The number of South Dakotans receiving concealed weapon permits annually has risen more than 50 percent in the past four years, Secretary of State Chris Nelson said Wednesday.

In 2008, the state issued more than 15,000 permits, up from fewer than 10,000 in 2004. The permits must be renewed every four years, so the comparison shows at least 5,000 permit holders are new in 2008.

There are now 49,870 concealed weapons permit holders in South Dakota, or about one in 12 adults over age 18, when compared to recent Census figures.

Nelson attributed the jump to several factors.

One is concern that President-elect Barack Obama will encourage "attempts to curb our Second Amendment rights," said Nelson, who himself has a concealed weapon permit.

But the climb in permit applications was noticed even by mid-year, before it was clear Obama would be elected, Nelson said.

"Part of it was a general concern about an increase in violence in the country," he said. Public shootings, such as at an Omaha department store in December 2007, get people thinking, Nelson said.

"It just causes a person to wonder, maybe I ought to do something to protect myself," he said.

Nelson said a rise in the number of people who might be carrying a gun could deter crime.

"I think clearly knowing that the citizenry has the right to arm itself has to give the criminal pause," he said. "In South Dakota, if you're a criminal, you have no idea when you're approaching someone if that person is armed."

If you pay a $10 fee, fill out an application and pass a background check, your permit is good for four years.

People with a conviction of a violent crime, drug crime or an aggravated felony are ineligible to carry a concealed weapon.

Butte County Sheriff Fred Lamphere said an average of more than one person per business day has come to his office in Belle Fourche for a concealed weapon permit. There were 281 permits issued in Butte County in 2008.

"It seems like there has been an upsurge since the election," Lamphere said Wednesday. He said people he talked with are anticipating attempts in Congress to restrict their constitutional right to keep and bear firearms.

Nelson said there was a 5 percent increase in concealed weapon permit activity statewide in November and December.

Similar trends have been seen elsewhere, according to news reports from Colorado and Washington state.

Another reason for the increase may be spouses who want the permit in case they happen to be driving a car where their family's concealed weapon is kept, Nelson said.

One benefit to getting a concealed weapons permit is that the required background check eliminates the need for a two-day waiting period when buying a gun. Someone driving to Rapid City from a smaller community would be able to buy a gun the same day and not have to wait or come back two days later while the store processes the background check, Nelson said.

Nelson's office issues the four-year weapons permit cards after they have been approved by local county sheriffs, who perform background checks on the people who request the permits.

The names of people who hold the permits formerly was a matter of public record. The Legislature changed the law in 2006, making it impossible for members of the public to find out which of their neighbors might have a concealed weapon.

South Dakota has concealed weapons permit reciprocity with 23 other states, allowing South Dakota permit holders to have their permits recognized when traveling in those states, Nelson said. A complete listing of the reciprocity states, along with complete information on the state's concealed permit law, can be found at www.sdsos.gov/adminservices/concealedpistolpermits.shtm.

A concealed weapon is one carried in a manner in which no part of the weapon can be seen, according to information on the Secretary of State's Web page.

There are some places, including some bars, schools and county courthouses, where a concealed weapon is not allowed even with a permit.

The number of people receiving concealed weapon permits annually has risen lately in South Dakota, setting a record in 2008.

year permits issued

2008 15,029

2007 12,428

2006 12,855

2005 10,062

2004 9,922

On the Net

www.sdsos.gov/adminservices/concealedpistolpermits.shtm