ARIZONA Crossbow Laws???????????????????

[savatreatabvr]

Is it legal to own a crossbow in Phoenix, AZ (Maricopa county) if it's used for target practice and not hunting? Reason I'm asking is because Arizona Fish & Game put the crossbow in the same category as a rifle and only the handicapped are allowed to hunt with one but it requires a special permit. Now I'm wondering if I'm shooting targets in my front yard with my crossbow will I get busted for discharging a rifle within city limits? I've looked online but the laws are very vague when it comes to crossbows so does anyone know what's up with this?

[BikerRN]

The crossbow, to my knowledge, is not a firearm. I would think the law is worded in such a manner that it relates to the discharge of a firearm.

I'm not a lawyer, and this certainly isn't legal advice but I would consult with one if I were you and I also wouldn't be suprised if there is an ordinance regarding archery in city limits.

Biker

[Sundevil99]

As far as AZ Game and Fish is concerned, crossbows are the same as firearms for hunting. They are fine for handicapped for archery season and anyone can use them during rifle season. I'm not sure about what the "discharge" laws are within city limits though.

[NJheadhunter71]

Where I'm from the law states hunting with: firearm 450ft and bow 150ft. A guy was busted practicing in his back yard when the neighbor called the law on him. He got a misuse violation for not getting a written permission slip to shoot less than 150 ft from all dwelling(s) within that distance from the backstop.

[briarpatch]

Hate to correct you on this one, NJHeadhunter71....but the distance rules govern hunting, not target practice. Fish and Game has no jurisdiction in that scenario. Now the municipality in which this person lives....does have jurisdiction....and may have written him a citation based on a 'no discharge' ordinance.

Back to the topic....Savatreatabvr...your best bet is to check with your local law enforcement to see if a 'no discharge' ordinance applies. Typically, these state that you can not discharge a 'deadly weapon' within municipal limits. A crossbow qualifies as a deadly weapon.