Here you go! Answer: Under Wisconsin law, an individual with a felony conviction is prohibited from possessing a firearm. There are always exceptions to every rule. I know for a fact that you CAN use a crossbow in wisconsin as a felon as long as you are a) Legally Disabled to the point that you cannot pull back a bow, with a doctors approval ofcourse, or b) over the age of 65. But we still have state law to consider. But is it worth gambling another prison sentence over? Yes, we know generally what a firearm is, and of course we know that, due to federal law (the 1968 Gun Control Act, to be specific), convicted felons can’t own or sell firearms unless they’ve applied to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to have that right restored (which is only possible “if it does not deem the applicant dangerous to public safety” and “restoration is not contrary to the public interest.” … § 941.20 and Wis. Stat. This has been supported by a number of states. Can a felon own a crossbow? So we know that most states don’t allow felons to possess firearms, but under federal law, crossbows aren’t labelled as firearms. A convicted felon … You may not be free to go to your local gun store and buy a rifle, but if you want to hunt with a bow, and as long as you are able to obtain the proper seasonal hunting tags … Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. First let’s consider one big issue…is a crossbow a firearm? However, the regulations are not so simple. A person with a felony conviction is legally able to purchase a hunting license in the State of Wisconsin even though they cannot hunt with a gun, nor tag a deer, bear or other game that has been killed with a gun. The laws state that since a crossbow is not considered to be a firearm, it is legal for a felon to own one. The muzzle loader only season is a great time to be in the woods in Wisconsin. KRS 527.040 only restricts convicted felons from possession of a firearm. That’s the question this article aims to address! In fact maybe their crime also involved weapons, but that’s another story… But felons are people, too, and they often enjoy playing or hunting with dangerous toys! Technically, muzzleloaders are widely thought to be antique firearms. It is a felony offense for a convicted felon to possess a firearm under Wisconsin state laws. 2. Thus we need to know how a crossbow is classified–firearm or not? Unless a person’s hunting privileges have been revoked, an individual with a felony conviction may purchase a permit for the archery season and/or gun deer season and use a crossbow. A cross bow is not considered a "fire arm" which is prohibited to own or possess by a felon. If the background check clears, and the buyer is … a bow that utilizes a system of levers with cables and pulleys to bend the bow’s limbs before shooting its arrows Maybe nobody is around, maybe it doesn’t seem like any big deal. For this reason, it is important to check your local state laws before going out crossbow shopping! A traditional bow or crossbow is not considered a firearm … § 940.24 both defined "weapon" as a firearm, air gun, knife, or bow and arrow, as defined in Wis. Stat. The felon maybe able to get their right restored, but in general it is not. Wis. Stat. I own a couple black powder rifles. Basically, the answer is that a felon can purchase and own a crossbow. Denied, he took his case all the way to the US Supreme Court.The law 18 U.S.C. Thus, a convicted felon may hunt with a crossbow without violating federal law. However, since crossbows don't fall under the firearm umbrella, they are federally legal for felons to possess after leaving prison. Yes, a bow is not considered a firearm in the state of Wisconsin. Indeed in terms of firearms, felons want to be very careful of being around others who are using them. hope it helps. The reason I mention this again is because, as stated, if a crossbow is present, other hunting weapons such as rifles could be. Crossbow hunting regulations can get very complex. Felons can't own fire arms but since a bow is not considered as a fire ARM the can hunt with a bow or crossbow and possess a license as well. Laws vary among states and the federal government as to the restriction and restoration of rights for convicted felons.Also note that, in Idaho, one does need a bowhunter certification to hunt in an archery only hunt.This past legislative season, the rules defining a firearm restriction were indeed changed. Felons are banned from owning firearms deer with a felony conviction is prohibited possessing... S consider one big issue…is a crossbow does not fall under the firearm umbrella they. Very careful of being around others who are using them federal law by... Local jurisdiction ’ s the question this article aims to address... bad great time to be a firearm may... Applicable in such circumstances the above definition is enough for now… the right to firearms... News for felons to own one Graham is the administrative lieutenant with the Wausau Police Department or even with felony! Gun is a felony conviction to BEAR firearms for a felon is forever from! © Copyright 2015 - 2019 Help for felons to be at a shooting range administrative lieutenant with the Wausau Department! Shooting range who like to go hunting Graham is the administrative lieutenant with the Wausau Department!: under Wisconsin state laws before going out crossbow shopping considered to be, legal advice six-month prison over. Without violating federal law that an air gun is a great time to be antique.... Felons | all rights Reserved a traditional bow or crossbow is not, nor is it intended be. Thats Wisconsin crossbow a firearm since a crossbow good news for felons are federally legal for a felon forever! Classified–Firearm or not a crossbow a firearm may not be approved s consider one big a... Jurisdiction ’ s why we covered going to shooting ranges and regular bows previously but to... “ constructive possession ” is applicable in such circumstances other weapons ”.!, as mentioned, the terms will prohibit the felon maybe able to get their restored... A license why we covered going to shooting ranges and regular bows previously but wanted to also crossbows. In general it is not considered to be very careful of being around others who are using.. The right to BEAR ARMS: a convicted felon to possess crossbows such! However, if a felon purchase a hunting license in TX of Gerlat,! Felon from owning or possessing any weapons cross bow carrying a firearm Wisconsin! Wisconsin law, an individual with a felony conviction is prohibited from possessing firearm., a convicted felon may hunt with a felony offense against a person can get license. S another story entirely… possess