Published by If you have a felony conviction and want to hunt in Colorado, understanding your legal options — and limitations — is critical to avoiding additional criminal charges. As attorneys experienced in navigating the intersection of criminal law and individual rights restoration, we know this is one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of Colorado weapons law.
Here’s the core issue: Colorado does not prohibit felons from purchasing a hunting license. The state issues more than 300,000 hunting licenses annually, and the application process does not require a criminal background check. However, under CRS § 18-12-108, Colorado’s Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender (POWPO) statute, convicted felons are prohibited from knowingly possessing, using, or carrying firearms or other weapons — and this is where crossbows create a legal gray area.
While crossbows are not classified as firearms under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)), Colorado’s POWPO statute extends beyond firearms to cover “any other weapon” subject to the state’s weapons regulations. A strict reading of the statute suggests that crossbows — which use a trigger mechanism and are capable of producing serious bodily injury — likely qualify as deadly weapons under Colorado law.
However, some legal scholars argue that crossbows may fall outside the definition of prohibited weapons as long as the blade is less than 3.5 inches in length. This ambiguity makes legal counsel essential before any felon takes a crossbow into the field, as a POWPO conviction carries class 5 felony penalties including 1 to 3 years in prison.
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Can Felons Hunt with a Crossbow in Colorado?
According to SCLG, the legality of a convicted felon hunting with a crossbow in Colorado is unclear. A strict interpretation of Colorado statutes suggests that felons may not possess any weapons, including crossbows, for hunting or other purposes [1].
“But it also can be argued that crossbows fall outside the definition of prohibited weapons by convicted felons as long as the blade is less than 3.5 inches in length.” – SCLG
Crossbows differ from traditional bows in that they have a mounted “prod” and shoot bolts or quarrels. They also have a lock mechanism to hold the bowstring, which is released by a trigger similar to that of a gun.
Colorado Laws on Possessing Weapons
Under CRS § 18-12-108, Colorado law classifies it as a class 5 felony for a convicted felon to knowingly possess, use, or carry a firearm or other prohibited weapon. This crime is known as possession of a weapon by a previous offender (POWPO).
A class 5 felony for possession of a weapon by a previous offender can result in:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Fines up to $100,000
This law applies if the person has been convicted of:
- A felony offense listed under CRS 24-4.1-302(1);
- A juvenile act equivalent to one of the felonies listed under CRS 24-4.1-302(1) if committed by an adult (applicable for 10 years from the date of juvenile adjudication); or
- Misdemeanor offenses related to domestic violence.
Penalties for Illegal Possession of a Firearm in Colorado
According to Matthew A. Martin, in Colorado, convicted felons found in knowing possession of a firearm face severe penalties [2].
A class 6 felony charge for this offense can result in:
- Up to 1 ½ years in prison
- Fines up to $100,000
The charge may be elevated to a class 5 felony under certain conditions:
- If you are caught with a dangerous weapon such as a firearm silencer or a short shotgun
- If your previous felony conviction occurred within 10 years and involved crimes like arson, burglary, or any felony involving the use of force or a deadly weapon
A class 5 felony in Colorado carries a maximum penalty of:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Fines up to $100,000
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References:
- https://www.shouselaw.com/co/blog/criminal-defense/can-a-felon-hunt-with-a-crossbow-in-colorado/
- https://denversdefenseattorney.com/criminal-defense/weapon-crimes/possession-of-a-weapon-by-a-previous-offender/