Slingshot as Bow or Crossbow?

February 27, 2014

Question: Can a slingshot be used as a bow or crossbow? Would it be legal to hunt with an arrow and slingshot? (Anonymous)

Answer: Yes, a slingshot can be used as a bow or crossbow as long as it can cast a legal hunting arrow (except flu-flu arrows) a horizontal distance of 130 yards, and as long as it meets one of the definitions of bows and crossbows listed in the Title 14 regulations. To be sure your slingshot meets the requirements, please go to CDFW's Enforcement website, click on "CA Code of Regulations, including Title 14" and look up Title 14, Section 354, subdivisions (a), (b) and (f).