VCH – Archery and the Law


UK Law and Archery

As applied to England and Wales – JUNE 2025

There is very little written about UK Law and how it applies to the sport of Archery. Although there is quite a lot of inaccurate information online, with this in mind HEA have (with the assistance of several legitimate websites) put this information together to assist members in understanding how the law in England and Wales may be applied to Archery and how we can all stay a little safer.

Please be aware: Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own legislation in place!

Do I need a License to own Archery Equipment?

There are no licensing requirements regarding bows and arrows, which means you are free to purchase archery equipment.

Bows and Arrows are not listed as offensive weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons). This is valid when they are used as intended for the sport of archery. However, if you were to point a bow with a nocked arrow at another person you are showing the intent to harm or kill them.

The only exception to this is the purchase of a crossbow, as it is against the law to sell to or purchase a crossbow unless you are over 18 years of age. Crossbows come under different UK legislation which is not covered here.

The sale of broad head arrow points is also currently restricted to over 18’s and reputable bow shops will ask for proof of age when purchasing. These points are only suitable for hunting which is prohibited in the UK (see below)

In March 2026 the UK government announced plans to introduce legislation to ban the sale of broad head arrow points in the UK. The legislation may also include a licensing requirement for ownership of a crossbow.

Must you conceal your bows and arrows in public areas?

The Prevention of Crime Act 1953 (1 & 2 Eliz. 2. C. 14) “An Act to prohibit the carrying of offensive weapons in public places without lawful authority or reasonable excuse”. Bows and arrows are not classed as offensive weapons. However, carrying an uncovered strung bow and arrows could make it an offensive weapon. As always it is down to intent? Therefore it is advisable to ensure that your equipment is secured in a bow case / bag and arrows secured in some form of arrow tube. You should also ensure you remove the string from the bow when transporting it in a public place.

This could help in proving that your archery equipment was not intended to cause harm if stopped and questioned by the Police. Also make sure any knives or similar items are in a closed bag too.

The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 was particularly addressed at sharp or pointed weapons in the Knife Crime Prevention Order. It could avoid you having to try and explain that you have reasonable cause to be carrying one.

If you are asked by a police officer to open the bag and take out the knife, refuse. Invite them to do so if they wish. When they are done ask them to put the knife back where it was and return everything to where they found it. Likewise do not open your compound bow case and take the bow out. Or even take your unstrung bow out of the bag. Avoid touching it at all.

In 2019, amendments were made to the Act through the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 (Commencement No. 1) Regulations, introduced a new offence of possessing an offensive weapon in private, such as in one’s own home or on private land. Therefore, the inappropriate use of archery equipment at home or on private land could, under certain circumstances, be seen as an offence!

Can you legally use archery equipment on private land?

If you are practicing on private land, you must have explicit permission from the land owner. You must also follow any rules or exceptions laid down by them.

There is no legal reason stopping you from safely practicing archery on your own property. But, common sense must always prevail. If you have a small garden with an insufficient safety backstop, which would include a thin wooden fence, it would be unwise to shoot a bow here!

If you do continue, be aware of the risks. If an arrow goes over or through a fence and hits someone or something beyond your boundary, you could be charged with a criminal offence.

Hunting both Protected and Non-Protected Species

Bow hunting for any species, including birds and non-protected species (including vermin), is illegal in the UK. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 maintains this prohibition, and it applies to all types of bows.

The penalties are very severe, including up to two years’ in prison and a £5,000 fine for each offence. So don’t do it.

Possible Civil Liability

This is not necessarily a criminal law consideration but every time you use a bow and arrow, you might want to consider civil liability.

“Where there’s blame there’s a claim”.

If you accidentally shoot your mate in the arm, he might get it bandaged up and get a tetanus shot and you’re still mates with a bit of a story to tell.

However, if he has loss of earnings insurance and he tries to claim, the insurance company is going to be much less understanding. Expect them to try and recover losses from you. Don’t think “I have £5,000,000 public liability insurance, they’ll make it right if I shoot my neighbour in his garden, because practicing is covered,”. The insurance company is highly unlikely to agree. They will invoke the reasonable care clause and you could lose your house, car and anything you earn long into the future.

For public events the best way to demonstrate reasonable care is a very careful risk assessment listing all of the risks, their likelihood, impact and mitigation. Rolling up at the playing field, setting up a target at the local fete and letting people have a go is not showing reasonable care.

What equipment is allowed at HEA ?

At High Elm Archers, the following recognised bows and arrows in the classes detailed below may be used:

HEA have provided this information to you in good faith, with the intention of making archery a safer sport for everyone. Please note that HEA accepts no responsibility or liability arising from the interpretation of this information by the reader and their resulting use thereof.

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