Does Wyoming Have Open Carry? A Guide for Outdoorsmen

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Legal Landscape of Wyoming Carry
3. Who Can Legally Open Carry?
4. Constitutional Carry vs. Open Carry
5. Where Open Carry Is Prohibited
6. Carrying on Federal Land and National Parks
7. Vehicle Carry in Wyoming
8. Choosing the Right Gear for Open Carry
9. Safety and Ethics of Open Carry
10. Wildlife Protection and the Backcountry
11. Preparing for Your Trip to Wyoming
12. Why Wyoming’s Approach Matters
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction

Walking through the sagebrush of the high desert or trekking through the dense timber of the Bighorn Mountains brings a sense of absolute freedom. In Wyoming, that freedom extends to how you choose to protect yourself. Whether you are a local rancher or an adventurer visiting the state for the first time, understanding the local firearm laws is essential for responsible carry. At BattlBox, we believe that being prepared means more than just having the right gear; it means having the right knowledge, and if you want that mindset reinforced month after month, get expert-curated gear delivered monthly. Wyoming is widely known as one of the most gun-friendly states in the union. This article covers the legalities of open carry, who is eligible, where you can go, and the gear you need to stay safe and compliant. We will explore how Wyoming’s permitless carry laws apply to both residents and visitors.

Quick Answer: Yes, Wyoming is an open-carry state. Anyone who is at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm may carry it openly without a permit. This applies to both residents and non-residents.

The Legal Landscape of Wyoming Carry

Wyoming is a "Constitutional Carry" or permitless carry state. This means the state government does not require a permit for law-abiding citizens to carry a firearm. While many states have complex layers of regulations, Wyoming keeps it relatively straightforward. Open carry has been legal in Wyoming since its inception. In 2011, the state expanded these rights by allowing permitless concealed carry for residents. By 2021, this right was extended to non-residents as well. If you want a broader look at readiness, what to have on hand for emergency preparedness is a useful companion read.

Open carry refers to wearing a firearm in a manner that is visible to the ordinary observations of others. Usually, this means carrying a handgun in an outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster. It can also include long guns, though this is less common in urban areas. Because the law does not require a permit, you do not need to pass a test or pay a fee to carry openly.

However, "legal" does not mean "without rules." You must still comply with federal laws and specific state restrictions. Understanding the nuances of these laws ensures you don't accidentally end up on the wrong side of the authorities while enjoying the outdoors.

Who Can Legally Open Carry?

Eligibility for open carry in Wyoming is broad, but it is not universal. The state follows federal guidelines regarding who is prohibited from possessing firearms. If you are legally allowed to own a gun, you are generally allowed to carry it openly in the state.

Age Requirements

To open carry a handgun in Wyoming, you must generally be at least 18 years old. This is different from the requirements for purchasing a handgun from a licensed dealer, which federal law sets at 21. If you are 18 and someone legally gifts you a handgun or you purchase one through a private sale, you can legally open carry it in the state.

Residency Status

One of the most significant updates to Wyoming law occurred in 2021. Previously, permitless concealed carry was reserved for Wyoming residents. Now, both residents and non-residents can carry concealed or openly without a permit. This makes Wyoming a very welcoming place for travelers who value self-reliance and protection, and that same mindset carries over to everyday carry.

Prohibited Persons

You cannot open carry in Wyoming if you fall into any of the following categories:

• You have been convicted of a felony.
• You are a fugitive from justice.
• You are an unlawful user of controlled substances.
• You have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent.
• You have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

Key Takeaway: Wyoming allows anyone 18 or older who is not a prohibited person to open carry a firearm without a permit, regardless of whether they live in the state.

Constitutional Carry vs. Open Carry

It is important to distinguish between these two terms. Open carry is the act of carrying a firearm visibly. Constitutional carry (or permitless carry) is a legal framework that allows you to carry a firearm—either openly or concealed—without a government-issued permit.

In some states, you can open carry without a permit, but you need one to hide the gun under a jacket. In Wyoming, you don't need a permit for either. This simplicity is a major benefit for hikers and hunters who might start a trek with a visible holster but put on a heavy coat as the mountain weather shifts, effectively concealing the weapon. If you want a deeper dive into that category, read What Is Everyday Carry? A Practical Essentials Guide.

Where Open Carry Is Prohibited

Even in a state as free as Wyoming, there are "gun-free zones." Carrying a firearm into these areas can lead to criminal charges. It is your responsibility to know where your sidearm is not welcome.

