The state of Wisconsin has had a long relationship with firearms. Since Wisconsin was admitted to the United States and the Constitution of Wisconsin was adopted in 1848, citizens have been given the right to “keep and bear arms for security, defense, hunting, recreation or any other lawful purpose.” In Wisconsin, both open carry and concealed carry are legal, although they both have different requirements. Concealed carry requires a person to have a permit, while open carry does not. Not knowing open carry laws can result in weapons charges, which is why it is important to know the laws before you carry.

Wisconsin Gun Laws

The state of Wisconsin is an open carry state, meaning you are legally permitted to carry a loaded weapon in public. Open carry does not require a permit or license to legally do so. A person is considered to be openly carrying a gun if the gun is in plain view while you are in public. If the gun is hidden from ordinary view, then it is considered to be concealed and you must have a permit to legally carry the firearm. You must also be at least 18 years old to openly carry a gun in Wisconsin.

While the United States Constitution guarantees every U.S. citizen the right to bear arms, it is treated more like a privilege throughout the country. This is especially true when it comes to citizens carrying concealed weapons. In some states, you do not need a permit to carry a concealed weapon. In other states, including Wisconsin, you must apply to receive a permit in order to legally carry a concealed weapon.

Gun laws can be complex, which is why it is important to do your research before you become a firearm owner. If you do not, you could risk breaking the law without knowing it. 

The United States Constitution gives American citizens the right to own and bear arms. While this right is granted to all citizens, states have enacted restrictions that can prohibit you from owning or carrying a firearm. Although the Constitution states it is a right to own a gun, most states look at it as a privilege that can be revoked. 

Many people who own firearms have concealed carry weapon (CCW) licenses so they can protect their family, friends, and communities if needed, but in Wisconsin, some offenses can cause you to lose the privilege of carrying a concealed weapon.

United States citizens are guaranteed the right to bear arms by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. While this federal statute gives individuals that right, states have the ability to restrict the law. One way they can do so is to create stipulations on who can and cannot own a firearm and apply for a concealed carry weapon (CCW) license.

Wisconsin has state laws that apply to its residents, but people in the state must also follow federal laws that apply to all U.S. citizens. Those who violate firearm possession laws can face serious consequences.

CCW License Eligibility

While Wisconsin does not require its residents to have a permit to own or possess a firearm, you must apply and successfully obtain a CCW license before you can legally carry a concealed firearm. To be eligible for a CCW license, you must:

If you are one of the many thousands of responsible gun owners in Wisconsin, you want to possess the information necessary to avoid any weapons violations. With its vast knowledge of concealed carry offenses and other weapons charges, the Bucher Law Group, LLC, believes in the protection of your rights as a gun owner and is here to handle your case if you are charged.

In 2011, Act 35 went into effect in Wisconsin, allowing residents to carry concealed weapons. Here is a look at how to obtain a concealed carry weapon (CCW) permit and what it covers:

How to Get a CCW Permit

The Wisconsin Department of Justice states a CCW permit applicant must be at least 21 years old, not be prohibited from possessing a gun under law or as a condition of bail or release in a criminal case, and provide proof of firearms training.