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State police data show more than 13,000 permits to carry concealed guns were issued in West Virginia during the first three months of 2015.
Calhoun is among 15 (of 55) WV counties with the highest number of concealed weapons permits at 10.4 percent of adults having permits.
If this pace continues, the state could end the year with the highest total of permits issued since 2009.
The number of people obtaining permits peaked at 44,981 permits in 2013.
More than 32,000 permits were issued last year. The totals include new permits and permit renewals.
State law requires concealed carry permits to be renewed every five years.
National Rifle Association spokeswoman Amy Hunter says the increase in requests for permits in West Virginia isn't unusual, a national trend following the government allegedly violating or taking away gun owners rights, based on the NRAs "Good Guy With a Gun" outreach for protection.
See GOV. TOMBLIN VETOES 'FREE CARRY' CONCEALED WEAPONS BILL | 
