Wyoming’s Clearly An Open Carry State, Why Get A CCW Permit?

I've lived in quite a few places around the country, but didn't feel as comfortable moving to any state as much as I did Wyoming. One of the first things I started researching was the carry laws.

If you've only lived in Wyoming, you may not know how lucky we are in this state to have such great options when owning a firearm. Some states make you bend over backwards to get your permit to carry. It's possible to get a permit, but they make you work for it.

Since July or 2021, Wyoming is what is known as an 'open carry' state. Which means residents are allowed to carry a weapon (concealed or not) without a permit, as long as they meet the requirements.

Here are those requirements:

• Citizen of the U.S. and resident of Wyoming for 6 months
• 21 years old and not a "prohibited person" according to federal law
• Not having any physical ailments that would cause issues
• Not an alcoholic or chronic drug user
• No Mental issues that has caused you to be in an institution
• Not committed to a State or Federal facility for treatment of controlled substance
• No Convictions for crimes under Wyoming Controlled Substance Act of 1971

Although Wyoming doesn't require a Concealed Carry Permit, the state still issues them to those that are interested in getting one.

The question you may be asking is, 'if I don't need one, why get one?'. Good question. Here's the answer.

Even though Wyoming doesn't require the concealed carry permit, other states do. If you're planning on traveling out of the state, you'll need the permit to legally carry in many of the other states.

There is another catch though, even though the majority (36) of the other states allow Wyoming residents to carry in their state, there are still some that don't.

The States and areas that DO NOT RECOGNIZE Wyoming's CCW Permits are:

• California
• Oregon
• Washington
• Illinois
• Massachusettes
• Rhode Island
• New York
• Connecticut
• New Jersey
• Deleware
• Maryland
• Hawaii
• Washington D.C.
• Guam
• Puerto Rico

IF you have any other questions about who does or doesn't allow Wyoming permits, check out Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation website for the answers you're looking for.

We've all heard that with great power, comes great responsibility. Carrying a firearm is certainly a great responsibility. Making the proper decisions, keeping a cool head and know how to properly use your firearm is a safe way are all VERY important when carrying a firearm.

Taking a CCW class is a great way to not only learn the law for carrying a firearm, but also learning how to properly use them. Just because you own a gun, doesn't mean you should carry it without being properly trained. CCW instructors are certified and experienced in firearms. Knowing your firearm inside and out, tactics to use in the event you need to use your firearm and understanding the importance of firearm are also great reasons for taking a certified class.