There Are A Lot Of Guns In Wyoming And We Love It
Ask almost anyone in Wyoming this question, and you're likely to get this answer.
The question: "How many guns do you own?"
The answer: "There's always room for more!"
Numbers released earlier this year back up that answer. The study from Data Pandas shows that 66.2% of Wyoming households own a gun. Only Montana has a higher number, but not by much, 66.3%.
Ranking Region Gun Ownership Rate
- Montana 66.3
- Wyoming 66.2
- Alaska 64.5
- Idaho 60.1
- West Virginia 58.5
- Arkansas 57.2
- Mississippi 55.8
- Alabama 55.5
- South Dakota 55.3
- North Dakota 55.1
You're probably not surprised, but the top 10 are huge hunting states, so it's safe to assume many of the firearms are used for hunting. You'll also notice these 10 states have some of the most permissive gun laws in the country.
The states at the bottom of the list are states with the most restrictive gun laws.
- 41 Delaware 34.4
- 42 Maryland 30.2
- 43 California 28.3
- 44 Illinois 27.8
- 45 Connecticut 23.6
- 46 New York 19.9
- 47 Hawaii 14.9
- 48 Rhode Island 14.8
- 49 New Jersey 14.7
- 50 Massachusetts 14.7
Hunting, recreational shooting, and personal protection are three of the top reasons Wyomingites own a gun.
Even if you're not a hunter, personal protection is enough to convince Wyomingites to own a firearm. Not just to protect your home and family, but Wyoming is home to some of the most dangerous animals in the country.
If you're an outdoors enthusiast and love to hike or camp in the backcountry, carrying protection is a good idea. Obviously, bear spray is an option, but what if conditions aren't in your favor?
I don't know about you, but I sure would like to have a second option when it comes to safety.
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Gallery Credit: Ryan Reichard