What do you all use for hearing protection while hunting? I shot my 22 hornet contender ONCE without ear muffs on. Not a good thing to do.
I've thought about getting some of those ear plugs that are mounted on a plastic ring that you can wear around your neck. Then they would be handy to slip on when a shot comes along.
Anyone have a good system that works?

I tried those ear plugs that you mention this year. They did not give me enough protection but i was shootin a 10" 41mag with full power 170's. I normally use ear muffs or 33db ear plugs (the ones on a plastic string). These give me enough protection but do require more time to insert. I like the ear muffs but if you are wearing any kind of a hat they become a PITA tryin to use also. I think that for huntin the electronic muffs would be great. If i ever get back to huntin a lot, i WILL buy a pair to try!

Hi Max
I bought a pair of Silencio electronic muffs. Iwas one of those guys guilty of not wearing muffs while hunting untill I got rattled with my 375JDJ. I was on my first trip to Africa a year and a half ago and had a bad experience. It's a long story but I blame part of it on the muzzle blast. I got my ears rung bad. Ever since then while target shooting OR HUNTING with my pistol I wear muffs. While walking or stalking I keep them in my pack or on my belt, when I get close to where I think I might be taking a shot I get them on. They're great because they also magnify sound.
Mike

I won't wear ear protection while hunting. I've hunted with a .41 Magnum since the mid-60s.

I frankly like the sound of a big caliber handgun. I always wear protection at the range or if I'm just burning up ammo.

When hunting big game, I would consider the devices as nothing more than a distracting irritation.

I use a set of baffled ear plugs, you can hear normal levels of speech and sound but they baffle out high DB noise. They are no problem to use, and they are a whole better than the alternative.

TwoSixty,
I'm not familiar with the baffled ear plugs. Can you tell me more? Where do you get them?

They are made by North Safety Supply, they are called Sonic 2's . I bought them at a gun shop down here that does a very large muzzle break buisness....Go figure

I wear the Sonic Ear plugs myself while hunting. I'm saving my Christmas money for a pair of the Silenco Electronic muffs. I shot a three day muzzleloading match with them this summer and they are great. Good clear sound at normal levels and down to about 75 dbs when I shoot.
I don't shoot anything now without some ear protection since my hearing is just about gone from running heavy equipment for 25 years and competitive shooting for 20 yrs. Wear you ear protection.

I use the Dillon electronic muffs while handgun hunting. After having my bell rung by my Magnaported 45 Colt Blackhawk I vowed not to shoot it again without hearing protection.

I have used the baffled ear plugs, but wearing them for long periods of time made my ears very tender. I don't advise doing that at all. I have tried the muffs for stationary hunting and that works out just fine. Hunting dangerous game is not going to take place with ear muffs or ear plugs in my ears sorry!

Are there any electronic muffs available in the $50 price range that are worth the money?

I use the Walker's game ear in one ear and a foam plug in the other. Extremely effective with my shotgun. Haven't had the opportunity to try with the 41 yet. The deer are not cooperating. The experience with the shotgun leads me to believe is will be just fine.

Andrew,
The Silencio ones I bought are $185 (Canadian) That's about $125US