Is Open Carry Legal in Wyoming?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Legal Foundation of Open Carry in Wyoming
3. Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in Wyoming
4. Where You Cannot Open Carry
5. Carrying in the Wyoming Backcountry
6. Vehicle Carry in Wyoming
7. Practical Gear for Open Carry
8. Interacting with Law Enforcement
9. Ethical Considerations of Open Carry
10. How We Support Your Preparedness
11. Summary Checklist for Wyoming Open Carry
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

Walking through the Shoshone National Forest or trekking across the high plains of the Cowboy State, you quickly realize how much "room" there actually is in the American West. For many outdoorsmen and women, that vastness brings a need for self-reliance. Whether you are concerned about predatory wildlife or simply want to exercise your rights while hiking, the question of how you carry your sidearm is critical. At BattlBox, we believe that being prepared means knowing both your gear and the laws that govern its use, and if you're ready to subscribe to BattlBox, Wyoming is widely recognized as one of the most gun-friendly states in the country, but "friendly" does not mean "without rules." This guide explains the legalities of open carry in Wyoming, where you can go, and how to stay compliant while exploring the backcountry.

Quick Answer: Yes, open carry is legal in Wyoming for any person at least 18 years old who can legally possess a firearm. No permit is required for open carry, and the state also allows permitless concealed carry for both residents and non-residents who are 21 or older.

The Legal Foundation of Open Carry in Wyoming

Wyoming is a "Constitutional Carry" state, but that term is most often applied to concealed carry. Open carry, on the other hand, has long been a recognized right in the state without the need for a permit. If you are 18 years of age or older and are not otherwise prohibited by state or federal law from owning a firearm, you can legally carry a handgun or long gun openly.

State Preemption Laws

One of the reasons Wyoming is so straightforward for those who carry is state preemption. State preemption means that the state government has the sole authority to regulate firearms. Local cities, towns, or counties cannot pass their own ordinances that are stricter than state law. This prevents a "patchwork" of laws where carrying might be legal in one town but a crime in the next.

Who Can Legally Carry?

While open carry is broadly legal, you must still meet the basic legal requirements for firearm possession. You cannot carry a firearm in Wyoming if:

• You have been convicted of a felony.
• You are subject to a restraining order involving an intimate partner or child.
• You have been adjudicated as mentally incompetent.
• You are an unlawful user of controlled substances.

For most law-abiding citizens, these restrictions are not an issue. However, it is vital to remember that while the state allows 18-year-olds to open carry, federal law generally restricts the purchase of handguns from licensed dealers to those 21 and older.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in Wyoming

In many states, there is a massive legal divide between carrying a gun in a holster on your hip versus carrying one hidden under a jacket. In Wyoming, the gap is much smaller. Since 2011 for residents, and more recently for non-residents, Wyoming has allowed permitless concealed carry for anyone 21 or older.

The Age Distinction

The primary difference between open and concealed carry in Wyoming is the age requirement. You can openly carry a sidearm at 18. However, if your jacket covers that sidearm, it is technically considered concealed. To carry a concealed weapon without a permit, you must be 21. If you are between 18 and 20, you must keep the firearm clearly visible to stay within the letter of the law. For the everyday side of that mindset, our EDC collection is built around practical carry.

Why Choose Open Carry?

In the context of outdoor adventure and survival, open carry is often a choice of utility. When you are wearing a heavy rucksack with a waist belt, concealed carry is often uncomfortable or even impossible. An open-carry holster, particularly a chest rig or a dropped-leg holster, allows for a faster draw and better clearance of your gear. We often see our members choosing open carry for these ergonomic reasons when they are deep in the woods.

Where You Cannot Open Carry

Even in a state as permissive as Wyoming, there are "gun-free zones" where carrying a firearm is strictly prohibited. Violating these can lead to serious legal consequences, regardless of whether you are carrying openly or concealed.

Government and Public Buildings

You are generally prohibited from carrying a firearm into:

• Courthouses and Courtrooms: This includes any building used for judicial proceedings.
• Government Meetings: Any meeting of a government entity, such as a city council or legislative session.
• Police Stations: Most law enforcement facilities restrict civilian carry inside the secure areas of the building.

Schools and Professional Sporting Events

Schools are highly regulated. You cannot carry on any property used for primary and secondary education (K-12). While there are some nuances for permit holders in specific parking lot scenarios, the general rule is to keep firearms off school grounds. Similarly, professional or collegiate sporting events often prohibit firearms within the venue.

