In these times it’s becoming more and more necessary for good law-abiding citizens, like you, to defend yourselves. That’s why I’ve written this article so you can know what your rights are and what is legal in The Big Sky State.
Legal Self Defense Weapons in Wyoming
- Firearms
- Pepperspray
- Stun guns
- Knives
- Tactical Pens
- Personal alarms
Wyoming Stand Your Ground Law
Wyoming is a stand your ground and castle doctrine state.
This means that are you allowed to use up to deadly force to defend yourself, someone else, on your property and there is no duty to retreat on your property. It’s important to note that you absolutely could not have started the altercation to be covered under this protection. In other words, you couldn’t have intentionally shoved someone and then shoot him when he shoves you back.
Some situations where deadly force is allowed:
- If you believe someone is about to use unlawful deadly force;
- If you believe that a burglar is about to use physical force;
- If someone is about to rape, kidnap, assault, or rob you.
- When a person attempts to unlawfully enter a home or vehicle, or attempts to remove a person from such in order to occupy it.
- When someone attempts to injure another person
Wyoming has some of the strongest stand your ground and castle doctrine laws in the nation. In a test case, Jason John shot and killed Wesley Willow for approaching his trailer after the two had gotten into an argument over a girl. John laid waste to Willow with his Ar-15, even firing a bullet into the back of his head while he laid on the ground dead.
The judge ruled that even though Mr. John’s actions were heinous that he was protected from prosecution by the state’s stand your ground law.
Wyoming Concealed Carry Gun Laws
- You don’t need a permit to carry a firearm both concealed or openly in the State of Wyoming.
- You don’t need to register a gun in Wyoming
- NFA weapons are not restricted by state law but federal laws are enforceable by federal agents
Can You Shoot Trespassers in Wyoming?
Yes, if you feel that your life or the lives of others are in danger. However, you cannot place a booby trap that shoots people on your property. There have been several court cases where owners placed booby traps and ended up paying compensation to thieves that were injured by them. (source)
Trespassing is illegal in Wyoming if the owner posts a sign warning against trespassing (source). It is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $750 and/or 6 months in jail.
Is Pepper Spray Legal in Wyoming?
Pepper spray (also known as capsaicin spray) is a lachrymatory agent (a chemical compound that irritates the eyes to cause a burning sensation, pain, and temporary blindness) used in policing, riot control, crowd control, and self-defense, including defense against dogs and bears. Its inflammatory effects cause the eyes to close, taking away vision.
This temporary blindness allows officers to more easily restrain subjects and permits people in danger to use pepper spray in self-defense for an opportunity to escape. It also causes temporary discomfort and burning of the lungs which causes shortness of breath. Pepper Spray is completely legal to own and use in self-defense in Wyoming.
Related: Best Stun Guns and Pepper Combos for Women
Personal Sirens are Legal in Wyoming
When you think of a self-defense weapon an alarm may not be the first thing that comes to mind but believe me a personal alarm is one of the best self-defense weapons that you can have! This isn’t an ordinary alarm.
A personal alarm is more produces a sound of more than 100 decibels. That’s louder than a jackhammer! Trust me when I say it’s shrill and loud. You wouldn’t want this alarm sounding in your ear. Also, causing a scene by making a lot of noise is a great tool to defend yourself against any surprise attack whether it be a mugger or purse snatcher. You can get a good personal alarm here.
Tactical Pens are Legal in Wyoming
A tactical pen is essentially a hidden self-defense tool. What better way to hide a defense weapon other than in plain sight. It can be used for writing, stopping someone by causing a minor wound, breaking things and even breaking glass if you use it well.
The tactical pens were created for people who don’t want to use a gun for self-defense and wish to have some useful things that can potentially become a weapon. You can get the Ape Survival Multi-Use Tactical pen for free here. It’s a screw diver, hexa-wrench, flashlight, and glass breaker, and yes it actually writes. And of course, it’s legal in the Cowboy State
Useful Resources:
Best Left-Handed Concealed Carry Holsters