Need? No. But IMO, it makes hunting safer as you can better hear your surroundings. I do have muffs with mics for the range, but would not want them on all day hunting. Like anything, suppressor use is part of the hobby.Yep, looks like there is no need for the average person to have a suppressor. I have hunted all my life. Grouse, pheasant, rabbits, ducks, geese, deer, chuckars. I live in utah were pretty much all my family and friends are hunters. Never ever met or heard of a person using a suppressor for their hunt.
I was pheasant hunting on Friday with a group and a few went without ear protection. I think that is crazy.