I also live in America but where I live the permits cost over $100 USD just for the permit. They also require an expensive class and extensive background checks. And a corrupt local cop has ultimate authority over issuing the permits so often times there are racist or anti gun police chiefs who deny gun rights to black people or other people they don't like. If I lived in the state next door I wouldn't need a permit at all. The state that does not require permits has only a small fraction as much as my state that has endless gun restrictions. It took me like 11 years to get my permit so just stick with it and you will get there. Do you have hunting clubs you could join? People there will know how to navigate the gun permitting process.