Do you need a licence or permit to own a bow in WA? | WA Archery Laws

Answer: No, you don't need to obtain a licence or permit in order to purchase and own a bow and arrow in WA. Bows are however classed as a controlled weapon under Western Australian Weapons Regulations 1999.

A person must have a legitimate purpose for owning a bow, this legitimate purpose could be that you're a recreational archer and have a landholder's permission to shoot the bow on. You can also be a member of an archery club. You can also shoot your bow at Hoddywell Public Archery Park, the only full-sized public archery facility in WA and the only public archery facility that accepts compound bows.

Common sense plays a major part for a responsible bow owner. Good ideas for keeping your bow safe include keeping your bow and other archery equipment in a dedicated bow case and if it's in your car place a blanket or towel over it to reduce the risk of a 'smash and grab'.

If your bow is ever stolen it is advised that you contact the police immedatley. It's also a good idea to keep records of any kind such as serial numbers on your bow should they have any.

Crossbows have been banned in WA since 2011.

Bow ownership laws are similar in other Australian jurisdictions. For the most up-to-date information regarding laws for bows in your Australian jurisdiction it is best to contact that jurisdiction's relevant authority such as it's police force.

Please note that the information above should only be taken as a guide only. For up-to-date information regarding laws of archery equipment please contact the relevant authorities such as the WA Police Force.