Yes. Since crossbows are not considered firearms, convicted felons in Nevada may own, possess, and use crossbows wherever the law allows. Hunters may use certain types of crossbows to hunt big game in Nevada. And it is illegal for people who are incarcerated or in custody to possess a crossbow whether or not they have a prior felony conviction.
Can hunters use crossbows in Nevada?
Hunters may use certain crossbows to hunt big game during an “Any Legal Weapon” hunt. Big game includes:
- Antelope
- Bear
- Bighorn sheep
- Elk
- Mountain goat
- Mountain lion
- Mule deer
Qualifying crossbows must meet the following specifications:
- A minimum draw weight of 125 pounds;
- A minimum power stroke of 14 inches from the front of the bow to the nocking point;
- A stock that is at least 18 inches long; and
- A positive mechanical safety mechanism.
Also, there cannot be any chemical, explosive, or electronic device attached.
Meanwhile, crossbow arrows or bolts must be at least 16 inches long, weigh at least 300 grains and have either:
- Fixed broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point; or
- Expandable, mechanical broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide at the widest point when the broadhead is in the open position.
Finally, any sights attached to a crossbow may be illuminated or powered by either:
- A battery contained within the sight;
- Light-gathering fiber optics;
- A radioactive isotope such as tritium; or
- Iridescent or fluorescent paint.
But the sight cannot be capable of casting or projecting a beam of light that is visible to the unaided human eye from the sight to the animal.
Nevada has strict laws about what kinds of crossbows may be used to hunt big game.
Note that hunters may not use a crossbow to hunt big game during an archery-only hunt unless they have an archery disability permit. And crossbows are never permitted to hunt big game during a muzzleloader-only hunt.
Also note that the only people who may carry a cocked crossbow containing an arrow or a bolt in a vehicle on a public road are paraplegics, leg amputees, and people with leg paralysis – as long as the vehicle is not in motion.1
Can prisoners ever possess crossbows?
Never. People may not possess crossbows if they are either:
- Incarcerated in the state prison or any county or city jail or detention facility or other correctional facility in Nevada, or
- Transferred for medical or psychiatric treatment at another institution – or in transit to or from such facility, or
- In the legal custody of any correctional officer or employee
It does not matter if the person has no prior criminal record or convictions.
It is a category B felony for an inmate to possess a crossbow, carrying one (1) year to six (6) years in Nevada State Prison.2
What is the penalty for felons possessing firearms in Nevada?
Possession of a gun by a felon (NRS 202.360) is a category B felony, which carries one (1) to six (6) years in prison. The judge may also impose a fine of up to $5,000.3
The only way people with a felony conviction can get their firearm rights restored is through a Nevada Governor’s Pardon. Getting a record seal does not restore gun rights under Nevada state law.
Call our Nevada law firm for legal advice. We offer free consultations. We serve clients in Las Vegas and throughout the state of Nevada.
Legal References
- Nevada Administrative Code 503.143; NAC 503.145. Note that hunting big game requires a hunting license, and they can only be hunted during hunting season.
- Nevada Revised Statute 212.185; see also McKenna v. State, (Nevada Supreme Court, 1982) 98 Nev. 323, 647 P.2d 865.
- NRS 202.360; see also Rusling v. State, (1980) 96 Nev. 778, 617 P.2d 1302.
