Idaho Leaders Renew Their Pitch To Gun Makers

Emilie Ritter Saunders | Molly Messick / StateImpact Idaho

Click above for an interactive map of all gun and ammunition manufacturers in Idaho.

Idaho leaders are renewing their push to draw gun and ammunition makers to the Gem State.

Yesterday, Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter declared May “2nd Amendment Protection Month.” And as new gun control laws go into effect in a handful of states, the Idaho Commerce Department says it’s “well-poised” to lure gun and ammunition companies to Idaho.

According to our August 2012 analysis, Idaho has at least 180 gun and ammunition manufacturers.

The Spokesman-Review’s Betsy Russell got a copy of the letter Gov. Otter has sent to 79 out-of-state gun companies.

The two-page letter from April 25 opens:

“Here in Idaho, gun ownership is more than a constitutional right; it’s a way of life. That’s why I’m personally extending an invitation for you to grow your bottom line here in Idaho and joint the business momentum we are experiencing in Idaho.” – Gov. Otter