Is a Crossbow a Firearm? Laws Vary by State

Important: not legal advice

The general picture

In the United States, crossbows are generally not treated as firearms under federal law, because they do not use an explosive to propel a projectile. In many places you can buy one without the background check process used for firearms.

However, states and localities set their own rules. Some treat crossbows like archery equipment, some have specific crossbow rules, and some have restrictions on where and how crossbows can be carried or used. Hunting regulations in particular vary widely.

Hunting rules that often differ by state

• Whether crossbows are allowed during archery season, or only during specific crossbow or firearm seasons.
• Minimum draw weight or other equipment requirements.
• Broadhead rules, such as minimum cutting width or restrictions on certain types.
• Rules on lighted nocks or scopes.
• Age, license and hunter education requirements.
• Special permits for hunters with disabilities.

Transport and carry

Many states regulate carrying a cocked or loaded crossbow in a vehicle, and some restrict carrying crossbows in certain places. Unloading before getting in a vehicle is a good habit everywhere. De-cocking systems make that easier. See how long can you leave a crossbow cocked.

How to check your state's rules

1. Go to your state's official wildlife, fish and game, or natural resources agency website.
2. Find the current hunting regulations digest for the season you plan to hunt.
3. Search for crossbow, archery equipment and transport rules.
4. If anything is unclear, contact the agency directly.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maintains links to state agencies, which is a good starting point for finding yours.

Traveling to hunt in another state

If you plan to hunt out of state, check both your home state's rules and the destination state's rules, plus any states you drive through. Regulations about how bows must be stored in vehicles, whether they must be unloaded and cased, and where you can carry them can differ.

Flying with a crossbow adds airline rules. Airlines generally expect bows to travel in hard, locked cases as checked baggage. A hard case such as the SKB 2SKB-4117 is designed for this, but confirm your airline's current policy before you book.

Buying a crossbow

In many places buying a crossbow is similar to buying other archery equipment, and online purchase is common. Some states and localities have age limits or additional restrictions. If you are buying for a younger hunter, check age rules for both purchase and hunting use.

Whatever the rules, safe handling applies everywhere. Keep the bow unloaded until you are ready to hunt, store it uncocked, and follow the manufacturer's safety guidance. See how long can you leave a crossbow cocked.

Questions to ask your state agency

• Can I use a crossbow during regular archery season, or only in specific seasons?
• Are there minimum draw weight, arrow length or broadhead requirements?
• How must a crossbow be transported in a vehicle?
• Are lighted nocks or rangefinding scopes allowed?
• Do I need a separate permit or stamp to hunt with a crossbow?

Writing these down before you call or email makes it much easier to get clear, complete answers.

Safety rules that apply everywhere

Regardless of how your state classifies crossbows, treat every crossbow as a loaded weapon when it is cocked. Keep the safety on until you are ready to shoot, keep fingers below the flight deck, never dry fire and always identify your target and what is beyond it.

Many state hunter education courses include crossbow and archery safety, and completing one is a good idea even where it is not required. See how to cock a crossbow for safe handling basics, and crossbow vs compound bow if you are still deciding which tool suits your hunting.

Rules also change. A regulation you read two seasons ago may have been updated, so make checking your state's current digest part of your preseason routine, alongside sighting in and checking your gear.

Before you buy or travel

Before you order a crossbow, check two things with your state wildlife agency: whether crossbows are allowed in the seasons you plan to hunt, and whether any rules apply to cocked or loaded bows in vehicles. Rules can differ for archery season, general season and special hunts, and they can change from year to year. This page is general information, not legal advice.

If you travel across state lines, check the rules for every state you pass through, and store the bow uncocked in a case. Our crossbow case guide covers soft and hard cases, including the SKB hard case we track. Once you know the rules, our best crossbow for deer hunting guide and the crossbow vs compound bow comparison can help you choose a setup.

It also helps to keep a copy of the current regulations on your phone and to note the date you checked them. If a rule is unclear, call or email the agency directly and keep their reply. Hunter education courses in many states cover crossbow safety and transport, and they are a good place to ask questions before your first season.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Crossbow vs compound bow
• Best crossbow for deer hunting
• Best crossbow broadheads

CrossbowReport is research-based. We do not claim hands-on testing. How we review.