A PLAN to overturn the ban on firearm silencers for use by hunters has gathered the support of almost 6000 people.

Victorian Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party MP Jeff Bourman wants the ban on firearm suppressors lifted for licensed recreational hunters. Silencers are currently available on occupational health and safety grounds to professional shooters, veterinarians and professional hunters.

An online parliamentary petition set up by the party and calling for suppressors to be legalised has attracted nearly 6000 signatures. This made it the most popular ever online parliamentary petition, Mr Bourman said, more than doubling previous online petition responses — and it still had weeks to run.

Mr Bourman plans to introduce a private member’s Bill on firearm suppressors when Parliament resumes after the winter break.

According to Mr Bourman, licensed recreational hunters are regularly exposed to excessive noise that can cause hearing damage. Suppressors could reduce blast noise levels by up to 20 per cent.

The move is backed by organisations including the Australian Deer Association and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia.