Imagine the sinking feeling as authorities knock on your door, their faces grim. The weight of fines crushing your budget. The stress of court appearances stealing your peace. Is this the legacy you want your archery passion to leave?
The legal landscape can be confusing, especially when it comes to backyard activities. So, the burning question remains:
Can I Shoot a Bow in My Backyard in Arizona?
Luckily, owning a bow and arrow in Arizona is alright and legal.
You can own a bow and arrow for the love of sports, recreation, and hunting. Arizona law does not prohibit the use of archery equipment on your private property. But without the permission of a landowner, you can’t bow hunt within 1/4 mile (440 yards) of an occupied property.
As long as you don’t disturb your neighbors, shooting or owning a bow and arrow doesn’t violate any Arizona state law.
Archery Targets
- Various styles of archery targets for bowhunting and target shooting.
- 3D archery targets shaped like game animals for realistic practice and arrow placement.
- Archery targets with self-healing foam for durability and repeated use.
- Archery targets for different types of bows, including crossbows.
But a bow is still a weapon. So use it not to hurt the people around you. Start practicing together with an experienced hunter.
You can also hire an archery expert to get you more familiar with your bow.
Don’t scream or run when you’re shooting. You have the freedom. But consider your backyard a shooting range, not a playground.
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Contents
- Do I need a license to own a bow in Arizona?
- Is a bow considered a firearm in Arizona?
- What is the legal draw weight for bow hunting in Arizona?
- How far away from a house can you bow hunt in Arizona?
- Where can I shoot my bow in Arizona?
- Who regulates hunter’s access to lands in Arizona?
- Does Arizona have a lifetime hunting license?
- What can I hunt in Arizona?
- What is the penalty for poaching in Arizona?
- Can you shoot a bow in city limits—Arizona?
- Snag Ridiculously Priced Big-brand Flagship Compound Bows at 10% to Over 40% Off Their Suggested Retail Prices
- What are the Best Bear Bows for Target Shooting?
- The 5 Best Bow For Professionals Archers
- The 5 Best Archery Releases for Accuracy
- Arrow Length vs. Draw Length: Knowing the Relationship
- Author
Do I need a license to own a bow in Arizona?
Arizona law doesn’t need you to register your bow when you’re shooting for fun at home or with your kids. You also don’t need a license when you practice archery in your backyard or in a shooting range. Only bowhunters need a state-issued license to hunt in the state.
You can only bowhunt during archery and general seasons. Unlike other states, bowhunting education is only optional in Arizona.
Bowhunting is challenging. Aside from skill, have education on safety precautions too.
Arizona may have lots of animals in the wild. But you can’t hunt right away there. You have to have a license to hunt. Even hunting fish needs a permit there.
Archery Backstop
- Heavy-duty archery backstop for use with bows up to 45 lbs
- Backstop is bordered with grommets at the top, the bottom doesn't have grommets
- The archery backstop is a 2 mm high-density fiber cloth, not a net, it is more safer
- Stops carbon, aluminum, and wood arrows
- Easy arrow removal, keeps arrows from getting lost
Arizona has different types of hunting licenses:
- Arizona Resident – the state considers anyone living in Arizona for six months as a resident. They are eligible to apply for a permanent hunting license.
- Non-Resident License. Any non-resident over ten years old can get a non-resident hunting license.
- Youth Hunting License. Arizona residents and non-residents, ages 10-17, have to buy a license. The AZGFD calls it a Youth Combination Hunting and Fishing license.
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, who have won prestigious awards, can also get a license. It is a discounted Achievement Scout License. They have to be Arizona residents.
Arizonans older than Age 70, living in the state for over 25 years, can get a free Pioneer License.
Only a resident veteran with 100% disability can get a disability hunting license.
Any military stationed in Arizona can buy a resident hunting license. An Arizona resident serving in the military can get a resident hunting license too.
You can buy an Arizona Hunting License by visiting the AZGFD website. AZGFD also has over 200 licensed dealers statewide. You can apply for a license there too.
