NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/581251
NOVEMBER 2015 • NEBRASKAland 53 That Darn Tickle Make your own cough muffler and suppress that noise while hunting. By Julie Geiser A nxious hunters rise early and head to their favorite hunting spot. They get settled in and wait for their quarry to pass by and then it happens, a tickle in the throat or a cough from a cold that won't go away. Trying to hold it in or taking a drink of water and praying the cough goes away isn't enough – the only way to remedy the cough is to let it out, giving up your location to wildlife within a large radius around you. Using cough drops gives some relief but gives off a menthol scent that deer will notice for yards; coughing in your coat will work, but then you risk giving your location away with arm movements and the sound may still travel. The answer, my friends, may lie in the purchase of a cough muffler or silencer. When I first saw this device, I thought "what a gimmick!" But I went ahead and bought it anyway – it was on clearance, and I'm a sucker for accessories. After trying the cough muffler deer hunting, I was a believer – it really did work. Sneezing and clearing my throat while turkey hunting was also much quieter when using the cough muffler. Cough mufflers are durable and pocket size. They can be worn with a lanyard and are extremely lightweight and disassemble for easy cleaning. After some trials, I've come up with my own version of a cough silencer. Using a vitamin or Ibuprofen bottle, one can be assembled in minutes with minimal supplies: a bottle, cotton, drill, bit and cording. Drill a hole using at least a 3 ⁄16 drill bit; any smaller and the air will not pass through the cotton and bottle. Place the hole near the top of the bottle where the downward curve starts. If the hole is drilled near the bottom of the bottle, hands and fingers may cover it while in use. Once the hole is drilled, pack cotton balls in the bottle to suppress the cough noise. After a few uses you will want to change the cotton to prevent moisture and mold from building up in the bottle. Using a piece of foam cushion cut to fit the bottle is better; after use simply wash in soapy water and air dry before putting back in the bottle. Drill a hole in the bottle lid for a cording lanyard, allowing the bottle to be worn around the neck – otherwise carry in a pack or pocket. Use the homemade cough muffler by taking off the cap and coughing into the opening of the bottle, keeping your lips sealed around the edges. ■ Julie Geiser is a regional editor for NEBRASKAland and public information officer at the North Platte office. PHOTOS BY JULIE GEISER The author's homemade cough muffler was made easily with just a few common items. HOLE y can are extremely