Yes, but you must first complete a hunter safety course. Once you have a felony, regardless of the type of crime, you cannot own or possess a firearm. You can obtain a hunting license but will be restricted to shooting archery or crossbow, or air rifles or pistols only.

Carrie Wilson is a marine environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. While she cannot personally answer everyone’s questions, she will select a few to answer each week in this column. Please contact her at CalOutdoors@wildlife.ca.gov.