Back to Additional Resources

Gun Laws By State

Gun laws vary across the country and those who carry guns must stay informed regarding the differences in these laws. Vermont is one of the most lenient states for gun holders throughout the United States. Vermont citizens are not required to obtain a permit when purchasing handguns, shotguns, or rifles. Additionally, those in Vermont are not required to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon and may open carry. Vermont’s laws are in strict contrast to those of Illinois, which is known for having the most stringent laws regarding firearms in the nation. Illinois residents must obtain a Firearms Owner’s Identification Card (FOID), among other things, in order to purchase and license rifles, shotguns, and handguns. Gun owners must make certain they stay up to date with the gun laws for their state and keep in mind that laws pertaining to firearms change. A gun owner may travel from one state to another and could face difficulty if he or she did not take into account the different gun laws for each state. Keep in mind that some large cities may have different gun laws within one state as well. Determine gun laws for states and cities, especially when traveling, as this ensures the greatest protection to a gun owner.

Alabama - Gun Reciprocity Law and important documents for those in Alabama. 

Alaska - Permits and licensing resources for Alaskan residents.  

Arizona - Concealed weapons and permits laws for the state of Arizona. 

Arkansas - Concealed handgun license and documents for those who live in Arkansas. 

California - PDF booklet from the Office of the Attorney General regarding gun laws .

Colorado - Colorado gun laws and concealed weapon permits. 

Connecticut - Connecticut General State Statutes for firearms in Connecticut 

Delaware - Outline of Delaware’s weapons law from the Attorney General. 

Florida - Concealed weapon or firearm program for Florida residents. 

Georgia - Georgia’s firearms permit reciprocity. 

Hawaii - Guidelines for carrying a concealed firearm in Hawaii. (PDF) 

Idaho - Firearm, explosives and other carry, concealed weapons and information. 

Illinois - Municipal ordinances regarding firearm law throughout the state. 

Indiana - Documents determining the regulation of firearms throughout the state. 

Iowa - Administrative Services Division discusses weapon permits throughout the state.

Kansas - Concealed carry legislation passed as the Personal and Family Protection Act.

Kentucky - Kentucky revised statutes regarding firearms and concealed weapons.

Louisiana - Information, links and frequently asked questions regarding a concealed handgun permit.

Maine - Concealed handgun permits, contract security and more.

Maryland - Licensing division that focuses on gun laws throughout the state.

Massachusetts - Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game discusses gun licensing requirements.

Michigan - Collection of resources regarding firearms and laws throughout the state.

Minnesota - Resources for those searching for laws regarding Minnesota firearm and concealed weapons.

Mississippi - Resources for those securing firearms within the state.

Missouri - List of weapons offenses that affect the state of Missouri.

Montana - Resource focusing on Montana law regarding concealed weapons.

Nebraska - Collection of gun laws in Nebraska.

Nevada - Nevada firearm laws and regulations.

New Hampshire - Resources for those in New Hampshire regarding licenses for weapons and firearms.

New Jersey - Firearms information and laws provided by the Department of Law and Public Safety.

New Mexico - Concealed carry law and instructions.

New York Resources regarding firearms and pistol permit bureau in New York.

North Carolina - PDF document detailing gun laws as pertinent to North Carolina.

North Carolina - Concealed weapon carry permits.

North Dakota - Resource and guide to concealed weapons licenses./em>

Ohio - Resource for gun laws and firearm prohibitions.
Ohio: Concealed Carry guide and booklet. - Ohio booklet regarding carry and conceal laws.

Oklahoma - Information on the Self Defense Act and steps to obtaining a concealed weapon license.

Oregon - Oregon laws regarding concealed handguns and obtaining a license to carry.

Pennsylvania - Resource regarding carrying firearms throughout the state.

Rhode Island - List of laws pertaining to the use of firearms and weapons.

South Carolina - State laws regarding the use and purchase of firearms and other weapons.

South Dakota - South Dakota codified laws regarding weapons and the sale of firearms.

Tennessee - Resource for obtaining handgun carry permits.

Texas - Guide to obtaining a concealed handgun license in Texas.

Utah - Resource for firearm laws throughout the state.

Vermont - An extensive look at gun laws in Vermont.

Virginia - Guide to owning firearms and concealed handguns in the state.

Washington - Resources for those interested in firearms, dangerous weapons, and concealed pistols.

West Virginia - Resources for those in West Virginia including booklet: WV Handgun Laws and application.

Wisconsin - Many resources for current firearm and concealed weapon laws.

Wyoming - PDF file that answers questions regarding firearms and weapons in the state.


Which of the following is NOT one of the "Three Ws" that should be included in every hunting plan?

What firearm you are hunting with.
Who you are with.
When you are returning.
Where you are going.


   

What technique can be described as "slow, patient movement of the hunter into shooting position after game has been located"?

Stand Hunting
Stalking
Driving
Still Hunting


   

Which species is there federal hunting laws for?

Wood Duck
Ring-knecked pheasant
Snowshoe hare
White-tailed Deer


   

Which field carry provides the most firearm control?

Two-handed
Cradle
Trail
Sling


   

Which choice is NOT recommended when approaching downed wildlife?

Approach quietly from behind.
Poke animal gently with a stick.
Touch the eye gently, if there's no reaction, animal is usually dead.
Shoot it again before approaching to make sure it is dead.


   

What is the technique known as "driving"?

One hunter sitting in a blind waiting for game to come along.
One hunter moving slowly and patiently into shooting position after game has been located.
One or more pushers walk through an area trying to move game ahead of them into areas wehre blockers are waiting.
One hunter driving a vehicle and a second hunter in the back set shooting through the open window.


   

Scouting an area you want to hunt should include:

Walk around the area on opening day with your firearm or bow.
Walk around the area looking for animal movements and signs.
Look at maps and aerial photos of the area.
Answers B and C.


   

Which of the following is NOT a reason why you should develop a hunting plan for every hunt?

So friends and family know how to contact you in case of emergency.
So you can use your hunting plan to start a fire if you get lost.
So fellow hunters know where you are located.
So friends and family know where you can be found in case of a hunting accident.


   

Which of these items should be on every checklist included in your hunting plan?

Hunting license
Decoys
Arrows
Treestand


   

Which of these does NOT violate a hunting safety rule?

Carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle.
Keeping your finger on the trigger while stalking game.
Two hunters shooting at the same game.
Identifying what lies beyond an identified target.