HUNTERS would be allowed to use silencers on their guns while shooting feral animals in national parks to minimise the disturbance to other users under plans being developed by the state government.

The proposal, part of a leaked draft risk assessment report, would require a significant loosening of the prohibition on the use of silencers in NSW, which is designed to prevent them falling into criminal hands.

Not consulted ... Mike Gallacher. Credit:Max Mason-Hubers

But the revelation has drawn strong opposition from the Police Minister, Mike Gallacher, who was not consulted about the plan and says he does not want existing restrictions to change.

Justin McKee, the campaign co-ordinator with the National Parks Association of NSW, said silencers were a safety risk because they removed people's awareness that hunting was taking place nearby. ''If people can't hear it, they don't know it's going on,'' he said.