I got a felony last year and I'm now on probation. I have a Firearm-Ban during my probation. CAN I USE A BOW?

Question

I want to go hunting with my bow but I am unsure. My first probation officer said it was ok but then i got switched to a different probation officer thats new and he said that bows are considered firearms. Please help me, I want to go hunting. I live in washington.

Answer 1

Here in Oregon a regular bow - the kind you pull - is okay, but a cross-bow (with a trigger) is not. Call the FNG's supervisor or Fish and Wildlife and ask them.

Good luck!

Answer 2

A bow is not a firearm, but it can still be considered to be a weapon.Your probation officer can have you thrown in jail, and send your case back to the judge,,,,,let that info guide your decision.

Answer 3

YES YOU CAN USE A BOW-  ITS NOT A FIREARM.  I TOO HAVE A FELONY ON MY RECORD AND I LOVE TO HUNT SO BOW SEASON WAS THE ONLY WAS I GOT TO DO IT.  (WITH A BOW)

Answer 4

The best source to answer this question is your local sheriffs office.

Once you have your answer, and the sheriff says it is OK to have a bow, then run it by your PO.

Answer 5

Does it really matter.  Your probation officer is in charge of your freedom.  Why would you want to p**s him off?

Answer 6

It will depend on your jurisdiction.  Your firearm disability is Federal in nature and will last beyond your probation unless you can get it removed.  Contact your local US Attorneys office or ATF office to determine what they define as a firearm.

Answer 7

A regular bow is ok. It is not a fire arm.

You may even be able to use a muzzle loader, check the laws in your state.

POs don't know everything, including the law. Research and understand the law.

Answer 8

A bow uses a projectile. Therefore making it a potentially deadly weapon. So definitely not

Answer 9

A bow -- any kind of bow -- is not a firearm. A firearm is "A weapon, as a rifle or pistol, from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder" (Webster's Universal College Dictionary). The Revised Code of Washington agrees with this definition:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?...

and

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?...

Since a bow (of any type) is not a firearm, you are allowed to use a bow. I can think of only three valid scenarios: Your probation officer apparently just wants to keep you fully under his control, your original crime was heinous enough to warrant being banned from using all weapons of any type (and your probation officer is just making things up to keep you away from all weapons) or he simply is ignorant of what a firearm is.

You now have the knowledge and the citations of Law, it's up to you to use it.

Answer 10

Bow's and airguns are not firearms under the law in most states.

Answer 11

Depends on where you live. I know that in California, bows are not considered "firearms". Check you local laws.

Furthermore, what is your probation officer doing in acting as a lawyer?  

Answer 12

Firearm: a small arms weapon, as a rifle or pistol, from which a projectile is fired by gunpowder.

A bow and arrow does not fall into the definition of firearms, but since you are on probation for a felony, I would listen to your Probation Officer.