Is a bow considered a firearm in Arizona?
Arizona doesn’t consider a bow and arrow a firearm. A bow only uses elastic energy to fire an arrow. Firearm regulations don’t apply to bows and arrows.
According to the United States Code, firearms are explosive weapons. Firearms are also destructive. But bows don’t have those properties.
Examples of weapons are guns, grenades, bombs, rockets, and mines.
But a bow can still be a weapon, especially in hunting. Arizona archery laws have protocols for bowhunting.
Arizona is home to wild mammals, reptiles, birds, mollusks, and crustaceans too. So learn how to hunt with fairness.
Archery Targets 3D
- Realistic Design: Lifelike animal representation.
- Multiple Target Zones: Vital organs and scoring areas.
- Easy Arrow Removal: Self-healing foam for easy retrieval.
- Stability: Ground stakes for secure placement.
- Portability: Lightweight with handles for easy transport.
- Weather Resistance: UV-resistant and waterproof coatings.
- Easy Assembly: Quick setup and disassembly.
- Replaceable Parts: Replaceable core for extended life.
You can own a bow without a firearm license. But you have to be careful when you’re carrying it. Even if you’re carrying your bow to archery practice or hunting, always be mindful.
A careful hunter means you are aware of what you’re doing. Make sure you are still responsible when you hunt.
Don’t pull the trigger if you don’t know how to do a clean kill. Know the safety rules and signs, whether in practice or in the wild.
What is the legal draw weight for bow hunting in Arizona?
Unlike other states in the US, Arizona has no size and draw weight restrictions.
The draw weight is the amount of force you use when you pull the bow. The draw weight depends on your draw length.
The importance of draw weights is their influence on the speed of the bow to shoot its arrow.
Compound bows can bear over 50 pounds. Recurve and longbows have heavier draw weights. It means archers need to pull further to achieve a good fire.
Each person has a different draw weight too. Depending on physical strength and experience, some archers can pull 40 pounds. Some can do over 80 pounds too.
Archers need to determine their ideal draw weight to maximize control of their pulls. Achieving this can make them consistent and accurate with their shots.
Archers need to make a proper stance to point and hit their target. They have to do that with little movement.
Note that when you draw a bow, if you need to step forward or lean back, chances are your bow’s draw weight is too heavy for you. Shooting draw weights beyond your capacity increases the risk of injuries.
So you have to start with a more natural weight. You can progress as you master it.
Samick Sage Archery Takedown Recurve Bow
- Size – The Samick Sage Recurve bow is 62” long, 28” draw length, and choose your draw weight from 25-60lb.
- Includes: Riser - 2 Fiberglass laminated limbs - 14 Strands dacron bowstring – Stick on arrow rest – assembly instructions. Limbs are interchangeable and can be purchased separately.
- Features - Pre-installed threaded Brass Bushings for various attachments and upgrades, such as, Brass Plunger, Stabilizer, Sight, Quiver, Bow fishing reel.
- Ergonomically Designed - Risers are designed with lightweight Maple wood, and a comfortable ergonomic grip, so it’s easy to hold and your hands don’t get tired.
How far away from a house can you bow hunt in Arizona?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department allows the use of an arrow on public and private property. The hunter needs to ask permission from the owner first. But hunters can face endangerment charges for firing an arrow at private property.
Arizona allows you to hunt less than 440 yards from a private property – only if you ask permission from the owner.
If you weren’t able to ask permission, be mindful of your distance from a house. You have to do this before the start of hunting season.
Arizona has 13 million acres of private land. So you have to ask permission from the owners.
The organization also reminds hunters to show courtesy to non-hunters. They have the same rights as hunters too. Cleaning their surroundings on the hunting grounds is another recommendation.
Never fire your weapon with a bow and arrow across a road or railway too. The state law doesn’t suggest shooting across roads at all.
The Commission prohibits hunting during the closed season and after legal hours. Exceptions are present only when they permit it. The AZGFD prohibits shooting with artificial light.
Where can I shoot my bow in Arizona?
