MONTMORENCY CO., MI -- The number of concealed weapons permit applications issued in Michigan is on the rise and you might be surprised who is driving that increase.

In Michigan, about 348,000 residents have a concealed weapons permit.  Most say it's used as personal protection.

We break down some of the numbers and explain why more women are carrying guns.

More than six out of 10 people in Montmorency County carry a concealed weapons permit and in Northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, more people per capita carry guns.

Michigan State Police numbers show Montmorency County has approved 541 concealed weapons permit applications since 2001, and according to census data, that means more than 68 percent of county residents 21 and older carry guns.

“The permit doesn't allow you to use the gun, it allows you to carry the gun," said Larry Younglove of the Lewiston Sportsman Club.

Younglove is also a certified weapons instructor.  He said he's not surprised that applications to carry a gun are up in the last decade including doubling from 2009 to 2010.

“They feel more secure carrying their gun and having a permit," said Younglove.

"I think what we're seeing in here is an increase in female numbers, female shooters, and we like to see that," said Mark Copeland, Jay’s Sporting Goods Gaylord store director.

And state statistics bear that out.  Michele Sinn-O'Rourke took classes to get a permit 2 years ago and has been carrying ever since.

"It’s not about going out and killing, it's about protecting myself, in my eyes," said Sinn-O’Rourke.

And as the concealed weapons permits increase, shooting ranges, like the one in Lewiston, are seeing more people coming out and practicing their shot.

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(AP- Lansing) The number of concealed gun permits has increased greatly across Michigan, but the pace varies by region.

According to an analysis by Booth Newspapers published Tuesday, in one Upper Peninsula county, nearly one in 10 of those 21 and older has a permit. It's fewer than three out of 100 in several West Michigan counties.

Ten years ago this week, Michigan became a "shall-issue" state, making it easier for residents to obtain concealed licenses if they're at least 21 and meet certain requirements.

State Police records show in the first year, 53,000 permits were approved. Today, there are more than 270,000 permit holders.

That's double the amount five years ago. Five of the state's top 10 counties in terms of licenses per capita are in the U.P.

According to state police in an article published by the Jackson Citizen Report,  About one in six concealed weapon holders in Michigan is a woman.

To see more Michigan State Police statistics about concealed weapon permits, CLICK HERE.

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