Felon archery hunting

The answer provided below is a reprint from a similar question asked by another individual.     Idaho no longer restricts felons' possession of archery equipment. In general, there are fewer restrictions for weapons that do not involve explosive action.   PLEASE NOTE: Individuals convicted of felonies are responsible for doing their own research to see if the law allows them to possess firearms. Laws vary among states and the federal government as to the restriction and restoration of rights for convicted felons. Also note that, in Idaho, one does need a bowhunter certification to hunt in an archery only hunt. This past legislative season, the rules defining a firearm restriction were indeed changed. As of July 1, 2015, there are now fewer restrictions on what firearms that certain felons may possess. Idaho Code Section 18-3302 defines “firearm” as “any weapon that will, is designed to, or may readily be converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive.” This includes all guns using explosive force, including: rifles, shotguns, handguns, muzzleloaders and similar guns. Before July 1, 2015 there was a different and broader definition of firearm that no longer applies. Here are links to the basic Idaho laws on this subject: http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH3SECT18-310.htm http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH33SECT18-3302.htm http://legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/Title18/T18CH33SECT18-3316.htm