs that were awesome but the orange ones that are more popular are not quite as good, still better than nothing.

I feel I'd be more inclined to wear that type if I was hunting upland (chukars and pheasants) because you have time to put them in when the dog goes on point. With waterfowl, you almost have to have them in your ears a 100% of the time you're in the blind,,,,unless you can see the birds coming from a fair distance away. Sometimes, though, they seem to come out of nowhere, catching you totally by surprise, as if they were in stealth mode until they were 25 yards away. LOL There's no way you can put in ear plugs fast enough under those situations.

Where do you buy those blue ones?

[Foxton Gundogs]

Eh what was that lol. Nothing, pretty hard to hear incoming geese with earplugs.

[mastercaster]

Eh what was that lol. Nothing, pretty hard to hear incoming geese with earplugs.

Maybe with your typical ear plugs but not with the electronic muffs with the built in hearing amplification, Jim. You could actually hear them coming from further away. Supposedly, it's like wearing a hearing aid if you already had perfect hearing to start with.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4806/46689622892_2f8ee24b3e_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e8Nwf9)s-l1600 (https://flic.kr/p/2e8Nwf9) by Brent Davy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150607128@N03/), on Flickr

One day I'd like to own these but $500+ is a little out of my budget,,,,,even though your hearing should be considered priceless!

https://www.soundgearhearing.com/collections/instant-fit/products/hearing-protection-for-hunters-shooters

[zippermouth]

I feel I'd be more inclined to wear that type if I was hunting upland (chukars and pheasants) because you have time to put them in when the dog goes on point. With waterfowl, you almost have to have them in your ears a 100% of the time you're in the blind,,,,unless you can see the birds coming from a fair distance away. Sometimes, though, they seem to come out of nowhere, catching you totally by surprise, as if they were in stealth mode until they were 25 yards away. LOL There's no way you can put in ear plugs fast enough under those situations.

Where do you buy those blue ones?
I got them from a hardware store in a small town and havnt seen them since. But i did a quick search online and found them. https://www.ebay.ca/i/271135305577?chn=ps&dispItem=1

[VLD43]

I shoot lots of shotgun. You only need plugs and not muffs for bird hunting. Your best bet are the molded plugs you by at hearing specialty places. They block or muffle shotgun noise but you can hear normal conversation.

[mastercaster]

I got them from a hardware store in a small town and havnt seen them since. But i did a quick search online and found them. https://www.ebay.ca/i/271135305577?chn=ps&dispItem=1

For $8 for a single pair I might order a single set. They might be what I'd take deer hunting but more than half the deer I've shot probably wouldn't give me enough time to put them in, especially the whitetails. Sometimes all you get is a 2-3 second open window so you need to be quick.

[mastercaster]

I shoot lots of shotgun. You only need plugs and not muffs for bird hunting. Your best bet are the molded plugs you by at hearing specialty places. They block or muffle shotgun noise but you can hear normal conversation.

Do you know the cost??

[DStewart]

I just got a pair done up by DB Blockers. Their head office for North America is in Surrey. All said and done was 168$

[Foxton Gundogs]

Maybe with your typical ear plugs but not with the electronic muffs with the built in hearing amplification, Jim. You could actually hear them coming from further away. Supposedly, it's like wearing a hearing aid if you already had perfect hearing to start with.



https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4806/46689622892_2f8ee24b3e_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2e8Nwf9)s-l1600 (https://flic.kr/p/2e8Nwf9) by Brent Davy (https://www.flickr.com/photos/150607128@N03/), on Flickr

One day I'd like to own these but $500+ is a little out of my budget,,,,,even though your hearing should be considered priceless!

https://www.soundgearhearing.com/collections/instant-fit/products/hearing-protection-for-hunters-shooters

I couldn't mount or swing a shotgun with those great lumps pushing against the stock, I'll stick to no protection abd keep my kill average up where it is thanks anyway.

