The nation has seen an increase in gun permits since the start of the year and many Eastern Kentucky counties are part of that trend.

The Louisville Courier Journal reports that State Police issued more than 16 thousand gun permits last year. Through the end of last month ... they have already issued more than 15 thousand five hundred.

Breathitt County's Sheriff says that many people seeking gun permits is surprising.

"That kind of raises an eyebrow a little bit because you've got people coming in from everywhere and getting them," Ray Clemons says.

Across Eastern Kentucky, Pike County has seen an increase of 30 applications this year compared to last year ... While Breathitt County has seen 20 fewer.

Fear of an Obama administration push for stricter gun control has, in part, helped fuel a nationwide run on firearms. That one thing has Clemons concerned.

"People are under the impression that they are going to try and take their guns or something you know that's been rumored you know," Clemons says. "They get their guns registered and they go and get the concealed weapons license where they can pack a gun."

Although the Obama administration has made no attempt to try to limit access to guns, officials say the number of people applying for gun permits is expected to rise.

If you are wanting to apply for a gun permit, you can contact your county's sheriff's office.