South Dakotans in 2009 were more likely to be carrying a concealed weapon than any other time in the state's history.

Secretary of State Chris Nelson said this week that a record number of concealed weapons permits were issued in South Dakota in 2009.

Nearly 17,000 permits were issued by sheriffs throughout the state, which was 15.6 percent more permits than the previous record set in 2008. Permits are valid for four years.

The number issued in 2009 was 68 percent higher than the 10,062 permits which were issued in 2005.

Anybody who wants to carry a weapon in a concealed manner must first obtain a permit from the local sheriff.

South Dakota has concealed weapons permit reciprocity with 26 other states allowing South Dakota permit holders to have their permits recognized when traveling in those states. This number has increased by three this past year.

A complete listing of the reciprocity states can be found at www.sdsos.gov.

There are 55,770 concealed weapons permit holders in South Dakota.