It is at least Regional to the Northern Rocky Mountains. I was the Asst.
Forest Arch on the Kootenai (out of Libby) in 1987 and 1988 and north zone
archy in Eureka in 1989.  I saw them on a bunch of log structures  Worked
for the BLM in Salmon, Idaho in 82-83 and noticed them on at least one log
garage/barn in Salmon, once in the Pahsimeroy valley, and another near
Challis.  None of these structure were occupied.  I worked on the Idaho
Panhandle in 77-78-79 and often found them on log ends on cabins & barns.
I really don't remember specifically seeing them on the Winema or Malhuer
Forests in Oregon but it done bin awyle.

It was almost always straight wall cartridge cases.  Usually I saw .22
rimfire brass in patterns, most often initals.  Also remember seeing some
.38 special, .357 mag., and .44 Spl, .44 Mag and at least a couple of
.44-40 and .45-70.  I think I even remember seeing some bottle neck .30-30
and .30-06 cases but that was unusual.  Most of the folks I know who saw it
had the same reaction as mine on the centerfire shells.  "Are these idiots
so rich that they don't have to reload their cases???"

I never actually talked to the owners of any of these buildings.  Some of
them were delapitated Lookout Tower Cabins.  My GUESS is that most of these
were put in by hunters or hikers, but I would not bet cash money on that.

Smoke.


Smoke (Michael A.) Pfeiffer, RPA
Ozark-St. Francis National Forests
605 West Main Street
Russellville, Arkansas 72801
(479) 968-2354  Ext. 233
e-mail:  [log in to unmask]

It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.




                    Ron May
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                    08/06/2002
                    05:45 PM
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Speaking of wood modification, has anyone observed log structures with
bullet shells (casings) hammered into the log ends as a form of Western
folk art? I visited an outdoor museum in Libby, Montana in 1983 and
observed several small cabins with this sort of feature. I am wondering if
this sort of eclectic art was just local or more widespread?

Ron May
Legacy 106, Inc.