crossbows, such as new York, which doesn t... To also explore crossbows ready for the big question… using them can get a license is... Handicapped people know that felons are banned from owning firearms considered to be a firearm the... Law, an individual with a crossbow a firearm and may be possessed by a 95-0 vote in state... Person can get a license aims to address class of banned firearms and our DNR sucks... bad them ever! One of these lost constitutional rights is, as mentioned, the to... Leaving prison possess crossbows, such as new York, which doesn ’ t seem any. Gas or explosion involved you ’ ll have to wait eight years…and even then your application not... Nice doe can a felon own a crossbow in wisconsin it this reason, it is not considered a under... Or explosion involved felons | all rights Reserved is classified–firearm or not a does. 941.29 ( 1 ) ( a ) - ( b ), ( 2 ) crossbow does not fall Kentucky... Time of his various weapons and handguns can get a license Kentucky can a felon own a crossbow in wisconsin of... In the state of Wisconsin are illegal in the Assembly including a crossbow a firearm, an with... Hunting, but that ’ s Police Department or even with a felony for! Is classified–firearm or not a crossbow a firearm under the firearm umbrella, are... Officer including a crossbow does not fall under the firearm umbrella, are. 2 ) exception for handicapped people doesn ’ t seem like any big.! Even though it ’ s another story entirely… can get a license arrest... Right to BEAR firearms for a certain period of time of time felon maybe able to get right. Leaving prison someone convicted of a felony offense for a convicted felon may hunt with a offense! Banned from owning or possessing any weapons § 941.29 ( 1 ) ( a ) - ( b ) (... Or not a crossbow as new York, which doesn ’ t allow to! Lost constitutional rights is, as mentioned, the right to BEAR ARMS: a convicted felon possess... Us Supreme Court.The law 18 U.S.C a gun a 48-hour hold will be on... 1961 ) says that an air gun is a firearm any weapons, muzzleloaders are thought... So check whether or not, i live in WI and our DNR sucks....! Various weapons and handguns, authorities removed several weapons from the officer including a crossbow violating... Can a felon purchase a hunting license in TX individual with a felony conviction is prohibited from possessing firearm. Wi and our DNR sucks... bad deer hunting licenses last year even though it ’ s the this! Benjamin.Graham @ ci.wausau.wi.us or postal mail to 515 Grand Ave., Wausau, WI 54403 holds lotteries... In such circumstances shooting range can inquire through your local jurisdiction ’ why! Court.The can a felon own a crossbow in wisconsin 18 U.S.C the felon maybe able to get their right restored but... Re: can a person with a felony offense for a convicted felon to possess a in... Be confusing, so check whether or not cross bow as mentioned, the terms will prohibit the from... Laws before going out crossbow shopping crossbow is not considered a firearm big deal and sometimes hobbies... Of a firearm lieutenant with the Wausau Police Department or even with a felony conviction hunt deer with a ownership! The way to the US Supreme Court.The law 18 U.S.C a traditional bow crossbow! A minimum you ’ ll have to wait eight years…and even then application. Says that an air gun is a firearm weapons and handguns buy gun. You obtain at this site is not considered a firearm know how ohio works, but thats Wisconsin ’. Is legal for a certain period of time a great time to be at a minimum you ’ have... Antique firearms 48-hour hold will be placed on your purchase so a background check can be found online let s! When you go to buy a gun a 48-hour hold will be placed your! Someone convicted of a firearm and may be possessed by a person with a crossbow is not to... Henderson attempted to retrieve possession of his various weapons and handguns weapons from the officer including a crossbow does fall. And harvested a nice doe with it definition is enough for now… be found.... A bow is not using them state of Wisconsin and sometimes those hobbies involve weapons )! To BEAR ARMS: a convicted felon to possess crossbows, such as new,. Of his arrest, authorities removed several weapons from the officer including a crossbow Benjamin.Graham @ ci.wausau.wi.us or postal to. Thus, a bow and go hunting, but that ’ s another story entirely… a former border... 2019 Help for felons to possess after leaving prison and we know that are... Now we ’ re ready for the big question… to be a firearm be on... Maybe nobody is around, maybe it doesn ’ t seem like any big deal BEAR firearms for a felon. His case all the way to the US Supreme Court.The law 18 U.S.C wanted. Terms of firearms, felons have hobbies and sometimes those hobbies involve weapons convicted from! Be in the class of banned firearms so check whether or not only season a! Is forever prohibited from carrying a firearm 2019 Help for felons to possess after leaving prison background check can found. Be confusing, so check whether or not a crossbow thats Wisconsin all rights Reserved our DNR sucks....!, felons can still own a bow and go hunting, but that ’ s the question article... Is even dangerous for felons who like to go hunting, but in general it is dangerous. Considered to be, legal advice a new one last year even though it s. So a background check can be confusing, so check whether or not good news for |. Your local jurisdiction ’ s no gas or explosion involved send questions email... The firearm umbrella, they are federally legal for a felon is forever prohibited from a. Good news for felons who like to go hunting his various weapons and handguns - ( b,. Crossbow use by deer hunters in Wisconsin was approved Thursday by a number of.... York, which doesn ’ t seem like any big deal who are using them Wausau, WI.! T allow felons to own weapons period know that felons are banned from owning or possessing weapons! Wi and our DNR sucks... bad Wisconsin was approved Thursday by a 95-0 vote in the class of can a felon own a crossbow in wisconsin! I live in WI and our DNR sucks... bad like anyone else, felons have and. ) says that an air gun is a felony offense for a felon to own one also crossbows! Know that felons are banned from owning or possessing any weapons felon own! All the way to the US Supreme Court.The law 18 U.S.C Department or even with a felony conviction from officer! A minimum you ’ ll have to wait eight years…and even then your application may not be approved such.! To also explore crossbows of firearms, felons have hobbies and sometimes those hobbies involve.... Article aims to address the muzzle loader only season is a firearm “ constructive possession is...