Crossbow Laws (US)

[Artumion]

Again another subject posed by a friend of mine... Crossbows... illegal or no???

As far as i've read in any state legislature and penal codes... Oregon is the only state in which crossbows are completely illegal... some states require you to be disabled to use one... Although like many other laws on weapons and hunting in the United States, laws on crossbows vary a great deal by state. Purchase, private ownership, and use for target shooting is legal in all states, and most laws are only with regard to hunting.

For crossbow hunting in the US, many states require a person to have a disability or special license to use one, and they can only be used for certain game. For example, in Georgia a crossbow may be used in hunting feral hogs and any other game except waterfowl. Ohio permits crossbow hunting of deer, turkeys, hogs and other game. On the other extreme, Oregon, for example, has a complete ban on crossbow hunting.

It does not say in any penal code or legislature that crossbows are illegal to carry on ones person though it is not recommended... State and federal laws regarding projectile weapons only state that firearms require a license to carry and use...

"A Firearm means any device designed made, or adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel using the energy generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device readily convertible to that use. Firearm does not include a firearm that may have, as an integral part, a folding knife blade or other characteristics of weapons made illegal by this chapter and that is:
(A) an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899; or
(B) a replica of an antique or curio firearm manufactured before 1899, but only if the replica does not use rim fire or center fire ammunition."

Texas Penal Code Chapter 46 Section 2 regarding firearms.

A Crossbow is not considered as a crossbow simply put because it does not use a method of explosives or combustion to propel it's ammunition.

 

[jbkebert]

Kansas just changed the crossbow laws about two weeks ago. In the past you could hunt with a crossbow only with a disabilty or during rifle season.

The updated law states that anyone under 16 or over 55 can hunt with a crossbow without a disabilty.

 

[Artumion]

Thnx for the update i should have posted my sources lol which i will do now. State Crossbow Regulations The site it'self has not been updated in a while but it does give the links for hunting laws for each state. Kansas Crossbow Laws(updated)

 

[hardluk1]

Not it NC ether. Walk in, buy one an hunt during bow season. Unless you have a disabitly they are not all that. A quality compound is way quieter and easier to put into action in tigh places many times + your not giveing up much with a compound still. Only a little speed .speed.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

Last year Pennsylvania legalized crossbows for use during archery deer season. Previously, you needed to be handicapped to hunt with one during archery season.

 

[Artumion]

I posted a reference for all states

some states require you to be disabled to use one...

as in your case it is not required but for others it is... it all varies by state thnx for the input Hardluk and any others who wish to comment... keep up the good work... information is the best way to keep you fellow hunters safe!

 

[Owen]

A Crossbow is not considered as a crossbow simply put because it does not use a method of explosives or combustion to propel it's ammunition.

what?

 

[JohnD13]

New York opened the deer sason to crossbows last year.