Arizona law allows you to shoot your bow in archery ranges or in your backyard in Arizona for fun and sports. The state also allows you to shoot to hunt if you have a hunting license.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department allows hunting in designated areas. Some lands are under certain governments and agencies. They allow hunting, but not in national parks and certain national monuments.
The AZGFD recommends hunters ask permission from private landowners. State law protects private landowners’ rights to post anti-trespassing signs along their property.
Treating the private land as if it were your own is ideal – after all, you want to enjoy wildlife and hunting. Getting access to the property is a privilege, not a right.
You can only hunt during daylight hours. So hunting animals in the wild at night is illegal. That is, except with raccoons and other mammals.
Diamond Archery Edge 320
- Powered by Bowtech's Synchronized Binary Cam System for arrow velocity of 320 fps
- Adjust draw length from 15 to 31 inches long
- The limb system allows for adjustability from a mere 7 lbs to a heavy impacting 70 lbs
- Offers flawless, straight-line nock travel and exceptional tuneability that sticks
- Fully equipped and ready to go right out of the box
When asking permission, you have to specify what animals you are hunting.
Archers and gun enthusiasts can also go to shooting ranges. They are safe environments for practice.
They help them prepare for hunting seasons too. Shooting facilities provide professional training and education. Shooting ranges create a community and culture for enthusiasts.
Who regulates hunter’s access to lands in Arizona?
The Arizona Game and Fish Department enforces Commission rules and regulations on hunting. They also put in place statutory requirements.
Six different government agencies also own and manage Arizona lands. Each has its own set of access rules.
- The State of Arizona takes care of 13 percent of the state. They see to it that the rights and privileges of hunters and landowners are intact.
- The US Forest Services takes care of 15 percent of the state’s land. They allow access to hunting and fishing in season.
- The Bureau of Land Management manages 16 percent of the state’s land.
- Indian Reservations take 28 percent of Arizona land. Tribal governments have their fishing and hunting regulations for reservations.
- National Wildlife Refuges also have their own set of regulations.
- Military Installations also have regulations.
The Commission allows hunting for fish in private waters. But you need to get a fishing license to fish on public lands.
Note that these specific dates are only applicable to archers. They can also hunt during the general seasons.
Bear Archery Grizzly Traditional Bow
- Limbs overlaid with clear maple and backed and faced with high-strength black fiberglass
- Crowned, cut-on center arrow shelf
- Comes with leather side plate and bear hair arrow rest
- Darcon string
- Tips handcrafted and layered with black and white fiberglass
The Commission is also in charge of imposing poaching penalties. They take care of offenders and their consequences. Poachers may face suspension or fines. Worse, offenders can have license revocation.
They also pay for high-profile cases and investigations on wildlife and fish-related crimes. The department has a Wildlife Theft Prevention Fund to support this.
Does Arizona have a lifetime hunting license?
Arizona has a lifetime hunting license for residents only. The state considers you a resident if you have lived there for six months.
For non-residents, a hunting license is only valid for 365 days from the issue date.
The best time to get a hunting license is when you’re at least ten years old and above to hunt in Arizona.
Children under ten years old can capture wildlife even out without a hunting permit. But they need to have a person over 18 to go with them.
The state prohibits two unlicensed children together with one licensed hunter. So, the ratio is 1:1.
Arizona Law allows issuing of lifetime licenses and privileges for hunting. All the permit fees go to the wildlife endowment fund.
If licensed hunters move out of the state, they are still welcome to hunt back in Arizona. They have to buy resident or non-resident big game permits required by Arizonian law.
What can I hunt in Arizona?
Arizona provides lots of hunting opportunities in North America. You can hunt bison, black bear, elk, desert bighorn sheep, and mountain lion. Other species are javelina, mule deer, turkey, and pronghorn.
Hunters can harvest waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, doves, and pigeons too.
As long as you follow hunting rules and regulations, it is alright. There are also some hunting dates or seasons for these.
Aside from the hunting license, abide by protocols in drawing and trapping.
