A crossbow, as we all know, is a weapon. A weapon that could be used for hunting or self-defense and can even hurt people. The crossbow’s potential use for harmful purposes makes brandishing it publicly for no convincing reason illegal.
Legally, the crossbow is often regarded as a firearm and has some legal jurisdictions guiding its use. For instance, Japan recently revised its country’s firearm and sword control law due to increased violence related to crossbows. This revision banned the unauthorized use of crossbows and allowed only those with licenses and permits to use the crossbows.
Various countries have different jurisdictions concerning the crossbow, although some countries have no problem with the crossbow being shown off in public or used.

Several definitions of the crossbow guide each legal jurisdiction, be it regarding its size, age limits, sales, or hunting rules.
Countries/Places Where Crossbows are Illegal
Now, to the question, “Where are crossbows illegal?” Below are some countries or places that classify crossbows as illegal or legal depending on the jurisdictions surrounding their use:
ALASKA
In Alaska, crossbows are illegal, especially when in public. Here, the crossbow is legal only with certain conditions attached to it. It is permitted only during the archery season and just for disabled hunters with an authorized form called the “method and means exemption form.”
AUSTRALIA
Here, crossbows are legal but highly controlled due to their harmful nature. There is strict control on its age limit, as only adults that are over 18 years of age can own a crossbow. There is also a control on the movement of crossbows across states in Australia to prevent illegal import and unauthorized use. Crossbows are also legal for people participating in sports. However, it is unlawful to use crossbows in public places.
CANADA
Generally, the jurisdiction used to define a firearm in Canada doesn’t apply to the crossbow. Hence, as long as you are 18 or older, you can acquire, make, or sell a crossbow. But be informed some municipalities in Canada have specific bylaws that classify a crossbow as a firearm. Hence its possession within those limits is prohibited and illegal.
DENMARK
Producing, trading, or possessing crossbows in Denmark without a license is illegal.
GERMANY
The laws guiding Germany on weapons categorize crossbows as firearms or weapons. Although, these laws don’t prohibit its use. Unlike guns, getting a license before selling, producing, or possessing a crossbow is unnecessary. Crossbows are legal in Germany except when used to harm civilians or carry out illegal poaching.
CALIFORNIA
Crossbows are legal for all during archery seasons under different conditions.
GEORGIA
Crossbows are legal during all seasons.
JAPAN
Japan has no law that renders the crossbow illegal but has specific regulations controlling its use. Crossbows, here, are regulated by a particular FIREARMS POSSESSION CONTROL LAW. These regulations include getting a license and storing the crossbows in a safe and appropriate place, prohibited for those under 18 or who are drug addicts.
NETHERLANDS
Crossbows here are ILLEGAL for use, except if you are over 18 years. Refrain from brandishing them carelessly in public, and properly store them in safe places.
NEW YORK
In New York, crossbows are allowed only during archery seasons.
OKLAHOMA
In Oklahoma, the use and possession of crossbows are legal and can be used during hunting.
UNITED KINGDOM
Crossbows are not regarded as offensive weapons in the UK. Hence, they are legal. In the United Kingdom, a weapon becomes offensive if and only if used for an illegal or harmful purpose. Endangering a person with a crossbow could get you arrested. Walking around carelessly with a crossbow is also ILLEGAL, as it could attract the attention of the police or other law enforcement agencies. Selling a crossbow to people under the age of 18 is ILLEGAL. Also, hunting with a crossbow is ILLEGAL, as stated by the laws guiding wildlife.
BULGARIA
Crossbows have no regulations guiding their use but are ILLEGAL for hunting.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Crossbows are legal but can only be used by anyone 18 or above 18 years. It is ILLEGAL to use them in public places, unlicensed areas, or unmarked ranges without authorized personnel overseeing your activities.
HONG-KONG
Here, the classification of crossbows as firearms depends on their draw weight. A crossbow with a draw weight of 6kg or more is considered a firearm, hence requires a license before it can be legally used, sold, manufactured, or sold. Without a license, crossbows are ILLEGAL in Hong Kong.
NORWAY
Hunting with crossbows in Norway is ILLEGAL, but possession is legal with an authorized license.
SWEDEN
Like NORWAY, hunting with crossbows in Sweden is also ILLEGAL. The laws defining firearms in Sweden classify a crossbow as a firearm. Hence its trade, possession, and manufacturing are controlled. It is only under these control and regulations that a crossbow is considered legal in Sweden.
MICHIGAN
The crossbow is legally only for hunting by licensed hunters. The licensed hunters are required to get crossbow stamps.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
In British Columbia, and Canada, crossbows are not prohibited; hence, it is legal.
KANSAS
Here, crossbows are legal to be possessed and are not prohibited for hunting.
INDIANA
In Indiana, crossbows are legal even during the entire archery season as long as the crossbows are accompanied by mechanical safety.
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina was not a LEGAL ground for the possession of crossbows until 2010. Now it has legalized crossbows for hunting with a particular minimum draw weight.
IDAHO
Generally, using crossbows in Idaho is legal, but during archery seasons, it is illegal for unlicensed archers or hunters to hunt with crossbows.
GEORGIA
Crossbow hunting and using or possessing crossbows in Georgia are illegal, except for hunters who obtain weapons licenses.
FRANCE
Crossbows can be used for hunting, but crossbows are rendered illegal unless the appropriate mandatory educational programs for every hunter are completed.
SPAIN
Crossbow hunting and possession are legal but require an authorized license. Also, hunters must undergo educational training on the proper use of crossbows.
Conclusion
While the laws guiding crossbows above might be right, it is essential to always check with the law agencies in the geographical areas to be certain – especially since the laws are subject to changes.