Question on the law

[Tony_zelah]

I have been asked by a friend a question on the law regarding cross bows. This person owns a farm an he wants to know is it legal for him to hunt rabbits with a cross bow on his own land

[JohnK]

Any form of bowhunting is strictly illegal in the UK, whatever the type of bow or quarry.

[english_archer]

Originally Posted by Tony_zelah

I have been asked by a friend a question on the law regarding cross bows. This person owns a farm an he wants to know is it legal for him to hunt rabbits with a cross bow on his own land

Bow hunting is illegal in the uk and I would asume crossbows fall under the same law.

[Tarkwin]

Section 5(1)(c)(i) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) precludes the use of 'any bow or crossbow' to take or kill any wild bird.

Section 11(1)(b) of the same act precludes the use of the same to take or kill any wild animals.

Furthermore it is an offence under the deer act to take deer with bow or crossbow...

T.

[Tony_zelah]

Your replies have confirmed what I though and I have passed the information on

[TJ Mason]

I don't know whether it's still the case, but at one time you could convert a crossbow to be a firearm by fitting a barrel to it. The bolt had to leave the muzzle of the barrel above a certain velocity for firearm classification. The crossbow could then (very very important) be registered as a firearm and used (by a holder of a firearms licence and an appropriate vermin control licence) for shooting vermin. Farmers round my way would shoot blunts at rats and rabbits.

This may have all changed with the stupid changes to the firearms laws, but if he holds a firearms licence it might be worth his while to check with the police whether this can still be done.

[Ceri Jones]

Get an Airrow rifle, shoots arrows and is coverd under the firearms act as far as i can work out. but once more people start importing them they may ban these as well. My uncle is currently looking for one in the uk, if he cant find one hes going to try and get one imported

[Tox]

Originally Posted by Tarkwin

Section 5(1)(c)(i) of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) precludes the use of 'any bow or crossbow' to take or kill any wild bird.

Section 11(1)(b) of the same act precludes the use of the same to take or kill any wild animals.

Furthermore it is an offence under the deer act to take deer with bow or crossbow...

T.

Shame, I can think of a few 'Old Dears' I'd like to have a shot
at!!!!!!!!!

Regards TOX.

[tel]

What would be the benefit of converting a crossbow so that it can be classed as a firearm - why not use a firearm instead?

[teknohippy]

Originally Posted by tel

What would be the benefit of converting a crossbow so that it can be classed as a firearm - why not use a firearm instead?

Less noise, no ammo to purchase for every single shot, less to clean, as well as just simple choice, perhaps he wants to use a crossbow