Bars and Establishments Serving Alcohol

Wyoming law prohibits carrying a firearm into any establishment that is primarily devoted to the sale and consumption of alcohol. If an establishment has a liquor license and earns more than 50% of its revenue from alcohol, it is off-limits. If you are at a restaurant that happens to serve beer but is primarily a food establishment, carry is generally allowed, though you should never consume alcohol while carrying.

Private Property

A private business owner has the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. If a shop or restaurant has a "No Weapons" sign posted, that sign carries the weight of the law in the sense that you can be charged with trespassing if you refuse to leave. As an open carrier, you are much more likely to be noticed, so it is important to be respectful of private property rights to maintain a positive image for the community.

Key Takeaway: Wyoming is an "opt-out" state for private businesses; you can carry unless a sign is posted or you are asked to leave, but government buildings and schools remain strictly off-limits.

Carrying in the Wyoming Backcountry

For many, the question of is open carry legal in Wyoming arises specifically for hiking, camping, and hunting. If you want a broader backcountry survival guide, it pairs well with the realities of grizzly bear country.

Wildlife Protection

If you are carrying for protection against large predators, open carry is the standard. A firearm buried under layers of cold-weather gear is useless in a sudden bear encounter. Many hikers prefer a chest holster, which keeps the firearm accessible even while wearing a backpack.

However, it is important to distinguish between self-defense and hunting. If you are carrying a firearm for protection while hiking during hunting season, ensure you are not inadvertently violating hunting regulations. For example, carrying a high-powered rifle while "just hiking" in a hunt area during an active season might raise questions from a game warden if you don't have a tag.

National Parks vs. National Forests

Wyoming contains both National Forests (like the Bighorn or Bridger-Teton) and National Parks (Yellowstone and Grand Teton).

• National Forests: Generally follow state law. Open carry is legal.
• National Parks: Federal law allows you to carry a firearm in a National Park if it is legal in the state where the park is located. Therefore, open carry is legal in Yellowstone and Grand Teton. However, you cannot carry inside "federal facilities," which are defined as buildings where federal employees work (visitor centers, ranger stations, etc.). These buildings will be clearly marked at every entrance.

Vehicle Carry in Wyoming

Wyoming law is very relaxed regarding how you transport a firearm in your vehicle. Because the state allows permitless carry, you can have a loaded firearm in the passenger compartment, whether it is visible on the seat or hidden in a glove box, provided you are 21 or older. For the road-trip side of preparedness, our emergency preparedness collection is worth a look for your vehicle kit.

If you are 18 to 20, you should keep the firearm in plain view if it is on your person or in the cabin to avoid it being classified as a concealed weapon. Many people choose to use a holster mounted to the center console or carry on their person while driving.

Practical Gear for Open Carry

If you decide to open carry, your choice of gear becomes a matter of safety and public perception. Unlike concealed carry, where your holster is hidden, an open-carry holster is visible to everyone. This brings specific responsibilities.

Retention is Mandatory

When you carry openly, the firearm is accessible to others. Using a holster with active retention is highly recommended. Active retention means the holster has a physical mechanism—like a thumb break, a finger lever, or a hood—that must be deactivated before the gun can be drawn. This prevents the firearm from falling out during a scramble over rocks and makes it much harder for an unauthorized person to snatch the weapon from your holster.

Quality Belts

A standard dress belt is not designed to support the weight of a loaded sidearm and a spare magazine. A dedicated gun belt, often reinforced with a plastic or steel core, will prevent "belt sag." This keeps the firearm tight against your body, improving comfort and ensuring the grip is always in the same position when you reach for it. Our Clothing & Accessories collection covers rugged apparel and accessories that fit the same mindset.

The Everyday Carry (EDC) Setup

Open carry is just one part of your EDC (Everyday Carry). Your EDC is the collection of items you carry on your person every day to handle common tasks and emergencies. In addition to your sidearm, a well-rounded kit should include:

• A high-output flashlight for identifying targets in the dark.
• A folding knife for utility tasks.
• A basic medical kit or MyMedic Trauma First Aid Kit (TFAK) containing a tourniquet and hemostatic gauze.

We frequently include high-quality EDC tools in our Pro and Pro Plus boxes because we know that a firearm is only one tool in a larger survival strategy. If you want to see how those missions are assembled, see what's inside the box.

Bottom line: Open carry in Wyoming requires a high-quality retention holster and a sturdy belt to ensure the firearm stays secure during physical activity and stays out of the hands of others.

Interacting with Law Enforcement

If you are open carrying and find yourself interacting with a law enforcement officer, the key is transparency and calmness. In Wyoming, you do not have a "duty to inform" the officer that you are carrying unless they specifically ask you. However, many people choose to disclose it as a courtesy, especially during a traffic stop.