Genesis Original
- Compound bow designed with a draw length range of 15-30 inches and adjustable draw weight from 10-20 pounds.
- Features a universal draw length and adjustable weight.
- Single-cam design ensures no tuning problems, less recoil, greater accuracy, and less noise.
- Crafted with durable lightweight components.
You can also hunt badgers, bobcats, and chukar partridges. You can also harvest coyotes, crows, cottontail rabbits, and European starlings.
Other wildlife are foxes, house sparrows, jackrabbits, pheasants, quails, ringtails, and rodents. You can also hunt skunks, sandhill cranes, and squirrels.
What is the penalty for poaching in Arizona?
Poaching is the illegal killing of wildlife. Hunting without a license is also unlawful. Killing an animal outside of hunting season is another violation.
Poachers will face legal action like any criminal faces. Suspects need to appear in a criminal justice court. Guilty poachers will face penalties such as fines and jail time. Poachers may have their licenses revoked.
As a hunter, you have a responsibility to protect wildlife heritage. Hunting helps preservation for future generations.
Be mindful of common violations in hunting. Report it yourself rather than wildlife personnel discovering it first. Here is a list of common violations:
- Shooting too close to an occupied house.
You have to ask permission beforehand if you’re going to shoot within 440 years of an occupied house.
- Using scents and baiting
Law prohibits anything edible produced for livestock to help you catch wildlife. Using scents and baits is illegal too.
- Taking wildlife without a license or with a fake license
Check the expiry and validity of your license as well.
- Hunt wildlife with a prohibited device or by an unlawful method.
These methods include poisoned darts or arrows, automatic firearms, and explosives. Law doesn’t allow electronic night vision either.
Bear Archery Cruzer G2
- Versatile: Maximum-versatility bow is engineered for all ages and skill levels
- Ready To Hunt: Ready to hunt bow comes equipped with six Trophy Ridge accessories
- Adjustable: Adjustable from 12" to 30" draw length range and from 5 to 70 lbs. peak draw weight
- Easy Adjustments: All adjustments are made using an Allen wrench with no need for a bow press
- Lightweight Power: Weighs only 3 lbs. and fires arrows at 315 feet per second
Hunting and taking wildlife from a motor vehicle is illegal. Examples of these are watercraft or planes unless permitted by the Commission Order.
Other violations include waste of game meat, unauthorized selling of wildlife. Vandalism and destroying livestock are no good.
Can you shoot a bow in city limits—Arizona?
Arizona state law generally allows the discharge of a bow within city limits for recreational purposes such as archery. However, it does prohibit the discharge of a weapon in a manner that endangers another person’s life or property.
However, local ordinances may vary, and there could be specific rules within a city or town that regulate the use of bows. The exact wording and restrictions can vary significantly between cities
Some Arizona cities have designated archery ranges or areas where you can legally shoot a bow. You may need to obtain a permit from the city to use these areas. Some cities may also offer special permits for target shooting on private property.
Before shooting a bow in any city in Arizona, it is crucial to:
- Contact the local city government or police department to understand their specific ordinances regarding bows and other projectile weapons.
- Obtain any necessary permits before shooting.
- Always practice safe shooting practices, including using proper backstops and ensuring no one is in the line of fire.
Carbon Arrows
| Material | Carbon Fiber |
| Strength | Exceptional, high strength-to-weight ratio |
| Stiffness | Extremely stiff, minimal flexing |
| Fatigue resistance | Excellent, retains performance over many shots |
| Vibration dampening | Very good, reduces noise and hand shock |
| Spine consistency | Highly consistent |
| Tailorability | High, wide range of shaft diameters and wall thicknesses |
| Durability | Excellent, resistant to impact, corrosion, and weather extremes |
| Weight | Lightweight |
| Cost | Higher initial cost |
| Environmentally friendly | More sustainable, recyclable material |
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It’s for Strong Hunters who can handle a 70lb, ATA 28″, DL 24.5-30″ compound bow Like A Boss!
