Crossbows

Applying for a Miscellaneous Weapons Licence

The following is further information about applying for this specific licence type in addition to what is provided in “Obtaining a new licence”.

It is important you refer to both the general steps in applying for a licence and the further information provided here.

This will ensure all necessary information is provided in your application.

To apply for this type of licence you will need to lodge Form 1 – Application for a licence and lodge it at your local Queensland Police Station accompanied by the required documentation and prescribed fees.

General Information

On 1 November 2004, crossbows were included within the Weapons Categories Regulations 1997 as a category M weapon.  Persons wishing to possess and use a crossbow must have a miscellaneous licence for lawful possession. 

A crossbow is a category M weapon. 

Section 7A (g) of the Weapons Categories Regulations 1997 provides for the following description of a crossbow:

 any crossbow designed to be discharged by the use of 2 hands that, when  discharged, is capable of causing damage or injury to property or capable of  causing bodily harm;

You may possess a crossbow for the purposes of club or target shooting, recreational shooting on property and club, historical or military re-enactment, collecting purposes and theatrical ordnance purposes.

Genuine Reasons

You must have a genuine reason to possess and use a crossbow.  These reasons include;

• Recreational Shooting
• Club membership for sports or target shooting
• Military re-enactment or demonstrations
• Possession by a theatrical organisation for use in theatrical productions.

Applying for a Crossbow Licence

The following is further information about applying for this specific licence type in addition to what is provided in “Obtaining a new licence”.

It is important you refer to both the general steps in applying for a licence and the further information provided here.

This will ensure all necessary information is provided in your application.

Recreational Crossbow shooting

For recreational shooting using a crossbow, you will need to complete Form 1-application for a licence and the recreational shooting annexure, which must be signed and dated by the landowner and must accompany your application.  The property size for crossbow recreational shooting must be at least 20 acres or 8 hectares.  This annexure must be signed and dated by the property owner within the 12 months preceding the lodgement of your application.        
  
Form 1 - Application for a Licence ( 553KB)

Form 1 - Annexure - Recreational Shooting/Fishing ( 255KB) 

Sports or Target Shooting (Club purposes)

Crossbow club

You will need to provide proof of current membership of an approved Weapons Club for sports or target shooting.  The proof is to include the name of the club, your name and membership number and the expiry date of your membership.  You will need to complete Form 1 application for a licence and provide proof of your club membership. 

Form 1 - Application for a Licence ( 553KB) 

Form 1 - Annexure - Sports or Target Shooting ( 222KB) 

Historical or Military Re-Enactment

You will need to provide proof of financial membership of an approved weapons club for historical or military re-enactment – demonstrated use; and proof of current financial membership of an approved weapons club for historical or military re-enactment training.  The proof is to show clearly the name of the club, your name and the expiry date of the membership.

Form 1 - Application for a Licence ( 553KB) 

Form 1 - Annexure - Historical or Military Re-Enactment - Category M Crossbows ( 194KB) 

Collecting crossbows

Collectors Licence provides further information about collecting crossbows.

Crossbows for Theatrical Ordnance

Theatrical Ordnance Suppliers Licence provides information about crossbows for theatrical ordnance purposes.