State-Level Prohibited Places

Under Wyoming Statute 6-8-104, you are generally prohibited from carrying a firearm into:

• Government buildings: This includes any facility of the state, county, or municipality.
• Law enforcement facilities: Police stations, sheriff's offices, and highway patrol posts.
• Detention facilities: Jails and prisons.
• Courtrooms: Any courtroom or court facility.
• Legislative meetings: Any meeting of a government body or the state legislature.
• Schools: This includes elementary and secondary school facilities.
• Colleges and Universities: Generally, firearms are prohibited on campus unless you have specific authorization.
• Establishments serving alcohol: You cannot carry in a place primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol, such as a bar or tavern.

Private Property and Businesses

Private business owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. If a store or restaurant has a "No Guns" sign posted, you must respect it. In Wyoming, these signs generally carry the weight of the law in the sense that if you refuse to leave when asked, you can be charged with trespassing. Even without a sign, a property owner can ask you to leave because you are carrying. Always be respectful of private property rights.

Carrying on Federal Land and National Parks

Wyoming is home to some of the most iconic federal lands in the world, including Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Carrying in these areas is governed by a mix of federal and state laws.

Since 2010, federal law has allowed individuals to possess firearms in National Parks if they are in compliance with the laws of the state where the park is located. Because Wyoming allows open carry, you can legally carry your firearm in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. For a fuller backcountry checklist, What Should Be in a Wilderness Survival Kit is a helpful companion.

However, there is a critical exception: Federal Buildings. You cannot take a firearm into any federal building within a National Park. This includes:

• Visitor centers.
• Ranger stations.
• Government offices.
• Post offices inside the park.

These buildings are usually marked with signs at every entrance. If you are hiking, you are fine. If you decide to step into the visitor center to buy a map, you must secure your firearm in your vehicle first.

Vehicle Carry in Wyoming

For many travelers, the vehicle is the primary way they move through the state. Wyoming law is very permissive regarding firearms in vehicles. Because the state allows permitless carry, you can have a firearm in your vehicle in almost any configuration.

You can have a handgun on the seat next to you, in the glove box, or inside a center console. It can be loaded or unloaded. For open carry enthusiasts, many choose to keep their sidearm in a holster attached to the center console or under the steering column for easy access while driving. Once you exit the vehicle, you can simply transition the firearm to your hip holster, and a Powertac Valor 800 Lumen AA Battery Waterproof EDC Flashlight makes a solid vehicle-kit add-on.

Note: If you are traveling through Wyoming into a neighboring state, be aware that laws change immediately at the border. States like Colorado or Nebraska have different rules regarding how firearms must be stored in a vehicle.

Choosing the Right Gear for Open Carry

When you carry a firearm openly, your gear choices become even more critical than they are for concealed carry. Because the firearm is visible, it is susceptible to the elements and potential "snatch" attempts. At BattlBox, we often emphasize that your holster is just as important as the tool it holds.

The Importance of Retention

Retention is the mechanism that keeps the gun in the holster. For open carry, we strongly recommend a holster with at least Level 2 retention.

• Level 1: Passive retention (friction only).
• Level 2: Passive retention plus an active physical barrier, like a thumb break or a button you must press to release the gun.
• Level 3: Multiple active retention steps.

In a crowded area or even when navigating thick brush, a retention holster prevents the gun from falling out or being pulled out by someone else.

Holster Styles for the Outdoors

If you are hiking or hunting in Wyoming, a standard hip holster might interfere with the waist belt of your backpack. Many outdoorsmen in the West prefer a chest rig. A chest rig positions the firearm in the center of your torso. This keeps it accessible even when wearing a heavy pack and keeps it out of the mud if you are wading through a stream or kneeling.

Belt Selection

A common mistake is using a standard dress belt for a heavy sidearm. A dedicated gun belt is reinforced to prevent sagging and twisting. This keeps the holster in a consistent position and makes carrying the weight of a full-size handgun much more comfortable during a long day on the trail.

Bottom line: Open carry requires a high-quality holster with active retention and a sturdy belt to ensure the firearm remains secure and accessible.

Safety and Ethics of Open Carry

Carrying a firearm is a serious responsibility. While the law allows you to carry openly, your behavior dictates how the public and law enforcement perceive you. If you are building out your kit around that same mindset, build your kit with BattlBox.

Situational Awareness

When carrying openly, you must be hyper-aware of your surroundings. You are essentially advertising that you are armed. This can make you a target for someone who wants to steal your firearm. Always maintain a "reactionary gap" between yourself and strangers in crowded areas.

Interacting with Law Enforcement

If you are stopped by a police officer while open carrying, stay calm and keep your hands visible. In Wyoming, you do not have a specific statutory "duty to inform" an officer that you are armed if you are not asked. However, it is often a good practice to do so politely. For more on staying ready for the unexpected, see Common Emergencies: Preparation, Communication, and Essential Gear.

