Can a felon own a crossbow or bow and arrow?

Asked by: Dr. Reggie Rau IV  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (63 votes)

A traditional bow or crossbow is not considered a firearm and may be possessed by a person with a felony conviction.

Do I need a permit for a crossbow?

Crossbows are legal during archery season and firearms season. A crossbow permit will be required if the season is "archery only".

Can a felon get a hunting license?

Convicted felons can't hunt with a firearm, but they can legally hunt or trap with air guns, archery equipment and more.

Is a bow or crossbow considered a firearm?

After thorough exploration, it becomes clear that a bow is not considered a firearm by legal definitions. While they share similarities in function and usage, they are distinct weapons with their own characteristics.

Can a felon possess a bow and arrow?

Yes. You will be OK.

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Do crossbows require a background check?

You have to check with your State. There is no background check in buying a crossbow or a bow. Unless the judge specifically states that you can't, Federal Law prohibits firearms and firearms applies to anything that requires a fire based discharge as from smokeless powder of today's modern firearms.

Can a convicted felon own knives?

Convicted felons may possess daggers, dirks or stillettos in his or her residence, but may not carry them in cars or in public. The other weapons cannot be owned.

What states banned crossbows?

While one state (Oregon) still bans crossbows entirely, most others (29 states) now allow unrestricted crossbow use throughout all big game seasons. Still, other states choose to allow crossbows only in certain seasons.

Can felons own a crossbow in Florida?

Properly licensed convicted felons may hunt with bows, crossbows, air guns or antique firearms per Florida Statute 790 during hunting seasons when such devices are legal for taking game.

Does a crossbow count as a bow?

A crossbow is essentially a bow mounted on an elongated frame (called a tiller or stock) with a built-in mechanism that holds the drawn bow string, as well as a trigger mechanism, which is used to release the string.

What licenses can a felon get?

That said, in general, most states allow convicted felons to get professional licenses in the following fields:
  • Bartending.
  • Broker.
  • Car Dealer.
  • CDL.
  • Contractor.
  • Cosmetology.
  • Electrician.
  • Helicopter.

Can a felon be around someone with a gun license?

A convicted felon can associate and be in the presence of someone who owns a firearm, but they cannot knowingly be in the presence of it. The only exception is if the convicted felon is somehow the victim of someone with a firearm.

Can a felon hunt in Texas after 5 years?

Texas law does provide some pathways for felons to regain hunting rights. After five years, a felon may legally possess a firearm in their own home, though this does not extend to hunting. Full reinstatement of firearm rights for hunting purposes requires a governor's pardon and subsequent confirmation by a board.

Can you own a crossbow without a license?

Crossbows can be bought and owned by adults over 18 years of age, while in most states crossbows can only be owned with a special licence, for instance for members of an official sporting club. Control on transport of crossbows between states has increased to prevent unauthorised use of imported crossbows.

How far can a crossbow shoot?

What Is The Practical Range For An Ethical Crossbow Shot? Traditionally, 50 yards has been accepted to be the maximum ethical distance for a crossbow shot on a whitetail. However, many people consider the modern day crossbow to be capable of shooting at deer 70, 80, and even 90+ yards.

Do you need a FOID card for a crossbow?

However, they are not treated as archery weapons but rather as firearms, and they can be purchased without a license. The crossbow used must have a draw weight of at least 125 pounds and include mechanical safety features. Arrowheads used on the crossbow should be at least 7/8 inches wide.

Can felons hunt with bows?

Provided that they are not subject to probation/supervised release conditions prohibiting the possession of a dangerous weapon, felons may hunt with bows and/or black powder rifles.

What states restore gun rights to felons?

- Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon and South Dakota automatically restore firearms rights to convicted felons - including those who committed violent crimes - but make them wait five to 15 years after they complete state supervision, the center and ATF found.

Does a convicted felon stay with you for life?

In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.

Does a crossbow count as a firearm?

A crossbow is not a firearm.

Can a felon own a crossbow in Texas?

A crossbow is not considered a firearm under either Texas or Federal law. There are no other regulations barring a felon from lawfully using other types of weapons. It is perfectly legal for a felon to hunt with a crossbow in the state of Texas.

Can you carry a bow and arrow in public?

As long as the bow is not strung then it should prove acceptable. if the bow is strung then the police will consider that you are armed and you will be questioned as to your intent by them. if you don't have a valid reason for carrying a strung bow then you will most likely be arrested.

What kind of weapons can a felon have in Florida?

According to Florida Statute § 790.23, felons are not allowed to possess or control any firearm, ammunition, or electric weapon. This statute also establishes that a convicted felon is prohibited from carrying a concealed weapon, including chemical weapons or devices such as tear gas guns.

Can a convicted felon carry a pocket knife in Florida?

Weapons can be knives, billie clubs, brass knuckles, etc. If any of these are carried concealed, then the felon is guilty of this crime. Electric weapons or ammunition cannot be in the possession of the felon.

Can a felon be in possession of a switchblade?

If charged as a misdemeanor, a conviction for the concealed carry of a dirk or dagger can result in up to one year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. If charged as a felony, a conviction for the concealed carry of a dirk or dagger can result in up to three years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.