Legal Question ???????????

[seansfire]

I was told by a freind that a person convicted of a felony IS  allowed to have possesion of and hunt with a muzzleloader. Wondering if anyone on here would have any idea if it is true or not.

[Curly]

I believe that in this state a ML is considered to be a firearm.  So, in this state, a felon technically cannot hunt with a ML.  Hopefully someone will chime-in with some links and facts to back it up, but that is how I understand it.

[Bean Counter]

I dont know about the muzzleloader question but I do know someone who had his rights restored after a felony conviction. It takes time and an attorney but it can be done. I oppose the felony gun prohibition so I would encourage you or 'your friend' to pursue the topic if it interests you.  Take care.

[JimmyHoffa]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.010
http://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=9.41.040
My guess is no.  The state prohibits it.  Legal at a federal level if it is antique or replica (not the modern inlines).  But WA state just says 'no firearms' on the felon-possession part, eventhough it has 'antique firearms' in the definitions part...but since they don't specify--antique firearms ARE firearms for WA.  I could be wrong...but you can bore yourself with the links I put up.

[Bob33]

No. A muzzleloader ts considered a firearm in Washington.

[ellensburgpo]

No. A muzzleloader ts considered a firearm in Washington.

 

[howlow]

U do not need a federal background check to purchase so it is legal to hunt with for a felon

[ICEMAN]

U do not need a federal background check to purchase so it is legal to hunt with for a felon

Not  true. It is illegal for a convicted felon who has not had their right restored to even touch a muzzle loader.

[ellensburgpo]

U do not need a federal background check to purchase so it is legal to hunt with for a felon

WRONG

[wannabhntr]

Taken from WDFW web site:

Can a felon possess or use a muzzleloader, rifle, handgun, or shotgun for hunting?
 
No, unless the felon has had his/her right-to-bear-arms restored through a state superior court. If the felon’s rights have been restored, he/she can use muzzleloaders, rifles, handguns, and shotguns to hunt. But if the felon has not had his/her firearm rights restored, then he/she cannot possess a handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader, or rifle.

[mr user]

Taken from WDFW web site:

Can a felon possess or use a muzzleloader, rifle, handgun, or shotgun for hunting?
 
No, unless the felon has had his/her right-to-bear-arms restored through a state superior court. If the felon’s rights have been restored, he/she can use muzzleloaders, rifles, handguns, and shotguns to hunt. But if the felon has not had his/her firearm rights restored, then he/she cannot possess a handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader, or rifle.

So I guess it is legal for a felon to bowhunt?

[ellensburgpo]

Yup.

[JimmyHoffa]

So I guess it is legal for a felon to bowhunt?

For Washington I believe that is the case.  Some states instead of saying 'firearms' in their law for something a felon can't possess say 'dangerous weapons', and I believe I read that sometimes bows fall under that.  I've read before that in states where a felon can use a muzzy they have to use special powder because federal law prohibits them from possessing black powder.

[wannabhntr]

I think somewhere in the RCW's it says something about any weapon capable of firing a lead projectile. I can't find it right now but I'll keep looking.

[Bob33]

Taken from WDFW web site:

Can a felon possess or use a muzzleloader, rifle, handgun, or shotgun for hunting?
 
No, unless the felon has had his/her right-to-bear-arms restored through a state superior court. If the felon’s rights have been restored, he/she can use muzzleloaders, rifles, handguns, and shotguns to hunt. But if the felon has not had his/her firearm rights restored, then he/she cannot possess a handgun, shotgun, muzzleloader, or rifle.

So I guess it is legal for a felon to bowhunt?

Yes.

[seansfire]

i found that i am legal to bowhunt but wasnt sure about the muzzleloader thing as the way it was explained to me it is considered a primitive weapon or something. i am good to bowhunt as i dont want anything to do with the courts or lawyers after my divorce recently.

i truly appreciate you guys taking the time to post about this.