How to handle a stop:

1. Keep your hands on the steering wheel or at your sides.
2. State clearly: "Officer, I want to inform you that I am legally carrying a firearm. It is located on my right hip. How would you like me to proceed?"
3. Follow their instructions exactly. Do not reach for the firearm unless specifically told to do so (which is rare).

Brandishing vs. Open Carry

There is a legal line between open carry and brandishing. Open carry is the peaceful transport of a firearm in a holster. Brandishing involves displaying the firearm in a threatening or angry manner. In Wyoming, "reckless endangering" or "aggravated assault" can be charged if you point a firearm at someone or use it to intimidate them without a legal self-defense justification.

Wildlife Protection and the Backcountry

One of the primary reasons people open carry in Wyoming is for protection against wildlife. Wyoming is grizzly bear country, especially in the northwest corner of the state.

While many experts recommend bear spray as a primary deterrent, many hikers choose to carry a large-caliber handgun as a secondary option. If you are carrying for bear protection, a .10mm, .357 Magnum, or .44 Magnum is often the standard choice. For a fire-starting backup that belongs in the same conversation, the Dark Energy Plasma Lighter is built for wet and windy conditions.

Myth: A firearm is always better than bear spray. Fact: Studies suggest that bear spray is highly effective at stopping charges without the need for perfect aim under pressure. Many backcountry experts carry both.

Preparing for Your Trip to Wyoming

If you are planning a trip to the Cowboy State, preparation is key. Make sure your gear is in good working order and that you have practiced with the holster you intend to use. A waterproof first aid option like the Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .9 Medical Kit fits well in a practical trail kit.

Pre-Trip Checklist

• Verify your eligibility (no felony convictions, 18+ years old).
• Check the specific rules for any National Parks or state forests you plan to visit.
• Select a high-quality retention holster.
• Ensure your gun belt can support the weight of your sidearm.
• Pack bear spray if you are heading into grizzly territory.
• Research the laws of any states you will be driving through to get to Wyoming.

Why Wyoming’s Approach Matters

Wyoming’s commitment to the Second Amendment reflects its culture of self-reliance. The state trusts its citizens to exercise their rights responsibly. This "live and let live" attitude is a hallmark of the American West. By allowing open carry without a permit, Wyoming removes the barriers to self-protection, making it easier for people to stay safe in remote areas where help may be hours away.

Our team at BattlBox appreciates this focus on individual capability. We curate gear that helps you survive and thrive in these types of environments, and our Emergency / Disaster Preparedness collection is built for exactly that kind of readiness.

Conclusion

Wyoming remains one of the premier destinations for those who value the right to carry. With its permitless carry laws, the state makes it simple for law-abiding individuals to protect themselves. Whether you are open carrying a sidearm on a fly-fishing trip or keeping a handgun in your truck for a cross-state drive, the laws are on your side as long as you follow the restricted area guidelines.

Remember that carrying a firearm is only one part of a complete preparedness plan. You should also carry a quality medical kit, a reliable light source, and have the skills to use them. Staying informed about local laws is a continuous process, as legislation can change.

Key Takeaway: Wyoming is an open-carry friendly state for residents and visitors alike. Carry responsibly, use a retention holster, and respect private property.

At BattlBox, we are dedicated to providing the gear and knowledge you need for your next adventure. Our mission is to deliver expert-curated survival and outdoor equipment that you can rely on when it matters most. From mission-ready EDC tools to backcountry essentials, we help you stay prepared for any situation. Adventure. Delivered. Choose your BattlBox subscription.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to open carry in Wyoming?

No, you do not need a permit to open carry in Wyoming. The state has permitless carry (Constitutional Carry) laws that allow any law-abiding citizen who is at least 18 years old to carry a firearm openly or concealed without a government-issued license. If you want a deeper dive into carry-ready illumination, read What is an EDC Flashlight? Why You Need One Every Day.

Can non-residents open carry in Wyoming?

Yes, non-residents can open carry in Wyoming. As of July 1, 2021, Wyoming expanded its permitless carry laws to include any person who is a citizen of the United States and is not otherwise prohibited from possessing a firearm, regardless of their state of residency. For a broader look at readiness, what to have on hand for emergency preparedness is a useful companion read.

How old do you have to be to open carry in Wyoming?

You must be at least 18 years old to open carry a handgun in Wyoming. While federal law requires you to be 21 to purchase a handgun from a licensed dealer (FFL), Wyoming state law allows individuals 18 and older to possess and openly carry a handgun.

Can I open carry in Yellowstone National Park?

Yes, you can open carry in the Wyoming portions of Yellowstone National Park, provided you are complying with Wyoming state law. However, you are strictly prohibited from carrying firearms inside any federal buildings within the park, such as visitor centers, ranger stations, or gift shops. If you want a bigger-picture backcountry reference, What Do I Need to Survive in the Wilderness? is a helpful next step.