Is it legal for a felon to bow hunt in CA?

[bguitierez]

I’m general pretty good finding legal answers. But when my cousin’s husband asked if he could hunt in CA with a felony on his record (compound bow not rifle) I was stumped. I’ve called CDFW and have not gotten a straight answer. Do any of you have experience with this question. Any help is appreciated. I’d really like to find the code that applies to his situation.

His felony is over a decade old and he’s also been off parole for a long time.


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[RosinBag]

Yes, there is no prohibition against a felon possessing and hunting with a bow. It’s really the only method of hunting he can lawfully do in California.

 

[bguitierez]

Yes, there is no prohibition against a felon possessing and hunting with a bow. It’s really the only method of hunting he can lawfully do in California.

Thanks for the input brother! Do you know where I can show him that? I can’t seem to find it anywhere.


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[RosinBag]

Well it is written per se....it is in the Penal Code that he can’t possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. The firearm and ammunition are the only hunting type weapons he can’t possess. Archery equipment is not one of the prohibited items a convicted felon can’t possess.

 

[bguitierez]

Well it is written per se....it is in the Penal Code that he can’t possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. The firearm and ammunition are the only hunting type weapons he can’t possess. Archery equipment is not one of the prohibited items a convicted felon can’t possess.

I was thinking along those same lines. I’ll pass the word. It will be fun to get him into archery. Thanks bro!


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[tdhanses]

Well it is written per se....it is in the Penal Code that he can’t possess a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon. The firearm and ammunition are the only hunting type weapons he can’t possess. Archery equipment is not one of the prohibited items a convicted felon can’t possess.

Interesting, not CA but in other states I swear a felon can’t buy a license. So I assume a felon could muzzleloader hunt in CA?

 

[RosinBag]

No, muzzleloaders are covered in the prohibition of weapons. The only legal method of take in California for a convicted felon is able to hunt is with archery equipment.

 

[kickemall]

Correct me if I'm wrong Doug but I believe felons can also possess and use air guns. The modern pellet guns are a very effective weapon for small game.

 

[RosinBag]

That is correct, but not a legal method of take in CA for any big game animals. Only a few little critters are you able to hunt with air rifles.