Mahaska County issues 303 gun permits in January
Steve Hensyel of Hawkeye Firearms Instruction at a recent class at Russell Wildlife Center in Mahaska County (photo by Jeff Ridenour)
Iowa’s gun laws changed the first of the year, and many Iowa and Mahaska County residents have been taking advantage of them. One local resident Jeff Ridenour had this fun quote on his thoughts about the new law. “I find carrying a gun so much lighter than carrying a cop.”
A quick call to the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office finds that 303 conceal carry permits were issued in January alone. Monday’s and Friday’s seem to be the busiest days for them and new permits.
Steve Hensyel of Hawkeye Firearms Instruction answered some questions for me via email. Hensyel runs classes that helps permit applicants fulfill their requirements under the law in order to get a permit. I asked Hensyel if January had been busy for him as well. “January was as extremely busy month for classes statewide and it looks to continue in Feb. I am finding about 1/4 of my classes are women and that many people are wanting their permit just for the freedom and choice of having it whether they intend to carry a weapon or not. Many feel it is their Constitutional right to do so if they choose. Many people may be surprised by some of the persons taking my classes. Ministers, single moms, and business owners make up just some of those seeking their permits.” Hensyel said of his class schedule for the month.
So when you have a class, what is the primary focus of the class then? “The primary focus of my class is on the laws and the responsibility and liability of carrying a weapon. I think a lot of individuals are surprised that my class does cover so many diverse topics and not just firearms handling or shooting. I talk about situational awareness, what to do after a defense situation and various scenarios a person may encounter.” Hensyel stated on the classes he presents.
I am curious as to what some of the positives and negative aspects you are seeing of the new law? “The positive thing about the law is that persons who live in counties that were typically denied arbitrarily are now able to get their permits. The Sheriffs have all been really cooperative and helpful from everything I have heard. I have also heard of very few or minor problems in terms of applicants or the application process.”
I will give you the open floor here, is there anything else you would like to say? “There has really been a lot of confusion and knee-jerk reactions on the part of some cities and counties with confusion over Iowa’s Preemption laws in regards to the new law going into effect. Along with that I understand that some Sheriffs and Police are encouraging businesses to put up “No Guns” signs. Again this is another knee-jerk reaction on many levels and goes back to mis-information on the new law. Last year before the new law went into effect there were already 38,000 permits issued in Iowa and carrying a weapon with a permit has always been legal – open or concealed. Also carrying in bars was always legal unless the permit was otherwise restricted. As far as I am concerned, putting up a sign that says “no guns” is letting the criminals know “hey, no one here is armed and able to defend themselves, please do whatever you like here”. The only thing that a “no guns” sign accomplishes is to keep the responsible law abiding citizens away. Criminals or anyone intent on doing harm is not going to care about a sign nor do they bother to take training and get a permit. I simply try to respect those signs by taking my business elsewhere and I advise all of my students to do the same.” Steve said.
Local resident Jeff Ridenour recently attended one of Steve’s classes at Russell Wildlife. He had this to say on the class and his thoughts on the new law, “IA has now joined the majority of states by having ‘Shall issue’ CCW permits. I personally believe that if you want to maintain your rights then you should support them, so I decided to take the CCW class and apply for a permit.” “I was very impressed with the class I attended. Steve did a wonderful job teaching and keeping it interesting. He did a good job answering questions and explaining the new law.” Jeff continued by saying, “With a heavy dose of ‘personal responsibility’ he explained the places where you can and cannot carry in IA.” ” ‘Just because you ‘can’ carry doesn’t always mean you should.’ Steve said. He pointed out issues like maintaining control of your weapon in a crowded place where you know people will be bumping into you.” “If you know it will be difficult, is it worth it? You have to make those choices. It’s not about Barney Fife, ‘I’m just waiting for you to go too far’, it is the knowledge that if anything should happen then I will be better prepared to protect myself and my family. I am glad I took the class and applied for my permit. It is my right and one worth keeping.”
