Convicted felons cannot hunt in Colorado using a firearm or bow (because they can’t possess a “deadly weapon.”
Why Can’t Felons Hunt in Colorado?
C.R.S 18-12-108. Possession of weapons by previous offenders prohibits convicted felons from possessing a “deadly weapon.”
18-12-108 reads, in relevant part:
(3) A person commits the crime of possession of a weapon by a previous offender if the person knowingly possesses, uses, or carries upon his or her person a firearm as described in section 18-1-901 (3)(h) or any other weapon that is subject to the provisions of this article subsequent to the person’s adjudication for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute a felony, or subsequent to the person’s adjudication for attempt or conspiracy to commit a felony, under Colorado or any other state’s law or under federal law.
(4) (a) Except as otherwise provided by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection (4), a person commits a class 6 felony if the person violates subsection (3) of this section.
(b) A person commits a class 5 felony, as provided by section 18-12-102, if the person violates subsection (3) of this section and the weapon is a dangerous weapon, as defined in section 18-12-102 (1).
Can a Felon Bow Hunt in Colorado?
It has always been my interpretation that a bow and arrow qualifies as something “capable of producing death or serious bodily injury as a “Deadly weapon” is defined in 18-1-901:
18-1-901, reads, in relevant part:
(e) “Deadly weapon” means:
. . .
(II) A knife, bludgeon, or any other weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, that, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
I hope this helps. You should run your situation by an attorney to discuss your specific situation.
