Can a convicted felon own a black powder firearm in Wisconsin?

Answer 1

Yes, a bow is not considered a firearm in the state of Wisconsin. In the state hunting manual it says that a felon may still hunt with an air rifle, bow or crossbow(65+ years old or disabled).

Answer 2

The Federal Laws governing firearms do not classify muzzleloaders as a "firearm" , and in most states you can buy one with no paperwork or background check. However that does not make it technically legal for a felon to poses it. I have read of cases pertaining to this where the person was hassled at great expense in time and money by local law enforcement regardless of the intended use, only to be convicted on possession of explosives charges for having black powder. The "best practice" I have heard of is obtaining a waiver from BATFE or your local jurisdiction so you have paper in hand showing proof of legal possession, after all it is not worth your time, money or potential freedom dealing with an over zealous prosecutor or non gun friendly jurisdiction when a simple document could prevent it. This topic has been discussed at length for years both pro and con, and what it boils down to is a case by case determination. You can go to free advice.com ( http://forum.freeadvice.com/other-crimes-federal-state-4/ex-felons-black-powder-weapons-legal-386903.html) or better yet to the BATF site ( http://www.atf.gov/firearms/index.htm) and get a more direct answer for your state and county, but the best advice would be to speak to an authority in your state or to BATFE to be 100% sure.

Answer 3

In general, it depends on the county and town/village/city you live in. According to the state, a black powder weapon is not considered a dangerous firearm and you don't need permits to buy or sell them.

Unfortunately, on a county or city level, there may be more strict definitions on those weapons than what the state has outlined. You can argue semantics with the police all you want, but if the town you live in calls black powder guns as firearms, you go to jail. What you need to do is to get a local judge to sign a writ declaring ot legal for you to own and use such a weapon. You better have a good reason too, such as "Hunting and trading meat and fur is how I make a portion of my income and you will deny me my occupation by not allowing me this concession." You should also point out the allowance as per STATE law. If you are lucky, the Judge will sign off and you will be set. A local judge can waive local statutes in favor of higher state definitions.