[lorneparker1]

I dont use anything but i really should. I get brutal headaches sometimes, especially in box blinds. I am only 38 and losing my hearing is something i dont want. I hunt with some older fellas and run dogs with some guys that dont and almost everyone over 60 cant hear worth a shit. I own a pair of walkers but dont wear them when hunting cause they are annoying and uncomfortable. I will invest in some customs for next year

Lone

[mastercaster]

I dont use anything but i really should. I get brutal headaches sometimes, especially in box blinds. I am only 38 and losing my hearing is something i dont want. I hunt with some older fellas and run dogs with some guys that dont and almost everyone over 60 cant hear worth a shit. I own a pair of walkers but dont wear them when hunting cause they are annoying and uncomfortable. I will invest in some customs for next year

Lone

Ya,,,,both the guys I went duck and chukar hunting with this season are half deaf, as well,,,,, they're closing in on sixty. I'll try them out to see if they interfere or not. If they do, I'll just use them at the range and continue to use the smaller wax ear plugs while in the blind. I don't have big, hanging ears like some older guys do so I doubt they'll get in the way.

The muff type have never gotten in the way with my rifles,,,,hopefully it will be the same with a shotgun. My one buddy has a pair of the electronic muffs, which is why I thought I'd get some. He likes them and he's a hell of a shot so I know they're not getting in his way.

[albravo2]

I just got a pair done up by DB Blockers. Their head office for North America is in Surrey. All said and done was 168$

Looks like what I'm looking for. Do they have a storefront or do you have to start the process on their website?

Have you shot centrefire with them or just shotgun?

[jlirot]

I just got a pair done up by DB Blockers. Their head office for North America is in Surrey. All said and done was 168$

Thanks for the great lead here. I've been putting off gettting a real pair because of the cost. I've been using plugs or muffs. I have a cheap pair of electronic muffs but I don't wear them in the field.

Bird hunting I've been carrying a pair of plugs (nice ones but not expensive) on a string around my neck. But, sometimes not much time to put them in.

I would love to have a pair I could leave in. I'm going to head to DB sometime soon and get a pair.

Thanks again!

[alpinedust]

I just got a pair done up by DB Blockers. Their head office for North America is in Surrey. All said and done was 168$

Which model did you get? Did you order through the Website?

[mastercaster]

I just got a pair done up by DB Blockers. Their head office for North America is in Surrey. All said and done was 168$

Are these ones just for hearing protection or do they have the built in amplifying system that helps you hear natural noises other than sudden impact loud noises?

[VLD43]

Do you know the cost??
Yes. You will probably pay about $125 -150 depending on the outfit. Have used these for 30 plus years. As far as I am concerned, they are the only way to go when it comes to shot-gunning. I find muffs get in the way, can be hot and sweaty, and just uncomfortable. You start factoring the clothing and gear you wear when hunting birds of any kind, and muffs don't make a lot of sense, unless they are the only alternative. Try the custom plugs, I don't think you will be disappointed.

[mastercaster]

Yes. You will probably pay about $125 -150 depending on the outfit. Have used these for 30 plus years. As far as I am concerned, they are the only way to go when it comes to shot-gunning. I find muffs get in the way, can be hot and sweaty, and just uncomfortable. You start factoring the clothing and gear you wear when hunting birds of any kind, and muffs don't make a lot of sense, unless they are the only alternative. Try the custom plugs, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Can you recommend a place to get them?

[MichelD]

Can you recommend a place to get them?

I'm interested too.

[Foxton Gundogs]

Ya,,,,both the guys I went duck and chukar hunting with this season are half deaf, as well,,,,, they're closing in on sixty. I'll try them out to see if they interfere or not. If they do, I'll just use them at the range and continue to use the smaller wax ear plugs while in the blind. I don't have big, hanging ears like some older guys do so I doubt they'll get in the way.

The muff type have never gotten in the way with my rifles,,,,hopefully it will be the same with a shotgun. My one buddy has a pair of the electronic muffs, which is why I thought I'd get some. He likes them and he's a hell of a shot so I know they're not getting in his way.

I use muffs at the range. Huge difference between shooting a rifle Ans mounting and swinging a shotgun in one fluid and efecient motion but then what would I know.

