Although there were many early attempts at stocking (I remeber mention of George Washington trying) the first successful stocking was about 1881 in Oregon, were the first season was held about 10 years later, by 1908 there were seasons in the Dakotas.
So - for a 1880's dated gun - the engraving would most likely be a later addition or the gun belonged to Nostradamus
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"If there is a heaven it must have thinning aspen gold, and flighting woodcock, and a bird dog" GBE
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