After felons are released from prison, there may be some limitations for them. Limitations here mean that they may not be able to choose any activities that they want where it is different from them before going to jail. For example, before they become a felon, they can apply for a job at any company. However, after they become an ex-felon, they need to be careful when applying for a job because there are some companies that do not want to accept ex-felons.
Now, how about owning a bow and arrow? Is it permissible for ex-felons? Owning a bow and arrow is usually related with hunting activity, even though bow and arrow owners are not always hunters. Usually, owning firearms is prohibited for ex-felons, so how about a bow and arrow?
Bow and Arrow Are Not Firearms
A bow is categorized into a weapon that shoots arrows. However, even though this is a weapon, it is not categorized into a firearm because it basically does not use an explosive force to fire a projectile. On the other hand, this weapon can be used by irresponsible people to hurt other people because it can launch an arrow. Firearms are usually prohibited to be owned by ex-felons. Since bow and arrow are not categorized into firearms, are they permissible to be owned by ex-felons? To find the answer, read the further explanation about it below.
Owning a Bow and Arrow for Ex-Felons
As explained on the Help For Felons, there are not many explanations about the ownership of bow and arrow in the federal law. So, it seems that ex-felons are permitted to have a bow and arrow as long as they have completed their sentence. And of course, this permission is given if they use this weapon for legal purposes such as target shooting practice or hunting.
Some ex-felons may be able to restore their right for having gun. However, the restoration of gun ownership to ex-felons may depend on the felony that they committed in the past and also the amount of time which has elapsed since the crime was committed.
According to the 1968 Gun Control Act, felons are prohibited to have firearms, even if they committed non-violent crimes. And then, according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, a firearm is a weapon that will or is designed to or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. So, since bows and arrows are not explosive weapons, they are not included in the Gun Control Act. It also means that bows and arrows can be owned by ex-felons, but probably with some terms and conditions.
However, the regulations of owning a bow and arrow in every state may be different so that consulting your lawyer or local authorities is needed.
Regulations of Owning Bow and Arrow for Ex-Felons in Some States
Idaho
In Idaho, per their laws, a firearm is any weapon from which a shot, projectile or other object may be discharged by force of combustion, explosive, gas and /or mechanical means, whether operable or inoperable. By reading this, since there are words “mechanical means”, a lot of people may interpret that a bow is included in it. However, according to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game site, it is explained that such restrictions have been lifted. It means that Idaho does not restrict felons for owning a bow and arrow anymore.
New Hampshire
Different from Idaho, New Hampshire explains more specifically about deadly weapons in their law. According to their law, “pistol, revolver, or other firearm, or slingshot, brass knuckles, billies, stiletto, switchblade knife, sword cane, pistol cane, blackjack, dagger and dirk knives are deadly weapons”. However, as you are able to see from it, a bow or arrow is not mentioned in it even though this weapon can be deadly.
Colorado
In Colorado, the prohibition of owning any weapon that can cause severe harm applies. However, it is not clear whether bows and arrows are included in it or not. Nevertheless, it is read that way in general. If you are a Colorado resident, you are able to restore your access to hunting weapons by applying for a Governor’s Pardon. However, it can be done by having a history of good conduct and can give statements of character from your sentencing judge and district and prosecuting lawyers. Usually, it can be processed ten years after your conviction, but there is no guarantee that you will really get the pardon.
Florida
In Florida, ex-felons can own a bow. As explained on the Florida Fish And Wildlife Conservation Commission, a felon may not own firearms, including muzzleloader firearms, but they are able to hunt with recurve bows, compound bows, crossbows and air guns during the season where these hunting equipment are legal.
So, since every state has different regulations, before owning a bow and arrow, ex-felons need to consult their local state authorities, lawyer or their parole officer. Some states may have laws which are more restrictive than the federal laws.
How About Owning a Crossbow? Is It Permissible for Felons?
In most states, ex-felons can own a crossbow. It may be because under federal law, crossbows are not categorized into firearms. However, since a crossbow is largely mechanical and can cause more harm, there may be further restrictions for owning crossbows.
However, it is important for you to note that as explained on the Help For Felons, New York does not allow felons to own weapons and it may include crossbows. How about Texas? Texas has certain regulations in certain counties.
So, it is important to consult with your lawyer or local authorities to know whether ex-felons can own a crossbow or not because every state or county may have different regulations.
General Regulations of Crossbow
According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, here are some general regulations of crossbows.
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- Crossbows can be used by licensees who are 12 years old or older to hunt deer and licensees who are 14 years old or older to hunt bear, wildlife which is not protected, and most small game species.
- If you do not have permission from a landowner, you are not able to discharge your crossbow within 250 feet of any home, school building or playground, public structure, farm structure in use, or occupied factory or church.
- A crossbow cannot be owned in or on a motor vehicle unless it is un-cocked.
- While you are on lands where deer or bear inhabit the lands, and in or on a motor vehicle using artificial lights, a crossbow cannot be owned unless it is unstrung or taken down or fastened safely in a case or it is locked in the trunk of the vehicle.
- You are not able to use a crossbow for hunting in Nassau, Suffolk, or Westchester counties.
Can Ex-Felons Do Bowhunting?
In most states, ex-felons are allowed to do bowhunting. However, every state may have different regulations about allowing ex-felons for bowhunting. So, it is important for you to check the local laws and if you are allowed, make sure that you do it safely and carefully.
Do ex-felons need a hunting license for bowhunting? Whether you are an ex-felon or not, you need to get a hunting license. For your information, there are a lot of state laws that do not do a criminal background check on people for getting a hunting license. Nevertheless, it does not mean that you can try to break the federal laws by secretly having a firearm.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
