Thousands Took Advantage of Utah Concealed Carry Permit

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Tens of thousands of gun owners from around the country are taking advantage of Utah's concealed firearm permits each year.

A new state report shows more than 81,000 out-of-staters obtained permits from Utah in fiscal year 2014, accounting for 80 percent of those issued.

About two-thirds of the permits Utah has issued since 1994 have been given to residents from other states, but this past year set a new high mark.

Representatives from the Bureau of Criminal Identification will present the report to a Utah legislative committee on Wednesday.

Thirty-five other states recognize conceal weapons permits issued in Utah.

The 101,640 permits issued in the recently completed fiscal year is more than any year from 2004-2012, but fewer than in 2013 when nearly 134,000 permits were given out.