If you are stopped while carrying:

1. Keep your hands visible (on the steering wheel if in a car).
2. Stay calm and avoid sudden movements.
3. If the officer asks for your ID, inform them where it is and that you are currently carrying a firearm.
4. Follow their instructions exactly. They may ask to take possession of the firearm for the duration of the stop for their safety; this is common and legal.

Ethical Considerations of Open Carry

Just because something is legal doesn't mean you shouldn't think through the social implications. Open carry can sometimes be provocative in high-density tourist areas like Jackson Hole or Cheyenne. While you are within your rights, being a "quiet professional" often serves the community better.

Muzzle Discipline and Safety

The most important rule of carrying any firearm is safety. A holster that protects the trigger guard is non-negotiable. You should also practice drawing from your specific holster regularly. Under stress, your fine motor skills degrade. If you haven't practiced deactivating your retention holsters' thumb break, you might find yourself fumbling when it matters most.

Bear Spray vs. Firearms

In the Wyoming backcountry, there is an ongoing debate about whether bear spray or a firearm is more effective. Many experts suggest carrying both. Bear spray has a wide "cloud" that is easier to hit a moving target with, while a firearm provides a final line of defense. If you choose to carry both, ensure they are mounted in positions where they don't interfere with each other.

How We Support Your Preparedness

At BattlBox, we focus on providing the gear that complements your lifestyle of self-reliance. While we don't ship firearms, we have spent years curating the best accessories to support your carry needs. From rugged outdoor clothing that stands up to the Wyoming wind to advanced lighting and medical supplies, our missions are designed to level up your kit.

Whether you are a Basic tier subscriber getting your first high-quality folding knife or a Pro Plus member receiving a premium fixed blade or advanced camping equipment, start your BattlBox subscription and build the skills to match. Our community of survivalists and outdoorsmen often discusses the best ways to carry in different states, providing a wealth of shared knowledge that goes beyond just the gear in the box.

Summary Checklist for Wyoming Open Carry

If you are planning to open carry in Wyoming, use this checklist to ensure you are ready:

• Confirm Eligibility: Are you 18+ and legally allowed to own a firearm?
• Check Your Destination: Is it a school, government building, or a bar?
• Inspect Your Gear: Is your holster high-quality with active retention?
• Verify the Age/Method: If you are under 21, is the firearm clearly visible?
• Check National Park Rules: Are you staying out of federal buildings?
• Practice Your Draw: Have you practiced with your specific holster and belt setup?

For a broader survival framework, The Survival 13 is a useful place to start.

Conclusion

Wyoming remains one of the last bastions of true frontier freedom, and its firearm laws reflect that spirit. Open carry is legal, accessible, and common throughout the state. By understanding the age requirements, prohibited locations, and the importance of high-quality retention gear, you can exercise your rights responsibly. Whether you are navigating the streets of Casper or the rugged peaks of the Wind River Range, being prepared is about more than just the tool on your hip—it's about the knowledge in your head and the readiness of your entire kit.

Key Takeaway: Knowledge of the law is just as important as your marksmanship. Carry responsibly, respect private property, and always prioritize safety.

If you are looking to build a more robust survival and carry setup, what to have on hand for emergency preparedness is a good next step. At BattlBox, we deliver the expert-curated gear you need to stay ready for anything the wilderness throws your way. Adventure. Delivered. Get expert-curated gear delivered monthly.

FAQ

Does Wyoming require a permit for open carry?

No, Wyoming does not require a permit for the open carry of a firearm. As long as you are at least 18 years old and legally allowed to possess a firearm, you can carry it openly in a holster or visible mount. This applies to both residents and non-residents of the state.

Can I open carry in Yellowstone National Park?

Yes, you can open carry in the portions of Yellowstone National Park that are within Wyoming, as federal law generally aligns with state carry laws in National Parks. However, you are strictly prohibited from carrying firearms inside "federal facilities," which include visitor centers, ranger stations, and any government building with employees. These buildings will have signs clearly posted at the entrances. If you want a broader backcountry survival guide, revisit it before your next trip.

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

You must be at least 18 years old to legally open carry a firearm in Wyoming. If you wish to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, you must be at least 21 years old. Those between 18 and 20 must ensure their firearm remains in plain view to avoid violating concealed carry statutes.

Can a business stop me from open carrying in Wyoming?

Yes, private property owners and business owners have the right to prohibit firearms on their premises. If a business has a sign posted or if a manager asks you to leave because you are carrying a firearm, you must comply. Failure to leave after being asked can result in a criminal trespass charge.