Archery Licensing In The Uk

In the UK, you do not need a license to buy or own an archery bow. However, there are laws and regulations that you must follow to engage in the sport safely and legally. Archery can be dangerous if you are not trained, and new archers are encouraged to join a national governing body such as Archery GB, the English Field Archery Association, or the National Field Archery Society, which offer coaching, training, and insurance coverage. When transporting archery equipment, it is best to keep bows in carry cases and unstrung, and not to carry sharp arrows. While you can practice archery on private land with permission, you must ensure that you have adequate space and safety measures to prevent injuring others or their property.

You don't need a license to own a bow and arrow in the UK

Additionally, when it comes to transporting your equipment, it is important to keep your bows in carry cases and unstring the bow while in transit. This is to ensure that your equipment is not seen as a potential offensive weapon under the 1953 Prevention of Crime Act, which prohibits carrying offensive weapons in public places without a reasonable excuse. It is also advisable to avoid carrying sharp arrows in public and to only transport archery equipment for legitimate purposes related to the sport or recreation of archery.

It is worth noting that while you can own a bow without a license, there are restrictions on where you can practice archery. Archery is typically prohibited in public parks and areas unless they are specifically designed and maintained as archery ranges. You must also have explicit permission to practice archery on private land, ensuring that you have a suitable safety backstop and are a safe distance from neighbours.

Finally, it is important to remember that hunting with a bow has been illegal in the UK since 1965, and there are strict regulations around the use of crossbows, which are subject to different laws and age restrictions.

You must conceal your bow and arrows in public spaces

In the UK, you must conceal your bow and arrows in public spaces. This is because, under the 1953 Prevention of Crime Act, carrying an offensive weapon in a public place without "lawful authority or reasonable excuse" is a criminal offence. While bows are not listed as prohibited weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, they can be construed as offensive weapons under the 1953 Act. Therefore, it is advisable to follow these guidelines:

• Keep your bow and arrows in a carry case when transporting them in public.
• Remove the string from the bow during transport.
• Avoid carrying sharp arrows. If you must, keep them separate from the bow.
• Only carry archery equipment in public if you have a legitimate reason, such as travelling to a licensed club or range.

These precautions will help ensure that you are complying with the law and not causing any public concern. Additionally, it is worth noting that different countries have varying laws regarding the public carry of bows and arrows, so always check the local regulations before travelling.

You can't hunt with a bow in the UK

Hunting and shooting wildlife in the UK is an activity that is subject to tight regulations. The UK's bow-hunting prohibition differs from that of the majority of other European countries. Hunting with a bow and arrow is permitted in Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Finland, Bulgaria, and Slovenia.

The specific law in the UK states that "if any person uses for the purpose of killing or taking any wild animal any self-locking snare, whether or not of such a nature or so placed as aforesaid, any bow or cross-bow or any explosive other than ammunition for a firearm, he shall be found guilty of an offence."

There are a few loopholes in the law, however. Firstly, it only refers to 'wild' animals, so it could be possible to use a bow to hunt domesticated animals or livestock. Secondly, the law mentions 'bow or crossbow' but doesn't refer to arrows or crossbow bolts, so you could argue that according to the letter of the law, you did not use the bow to kill an animal, but rather the arrow.

Despite these loopholes, the law remains that you cannot hunt with a bow in the UK.

You can use a bow on private land with explicit permission

If you want to practice archery on private land in the UK, you must have explicit permission from the landowner. This is because parks, fields, forests, farms, and other 'public spaces' in the UK are always owned by someone, usually the Royals or the local council.

If you are fortunate enough to own large private land, you can practice archery at home. However, you must ensure that you have adequate space to set up a safe and secure area for your practice, taking care to ensure your targets are placed in a way that minimises the risk of stray arrows. Remember always to follow safety guidelines and never shoot towards any houses, people, or pets.

If you have a small garden with thin fences, it is highly dangerous to practice shooting. If you miss the target, your arrow may pierce through your garden fence and hit someone or something behind it. You will, of course, be liable for any criminal offences if this occurs. However, if you have a big enough garden or land to shoot on, with a safety backstop (such as a hard wall), and no neighbours within 50 metres, you may be fine.

In the UK, there are no legal requirements to own a bow and arrow, and you do not need a licence to purchase one. However, if you do not have proper training and common sense, archery can be a risky activity to engage in. New archers are strongly encouraged to join one of the UK's national governing bodies: Archery GB, the English Field Archery Association, or the National Field Archery Society. Each of these organisations provides coaching, training, and recreational opportunities and has insurance coverage and experienced organisers.

You can't practice archery on public land

While archery is legal in the UK, there are specific places where you cannot practice it. You cannot practice archery in National Parks, as these parks focus on preserving natural resources and wildlife, and activities like archery may disrupt this.

Additionally, you cannot just practice archery anywhere on public land. There are regulations and laws that you must follow. You must ensure that there is no endangerment to the public and that the space is suitable for archery practice. You should be at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from public roads, highways, or any populated space. If you are under the age of eighteen, you must be supervised by an adult aged twenty-one or older.

Local ordinances also play a role in determining where you can practice archery. Some cities and states actively prohibit archery in crowded public spaces to prevent endangering others. You may also have to follow guidelines such as using a backstop to catch any misfires and using field tips instead of broadheads.

Therefore, it is important to check with local authorities, park officials, or the local police department to ensure you are complying with all relevant regulations and restrictions.

As an alternative to practicing archery on public land, you can join an archery club, which provides a dedicated and safe space for archers to practice their skills.

Frequently asked questions