The mystery of the 132-year-old Winchester rifle found propped against a national park tree

Archaeologists conducting surveys in Nevada’s Great Basin National Park came upon a gun frozen in time: a .44-40 Winchester rifle manufactured in 1882. It was propped up against a juniper tree. “They just happened to notice the rifle under the tree,” said Nichole Andler, Basin National Park’s chief of interpretation. The public will get a chance to view the rifle over the weekend. Although staff have no idea how the rifle ended up there, “it looked like someone propped it up there, sat down to have their lunch and got up to walk off without it,” Andler said. It’s remarkable that anyone was able to spot the gun back in November, as it had blended in so well with its surroundings. The unloaded gun appears to have been left undisturbed for more than 100 years; its wooden base had turned gray and was partially buried, and the barrel had rusted...more

Then they speculate:

While the rifle’s back story remains a mystery, the history of the place offers some clues: Great Basin was primarily a mining site at the time, but could have also been home to grazing cattle and sheep. The gun may have also been the relic of game hunting in the area.

One thing is for sure - it wasn't a National Park in 1882.

Park Service policy on hunting:  

Hunting shall be allowed in park areas where such activity is specifically mandated by Federal statutory law.

If its not in the law creating the park then it will not be allowed.  Policy is virtually the same for livestock grazing and possessing, carrying or using a weapon.  If they have a choice, it ain't gonna happen.

We've come a long way, haven't we baby.