Concealed carry permits offered

There is a growing demand for concealed carry permits in Idaho after a new law went into effect July 1.

The law allows most gun owners over age 21 to be armed in public places as long as their pistol is hidden by clothing, a purse or holster. In the Gem State, CrimeResearch.org says nearly 8 percent of the population has a concealed carry permit. SmartGunLaws.org says that number is expected to rise with the law in place.

On Saturday, Rocky Mountain Defense Firearm Training hosted a concealed weapons permit course at the Unified Sportsman Club in Rexburg. The course had both the classroom and live-fire requirements needed to get an Idaho enhanced concealed weapons permit. The enhanced concealed permit is the same as the standard — but is recognized in more states.

The five to six-hour classroom course talked about safety training, shooting fundamentals, self-defense principles, maintenance and being familiar with your weapon. The live-fire training covered shooting range safety and what to do if your weapon malfunctions.

“We do that with the students so they have a good foundation on how to shoot. And then we also talk about having a defensive mindset. How to protect yourself with a firearm and without a firearm. I think the Idaho enhanced permit is probably the best permit, especially for us folks that live in the west,” said Dennis Grover, owner of the Rocky Mountain Defense Firearms Training.

The Idaho enhanced concealed weapons permit is honored by about 37 states. Grover offers these classes through his program about once every six weeks in the Rexburg area.