To each their own industrial noise and loud music have done far more damage to my hearing than gunfire. IMHO

[Sportster]

I bought a pair of walkers game pro's. There low profile so they sit close to your head. Have used them a couple of times out at the range and have been n pretty impressed by how well they block out the report of big game rifles, but yet you can clearly hear people talking all around you, even at the far end of the benches. Don't know how they work, but they sure work good. I paid 129.00 on sale at cabelas.

[VLD43]

Can you recommend a place to get them?
Over here on the Island, I use NEXGEN Hearing, but there are lots of place on the lower mainland. Most hearing testing places offer this service. You go in, and they inject soft wax into your ear to take a cast of your ear. The cast is sent to a lab where they prepare a molding block. They inject silicon type rubber into it. Perfect cast of your ear. They seal well and protect your hearing. You can get them with noise reducing ports in them (these are the ones for you) or you can get them as solids. The solids are also used by competitive swimmers to keep water out of their ears.

[J-Man]

I have a 2 sets of electronic ones, paid 39.99 per - they don't touch my stock while shooting. I can wear them all day, and I can hear people talking in the blind. They take 2 triple AAAs and last all season. Used them in the rain and wind, no issues (heavy wind I turn off the amplifiers). Used them for years now never had an issue, fit fine over my face mask as well.

[J-Man]

These ones here but in camo, older version and were on sale $10 off
https://www.cabelas.ca/product/109643/walkers-single-mic-electronic-earmuffs

[silveragent]

I got dbblockers for shooting competition and they were fine for pistol. You do have to get them redone every few years though as your canal shape will change and you won't get the same seal.

When I started waterfowling a few years ago I found that plugs themselves were not enough when I have a buddy shooting too close beside me if our spot needed us to be side by side. I started wearing slim muffs the last couple times and am fine. Some cans - like others say - are too bulky but there are slim ones that don't interfere with my swing.

I am looking for slim muffs that are electronic. Part of the pleasure of waterfowling is being able to chat with your buddies. Also I want to be able to hear the buggers coming in if they are calling.

[mastercaster]

I got dbblockers for shooting competition and they were fine for pistol. You do have to get them redone every few years though as your canal shape will change and you won't get the same seal.

When I started waterfowling a few years ago I found that plugs themselves were not enough when I have a buddy shooting too close beside me if our spot needed us to be side by side. I started wearing slim muffs the last couple times and am fine. Some cans - like others say - are too bulky but there are slim ones that don't interfere with my swing.

I am looking for slim muffs that are electronic. Part of the pleasure of waterfowling is being able to chat with your buddies. Also I want to be able to hear the buggers coming in if they are calling.

So these are the ones I ended up going with:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AAGVWJG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thy are the slim ones when the amplified hearing. Good price, I thought! I have Amazon Prime free for the month so no shipping fees where I pick them up in Blaine. If I find that they get in the way when shouldering or swinging the shotgun I'll use them for deer hunting in the blind or at other times when I know I'll have time to put them on when big game hunting.

[silveragent]

Cool let me know how they work in the marsh.. I had my eye on those ones too

[shelg]

I love mine. I can hear the wings of the ducks flap before I even see them if they are coming in over top. They also cut the sound of the calls out. Yet you can hear everyone talk. Well worth the $60-$100. I just bought a second pair last week.

[silveragent]

$69 at Cabelas currently. (https://www.cabelas.ca/product/100222/walkers-razor-waterfowl-camo-electronic-muffs)

[mastercaster]

$69 at Cabelas currently. (https://www.cabelas.ca/product/100222/walkers-razor-waterfowl-camo-electronic-muffs)

That's a good price,,,,almost as cheap as what I got them out of the States for. Being able to fill up the tank in Blaine definitely makes it worth my while to get them stateside, though.

[mastercaster]

I love mine. I can hear the wing of the ducks flap before I even see them if they are coming in over top. They also cut the sound of the calls out. Yet you can hear everyone talk. Well worth the $60-$100. I just bought a second pair last week.

What about if you scream out "F**k!" when you miss a super easy shot,,,,,would that be cut out or amplified? I'd hate to have someone lose their hearing on my account.

[silveragent]

ok ordered one of the Walker's.