[Martin 4855]

Can I hunt with muzzle loader. And a crossbow

[joypulv]

Black powder arms are not allowed in Wyoming specifically (for felons).
Crossbows are allowed.
(And I'm sure you know that you can't be with someone who is using a weapon that you may not use.)

[AK lawyer]

... And I'm sure you know that you can't be with someone who is using a weapon that you may not use.

Joy, is that Wyoming statute? Do you have a link? Because (as a general statement), I for one didn't know that.

[ma0641]

I just Googled "WY hunting regulations" and found that muzzle loaders-black powder ARE specifically listed for hunting as to what size bullet and powder charge must be used in both handgun and rifle.

[joypulv]

The question is about FELONS, ma0641.
As for being around weapons in the hands of others, there is no link, and I should have said that generally it's a condition of probation, sorry.

[AK lawyer]

Muzzle loaders designed or manufactured prior to 1898 may, according to federal law be possessed by convicted felons (they fall outside of the definition of "firearm"), but I cannot access Google today, so I don't know what Wyoming law has to say about it. That, and the remark about "be[ing] with" someone is why I asked Joy for the link.

Joy, our posts crossed.

It is not, as I indicated, illegal (under federal law, anyway) for a felon to have a muzzle-loader (as specified). Thus, unless WY law is different, ma0641 would be right.

I don't know that it is generally a condition of probation to refrain from accompanying someone else (with a modern firearm) who is hunting legally. And OP didn't say that he is still on probation.

[odinn7]

According to Federal law, in general, black powder is not considered to be a firearm in the sense of the law...but from what I am seeing, it appears that there are a few states that over-ride that and do consider anything black powder to be a firearm. Wyoming is one of them. There is a lack of legal information regarding this but I found this article: Court: No muzzleloaders for felons

It seems that Wyoming considers anything that fires a projectile using an explosive force is considered to be a firearm and therefore is not legal to be owned or used by a felon.

Another case of states disregarding Federal Law.

[AK lawyer]

Interesting news article linked by Odinn7.

It indeed appears that the state legislature should consider changing the law.

[ma0641]

As noted, black powder weapons do not fall under FFL laws. You can buy one without a background check and even ship them through the mail. Most states I have hunted in never asked if I was a felon when I applied for a license. Now, in GA, I have a senior lifetime license. They are very optimistic about my living a long time, the license expires 12/31/2399!

[odinn7]

...BUT Wyoming classes them as a firearm and they cannot be owned in Wyoming by a felon. This is the way they are interpreting the law and the claim is that since black powder guns are not specifically listed as exempt in Wyoming law, then they are classed as a firearm. This is how the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled on the issue.

The OP in question MIGHT be able to purchase one and MIGHT be able to hunt with it BUT IF he is caught for some reason, he will probably be hammered for it. Why take the chance?