Hearing Protection

By Blake Fischer

I have seen many different lists published of people's hunting necessities. They cover most of the usual items--bows, arrows, knives, and even some items that are less intuitive for a hunting trip--but in all of these lists there was one item that could be critical to a successful and enjoyable hunting trip…ear plugs. They weigh almost nothing and are very inexpensive, but once you get out into the woods they could be the most important item in your pack.

If you are still at a loss for when you would use them you have never slept in the vicinity of a snorer. (That usually means that you are the snorer.) Anyone who has ever hunted with, stayed in the same hotel with, or been anywhere close to where PBS President Kevin Bahr is sleeping already has ear plugs in their gear. In fact, I think that Kevin actually brings hearing protection for his hunting partners.

Long-term sleep deprivation causes death in lab animals. A chronic sleep-restricted state can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and clumsiness--not great if you are hunting. State media reported recently that a university student who stabbed his sleeping roommate to death because he snored too much was given a suspended death sentence. In a hunting situation surrounded by weapons, you might want to make sure that you have packed a simple pair of ear plugs.

If you forgot your ear plugs, then you can use this tip from the guys at deer camp. No one wants to room with Jeff because he snores so badly... We decided it wasn't fair to make one of us stay with him the whole time, so we voted to take turns.

Chad slept with Jeff the first night and came to breakfast the next morning with his hair a mess and his eyes all bloodshot. Someone asked, "Man, what happened to you?"

He said, "Jeff snored so loudly, I just sat up and watched him all night."

The next night it was a different guy's turn. In the morning, same thing, hair all standing up, eyes all bloodshot. We said, "Man, what happened to you? You look awful!"

He said, "That Jeff shakes the roof with his snoring. I didn't sleep all night."

The third night was Fred's turn. The next morning he came to breakfast bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. "Good morning!" he said.

They couldn't believe it. They said, "Man, what happened?"

He said, "Well, we got ready for bed. I went and tucked Jeff into bed, patted him on the butt, and kissed him good night. Jeff sat up and watched me all night."