How does a felony charge affect your ability to hunt?

Hunting is a significant part of many Floridians’ lives. Losing your hobbies can add insult to injury when you face accusations, mainly if the allegations are false. Unfortunately, facing a felony charge can affect your ability to hunt in the future.

Under Florida law, you cannot own firearms following a felony conviction.

Restrictions following a felony conviction

Following a felony conviction, you can no longer own firearms. This includes muzzleloading guns and any firearms you may use for hunting. The only gun you can own is one that Florida recognizes as an antique. Antique firearms are any firearms manufactured before 1919 or replicas of guns from prior to 1919. Likewise, you cannot own a firearm where you can readily buy ammunition.

Ways to hunt after a conviction

Hunting is not off the table entirely. Under the law, you can still receive the proper hunting license with an airgun, crossbow or bow. You do not have to give up hunting after a conviction as long as you have a license and hunt in the correct season.

You can also have your civil rights restored. However, when you restore your civil rights, you do not automatically have gun rights again. You must wait at least eight years before you can apply for your gun rights. The eight years begin following the end of your sentence.

Be careful of constructive possession if you go hunting before you have restored gun rights. Constructive possession refers to your ability to take control of a gun nearby. For example, stay cautious when traveling in a vehicle with guns owned by other hunters.