they applied the tape because they were worried the weathered stock might fall off in transit to its new home.
This was a remote location where it was found, increasing the odds that this really was out in the middle of nowhere for a century or more.
Looking at the pictures, I think there is little doubt that it has been sitting there for decades.
A century in the open would have resulted in much more rust that what this pic shows, even accounting for a very dry climate.
Babs Boxer might want to know if the rangers with the rifle have had their background checks done.