Your screen is constantly being bombarded with compound bows out of your reach–
New flagship compound bow ads every week.
You’ve always wanted a bow like the Bowtech CP30 (2024), right?
But your budget’s not there yet, so you have no choice but to settle for midrange bows.
That sucks–but it doesn’t have to be…
Believe me when I say big-brand flagship compound bows can be squeezed into roughly $1000 OR LESS.
“Yeah, right!”
Seriously,
I’ve been doing bowhunting and target shooting for over 20 years combined.
I bought flagship bows even when times were lean.
I’ve also sold a handful of my $1500-$2000 flagship bows up to 40% OFF.
My numerous buying and selling experiences were a hit-and-miss–
I sold to all manner of hunter, failing to manage their expectations.
Or I bought a rare dud.
My process of winging it sucked!
But that’s just the first half of the story…
I conducted a deep dive into several archery/hunting forums–
discussing the underappreciated gem that is the USED/OLD FLAGSHIP BOW.
But don’t take my word for it that these USED/OLD flagships are gems;
here are some excerpts from these forums:
“I bought a used Matthews Z7 from bearfoot1 last year and love it!” – Ranger
“It’s an old Matthew’s monster and it shoots great, also shoots as fast as any of the new bows I’ve messed with and it’s probably 10 years old.” – HonkeyMcGee88
“I usually buy a new bow to two or…three every year. Well new to me, It maybe left over for last year or a couple month old current model year bow etc. etc.” – Trial153
These users highlight the positive aspects of using older bows,
expressing satisfaction with the performance and longevity of bows–
that are not necessarily the latest models.
And from my painstaking research of these forums,
together with my considerable personal experience,
Here are 9 deep insights specifically for you to achieve ‘flagship’ dominance—
without busting your budget or suffering used/old-bow issues:
- Invest in quality accessories like a good bow rest and sight;
these can be transferred to future bows. - Don’t be pressured to buy the latest model–
Higher End won’t help you shoot better. But Hand Fit and Tuning are crucial. - Avoid overthinking and comparing previous models directly with the latest models–
if it was good before, it is reasonably good now. - Performance differences between flagship bows and Slightly Older Models are minimal, especially for mid-level hunters.
- Consider the age, speed, and features of the bow and how they match your preferences and expectations.
- Look for top-tier brands’ models not older than two or three years back.
This will reduce the likelihood of maintenance costs from parts discontinued by the manufacturer. - Ask the seller about the bow’s history, maintenance, and warranty.
- Check the delivered bow for any signs of damage, wear, or misuse beyond what was declared by the seller.
Have it checked by shop technicians or expert hunters to uncover latent defects. - Look for local archery shops near you that offer trade-ins so you have some confidence the bows are working; plus, there’s some warranty.
With all that said, it’ll now make sense for you to get a Bowtech CP28 (2022). Why?
Check this quick table underlining the most relevant change in specification:
| Specification | CP28 | CP30 |
| Brace Height | 6.75″ | 6.75″ |
| AtA Length | 28″ | 30″ |
| Draw Length | 24.5″ – 30″ | 25″-30.5″ |
| Draw Weight | 40 lbs – 70 lbs | 50, 60, 70 lbs |
| IBO Speed | 335 fps | 331 FPS |
| Weight | 4.4 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
If AtA is a critical concern for you, this recommendation may not be the best for you.
But if it is not an issue–
Know that CP28’s 2022 SRP was $1199; in 2024 it’s around $889 (25% off)…
Now, versus a Bowtech CP30 (2024) at $1299,
You’ll get 30% OFF for roughly the same fundamental specification,
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You can get a used/old bow that is in excellent condition, fits your needs, and has a warranty.
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When it comes to the preloved market,
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P.S. The last expert-recommended bow featured here was sold before the readers could see the product. Here’s the screen:
Bowtech CP28
- Brace Height 6.75 "
- AtA Length 28 "
- Draw Length 24.5 " - 30 "
- Draw Weight 40 lbs - 70 lbs
- IBO Speed 335 fps
- Weight 4.4 lbs
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