A crossbow is a weapon that has been used by hunters and soldiers for centuries. It’s the perfect tool for taking down prey without drawing too much attention to yourself. But what if you’re a convicted felon? Can you own a crossbow at home?
As the fall hunting season approaches, many hunters are preparing for the annual bow hunting season. However, for convicted felons, the question of whether or not they can legally own a crossbow for hunting becomes a complicated one. While federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning firearms, the laws surrounding crossbow ownership are not as clear-cut.
Crossbows are conditionally legal in all 50 states, and the controversy surrounding their ownership by felons is somewhat surprising compared to something like a felon getting a passport, because crossbows aren’t considered firearms. Each state is free to make its own state laws regarding the use of crossbows for hunting and target practice. The confusion about whether felons can own a crossbow stems from language in federal statutes that refers to “firearms” instead of “crossbows.”
What is a Crossbow?
A crossbow is a type of weapon that uses a horizontal bow mounted on a stock, similar to a rifle or shotgun. The bow is mounted on a tiller, or stock, and the string is pulled back and locked in place using a trigger mechanism. The string is then released, propelling a bolt or arrow towards a target.
Crossbows have been in use for thousands of years, with the first known examples dating back to ancient China. They were initially used for hunting and warfare, and were highly valued for their ability to deliver a powerful shot at long ranges.
It is significantly easier for a felon to get a crossbow than going through the complex steps of getting their real estate license.
What are the Laws Around Crossbow Ownership
A crossbow is similar to a rifle, but it shoots bolts instead of bullets. While the term “crossbow” was originally used to describe any type of bow that fired projectiles from the hand and not from a mechanical launcher like a howitzer or cannon, today’s crossbows are geared more toward bow hunting season than warfare.
The answer depends on where you live and whether you’ve committed any crimes since your conviction (or convictions). If there’s no restriction on owning a firearm in your state, then owning a crossbow won’t be an issue for felons who meet all other requirements for gun ownership with state laws.
In general, you are allowed to own a crossbow at home because it does not fall into the “firearm” category, as there is nothing causing combustion like gunpowder. You could always run for public office to make this easier, but, for right now, it’s no where near as complex as gun rights.
As for guns, felons are not allowed to own firearms under federal restrictions and law, but there are exceptions (like the 1968 Gun Control Act). Even if you live with a felon and want to own a gun, there are some complications. If a felon has completed the terms of their sentence and hasn’t been convicted of a violent crime, they may own firearms once their civil rights have been restored.
According to federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms, even if the crime happened before 18 years of age. This includes handguns, rifles, and shotguns. However, the state laws regarding crossbows are not as strict. In most states, a convicted felon can still obtain a hunting license and participate in bow hunting season as long as they are not using a firearm. This means that a convicted felon can still legally own and use a crossbow for hunting.
Some states may have stricter laws regarding crossbow ownership for convicted felons compared to something like getting your CNA license, so it is essential to check with your state’s wildlife agency or department of natural resources for specific regulations. A convicted felon cannot participate in gun hunting season.
What is the Difference between Crossbows and Firearms?
Crossbow enthusiasts would be quick to point out that crossbows are not firearms in the same way that handguns, rifles, and shotguns are. They’re more powerful than air rifles and less powerful than firearms.
A crossbow also has a unique set of characteristics that set it apart from either one of those weapons. Crossbows can be used for hunting game animals as well as self-defense, though their accuracy at longer distances makes them unsuitable for home defense unless you have plenty of room in which to shoot.
One of the main differences between a crossbow and a gun is the level of power and force they can generate. A gun uses an explosive charge to propel a bullet, while a crossbow uses a string and pulley system to propel a bolt. This means that a firearm is generally more powerful and can fire a shot at a much faster velocity than a crossbow can fire a bolt.
The ease of use is also a difference between a crossbow and a gun. Crossbows are typically more challenging to use than guns. Crossbows are bulkier, heavier, and more complex than guns, and they require more skill and practice to use effectively.
Any Arguments for or Against Crossbow Ownership?
Crossbow ownership for felons is an issue that has been debated for many years. Though the arguments on both sides of this debate are equally valid, it remains unclear whether or not felons should be allowed to own crossbows at home when the topic is approached for public consideration.
On the one hand, there are those who believe that owning a crossbow can help felons stay out of trouble. The argument goes that if a felon is able to devote all of their time and energy into hunting with a crossbow instead of using them for criminal purposes, then there will be less crime in our country overall.
On the other hand, there are those who think it’s dangerous for felons to have access to such powerful weapons in their homes. They worry that these weapons could easily fall into the wrong hands if they aren’t correctly secured from theft or break-ins by family members who don’t know how dangerous they really are.
In reality, it takes a lot of time to load a crossbow, and you wouldn’t have one loaded and cocked for defense. This is not a practical weapon that people will use for danger as easily as a loaded firearm.
Wrapping it Up
While federal law prohibits those with a felony conviction from owning firearms, the laws surrounding crossbow ownership are not as strict. A felony conviction doesn’t mean you cannot still obtain a hunting license and participate in hunting season using a crossbow.
However, laws can vary by state, so it is important to check with your state for specific regulations. The question of whether or not it is a violation of a convicted felon’s civil rights to prohibit them from owning a crossbow is a contentious issue and one that is likely to be debated in the future.
As for now, you are probably okay to hang a crossbow on your wall. The most important thing is to be sure you are off probation or parole before considering any of this. Your parole office may not take kindly to learning you have a crossbow at home, regardless of the current legal climate.
If you would like to learn more about changing your life after a felony conviction, check out the guide Getting Out: success after incarceration, available on Amazon.
