[The Great RJ]

Strange that someone would just leave their rifle behind when in this wilderness. While the article mentions that this was not a particularly expensive rifle, I doubt that someone would just prop it against a tree and forget it when they left regardless of how inexpensive it was to purchase. Who ever left this rifle was carrying it into this wilderness for a purpose either hunting protection or both. To me it would be strange if not inconceivable that they would just leave without taking the rifle with them. Too bad we may never know why the rifle was left, but the story is intriguing.

[Lurker]

There are human remains somewhere nearby. I’ll bet a buck on that.

[lacrew]

Step 1. Prop rifle against tree
Step 2. Go numero deuce behind a cactus
Step 3. Get attacked by a wild animal and die
Step 4. Rifle sits untouched for 100 years