Ear Protection while hunting?

What do you suggest for ear protection while hunting. My range ear muffs are Leight Lightning 31, I think. They are ok at the range, but they are quite bulky and make it hard to hear conversations from other hunters or noises from the hunted in the field.

Thanks,

Scott, I use the Peltor 6-S. Good hunting! Michael

There are many models of amplified ear phones that 'clamp' the decibel level above a certain point. I recently bought a pair by Berretta that work pretty well. They amplify everything up to 90 decibels, then block out entirely when you shoot. They are fine for the range or if you can stand to wear them while in the field. If you want something more sleek and comfortable for the field there are a couple of firms who make the same technology available in a model that actually goes in the ear. The nicer ones are custom molded to your own ear by taking impressions. Right now I can't remember the brand names, but I remember them being advertised in some of the major hunting magazines. When I checked on them, they were around 400.00. They are on my list to buy. Well worth the money if you don't want to end up with hearing like mine! (You don't!)