Wyoming: Understanding Carry on Private Property

​Do 'no guns' signs have the force of law?
There is no law prohibiting guns in places posted 'no guns.' Failure to leave or disarm when requested to do so would be a trespassing violation, 6-3-303. This section would have to be liberally applied to allow a sign banning a particular behavior, carrying a firearm, to constitute trespassing. Common understanding of the law in Wyoming a 'no guns' sign is a request and a verbal warning by security or the property owner/management is the warning that must be heeded to avoid a violation. A guest or patron of a public business is not an intruder. Frontier Carry is not aware of any case law or legislative intent regarding firearms and this section

Where concealed​ firearms are prohibited
The below does not apply to open carry (other restrictions may apply). This applies only​ to concealed carry.
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6-8-104(t)
No person authorized to carry a concealed weapon pursuant to paragraphs (a)(ii) through (iv) of this section shall carry a concealed firearm into: 

• Any school, college or professional athletic event not related to firearms (may not necessarily be at school);
• Any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcohol for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose (bars and bar areas);
• Any place where persons are assembled for public worship, without written consent;
• Any college or university facility without the written consent of the security service (does not specify public or private; assume both).

The above does not apply to open carry.

Can I carry in a bar? Can I drink while armed?
You may not carry a loaded firearm ("with a cartridge therein") or hunt while intoxicated or under the influence of a controlled substance, 23-3-307 (a hunting regulation, but nonetheless applicable). You can openly carry a firearm in a bar or restaurant, though concealed firearms are more strictly regulated. 6-8-104(t)(vii)​ prohibits concealed carry only in "any portion of an establishment licensed to dispense alcoholic liquor and malt beverages for consumption on the premises, which portion of the establishment is primarily devoted to that purpose." This would define bars and bar areas of restaurants, but not the main dining areas of restaurants.

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About open carry

​This does not apply to open carry. Concealed carry is heavily regulated. This may be regarded as a fortunate oversight by the legislature or a recognition that openly carrying firearms is constitutionally protected. Whatever the case, citizens and authorities are more sensitive to open carry, and in light of a lack of laws or court cases documenting an affirmative right to openly carry at the above locations, caution is advised.

Businesses and police may not be aware of the difference in the law between open and concealed carry.