Odd how VT is the only state where there is no need for a permit to carry a gun.
Last I heard Alaska was working on this also.
VT came about in the early 1900's pretty much like the "OHIO CARRY" came about in 2003. Not through the Legislature and the Governor signing a bill into law, but by a Supreme Court Ruling from the early 1900's that effectively said people in VT have the right carry guns wherever they wanted as long as they do not intend to use them in the commission of a crime. If you rob a gas station with a gun in VT, you get charged with robbery plus illegal possession of a firearm.
Ohio's Supreme court got too loose with their pen in writing their decision in Klein v. Leis (25-SEPT-2003). They were trying to have their cake and eat it too by saying that it is illegal to carry concealed guns, thinking that people would never even want to openly carry. They effectively declared the right to Open Carry a firearm is a Basic Fundamental Right in Ohio. While many considered this to be a set-back for the efforts to reclaim the right to Concealed Carry in Ohio, I personally started touting this as a GREAT VICTORY!
The Ohio Supreme Court had Pronounced that citizens of Ohio could Openly Carry Firearms as a Basic Fundamental Right with no need for Training, Licenses, Fees, regulations, limits, etc. This ruling and our reaction were undoubtedly instrumental in the Legislature and Governor passing and signing the new CHL law.
The "Open Carry" option is still available to anyone who is denied a CHL due to some stupid reason such as a 25 year old drug possession conviction, etc. While not able to carry in a car, they could follow the "Ohio Carry" procedures which we carefully spelled out to assure that they will be able to possess and carry firearms for their self defense and security.
ALASKA: Alaska, I believe, just declared by Law that everybody can carry "VT Style" PLUS they began issuing Licenses to qualified applicants which gave then Alaska Citizens the ability to be recognized in other states or to qualify for Non-Resident Licenses in other States, something that has been a problem for the citizens of VT.
Be Safe!
RamS