Concealed pistol permits skyrocket across SD

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PIERRE — South Dakotans set a record in the number of permits to carry a concealed pistol issued during the month of February.

During the month, 5,305 permits were issued, Secretary of State Jason Gant said in a news release issued Friday. That is 683 more than January of 2013 and 3,534 more than February of 2012.

“This trend of new and renewals of concealed pistol permits is breaking all previous records at an unprecedented rate,” Gant said.

Many observers have linked the trend to fears about President Barack Obama’s views on guns and possible new gun restrictions following the school shootings recently in Newtown, Conn.

Concealed pistol permit registrations and renewals have continually increased over the past three years, going from 15,794 in 2011 to 18,031 to 2012 to 9,927 just in the first two months of 2013.

In January 2012, 1,785 permits were issued. That total rose to 4,622 in the first month of this year. In February 2012, 1,771 permits were issued. Last month, almost exactly three times as many, 5,305, were issued.

An individual who wishes to carry a concealed pistol on or about his person or in a vehicle must obtain a permit to carry a concealed pistol. A person does not need a permit to own a pistol, keep it in a home, business, or property, or visibly carry it.

Tags: news, updates, guns, state, permits, concealed