The sighting hadn't occurred yet. Many of us have theorized about that region being a possibility for BL, Anderson Cooper is one of them.
In the case of the roadway sighting, the man who called it in appears not to have heard this theorizing - but we don't know that for sure. Surely people all up and down the AT region and its adjacent areas are talking about this case, as so many MSM outlets have mentioned the region as a possibility. BL had gone up that way for ~8 weeks, alone, before. He had made other trips up that way, one with Gabby (for 2 weeks?)
When did he "smash" Gabby's face in? I think this story has grown legs. The word used was "smooshed" and the injury appeared minor - both of them appear to have scratched each other and both admitted putting hands on each other. Gabby says she went first, Brian agrees. He even demonstrates his "smooshing" technique and reminds me of what some people do if their (larger) child is attacking them.
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And again,
Gabby. was not found in a National Park! The rules for National Parks and National Forests are VERY different. No target practice in National Parks (or hunting), but HUNTING is allowed in NF, and people do shoot guns, whether they ought to or not, and in and out of hunting season. Dispersed areas of National Forests are not regularly monitored for this, at all. There is no entry gate to the Bridger-Teton NF, and use is described as "all purpose," which includes using several kinds of weapons for hunting.
One of the permitted practices in this very National Forest is TARGET SHOOTING:
Bridger-Teton National Forest - Hunting
Now there are rules, but once people see it's an allowed activity - it happens. The place along the creek, which is pretty far from the numbered campsites, would be many people's view of a very safe place to shoot at a downed log, perhaps by putting can targets or similar on top of it. I've done it myself. Growing up, I knew lots of people who did it (local gun laws apply - so it's more regulated in California than in Wyoming).
So those of us who suggest there could have been target practice are not wrong. Please stop being so confident about the rules in National Forests - spend some time exploring the website to the specific National Forest where Gabby was. For. your. convenience, here is the WELCOME that the NF gives to TARGET SHOOTERS:
//Target Shooting
Shooting sports activities have been enjoyed for generations and are
welcomed on National Forest System lands. (emphasis mine)
Both state and federal laws apply on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, so you also need to check on the
Wyoming laws and county ordinances which may apply to the area you will be visiting. You also need to be in compliance with any general federal laws and regulations about weapons (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (
ATF), etc).
The only regulations specific to use of weapons imposed by the Forest Service is that you cannot discharge a weapon within 150 yards of any structure/development or occupied area, within or into a cave, across or on a road or body of water, or in any manner that endangers a person. You also cannot use any tracer or incendiary ammunition. Forest Service regulations require that you also comply with all
State laws regarding the use of
firearms while
hunting.
(emphasis mine: those rules would allow target practice in this very area where Gabby was found)
There is no special order or provision that prohibits firearms in the three Wilderness areas of the Bridger –Teton (Gros Ventre, Teton, and Bridger). Also, if you chose to shoot clay pigeons, the debris and remnants from shattered shells
must be removed. Shooting paint ball guns is not allowed on the Forest.
We encourage you to use designated shooting areas or ranges. However,
if you choose to shoot in an undesignated area, please ensure that your shooting does not damage any facilities or natural resources, disrupt other uses, or endanger public safety, and ensure you remove any targets, wads, shells, brass and other refuse with you when you leave. Be sure your shooting target area is free of rocks, as wildfires have resulting from sparks from ricochets. Be responsible for your action and follow outdoor ethics, in other words always,
Leave No Trace and
Tread Lightly! on federal lands. (
emphasis mine)
It is also a good idea regardless, just to contact the local
Forest Service District or Forest Offices in advance of your visit to ask the same question, as they are more aware of local ranges and other opportunities, local orders or restrictions, issues and special conditions that may affect you.
Enjoy your visit to our National Forests.
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The. site where Gabby was found satisfies all these requirements.
