COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio has joined more than 30 states that allow hunters to use soup-can sized noise suppressors on guns for hunting certain wildlife.

The bill signed into law by Gov. John Kasich earlier this month was backed by hunters who said gunfire can lead to hearing damage.

Louis Knebel, a longtime deer and pheasant hunter from Pickerington in suburban Columbus, says he's suffered considerable hearing loss over the years.

Knebel also says as development encroaches on hunting areas, it makes sense to lessen the sound of gunfire.

Opponents say suppressors could lead to hunting accidents or problems if guns equipped with them fall into the wrong hands. Supporters say the expense and paperwork needed to obtain federal permits for suppressors will limit how many hunters use them.

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