HELENA - The state Senate has endorsed a bill that would allow hunters to use silencers on their rifles.

House Bill 174 had stalled in the Senate Judiciary Committee, but the Senate moved it to the floor on Wednesday.

It made it through an initial vote, 27-23.

The measure needs to pass a final vote before it goes to the governor.

Bill supporters say silencers are important to protect hunters' hearing.

Opponents say silencers should not be used in the field because they allow easier poaching or trespassing on private property.

Several gun-rights bills have failed this legislative session but two others are still alive in the final days. One would allow concealed carry without a permit and the other would let security guards carry weapons in the Capitol .

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