So, I am looking at some property nearby to build a house on and do some hunting on as well. In the deed restrictions there is a blurb that states that for "Lots under 30 acres, hunting may be only with non-mechanized bows." The question I have is, aren't compound bows considered mechanical bows? So am I reading this right that you are limited to a recurve?

As I read it, if under 30 acres, yes. You would only be allowed to hunt with a recurve or long bow. If the property is under 30 acres, I would scratch that one off my list if I were you.

That's how I see it too. I'd look somewhere else. Even if you don't have a problem with that, a few years down the road, trying to sell it could turn off most buyers.

Lots of those counties around Austin have acreage restrictions on shooting firearms. Some of the commies HOA's enforce deed restrictions as well.

The thing about restrictive covenants attached to a subdivision is that they have to be re-filed every 7 years, or the covenants fall null.

I'd go buy property out in the unrestricted county before I'd let others tell me what I can and can't do on property I bought and paid for...

Thanks for the quick replies, fellas. Wanted to make sure I was reading that right.

Ask them about a crossbow that use recurve limbs? Excalibur makes them. Not mechanical just a crossbow though.

Just out of curiosity because I’m not familiar with land restrictions, what could they do to you if you shot a deer with a compound bow?

Don't get caught, don't post pics, don't talk about it.

Impose a fine, per violation. If you refuse to pay, they can file in civil court.

Thanks

Some of those fines are very stiff that I have seen. Such as $2,500 first offence, and $5,000 for each one after.

Good call. Gonna try and meet with the developer this week or weekend.

Get clarification in writing. Then decide.

And if you decide to pass on it because of this, tell the realtor why.

POAs are full of restrictions like this. I looked at one that specifically stated 'shooting firearms are generally prohibited'. on your own land.

Other pitfall s are shared water wells and the employment of a 'wildlife management company' who at your expense may decide you cannot hunt. On your own land.

I would say that any crossbow is “mechanized” since it uses mechanics to hold the bolt in place vs. the user’s own energy. Heck, technically any bow is “mechanized” since they use mechanics to store and increase energy. So the provision is self-contradictory.

I imagine the intent is for recurve and longbow use only.