Drunken Antics at Wyoming Landmark
A Montana man recently found himself in a bit of trouble after a misguided attempt to impress someone he had just met. This all happened late at night, around 12:40 AM on May 13, when the Jackson Police Department received a call about a disturbance at one of Wyoming’s notable landmarks—the elk antler arch.
According to reports, the man, whose identity remains undisclosed, climbed the iconic arch while inebriated. He later explained to the police that he had been drinking and thought this stunt would somehow win him points with a girl he had just met.
Officers, upon arriving, found him precariously perched on top of the arch. Interestingly, this wasn’t just a solo act; a woman in a white dress and cowboy boots had also made the climb. It seems they weren’t the only ones drawn by the allure of the structure that night.
Social media responses from locals suggested a mix of disbelief and amusement. Some recalled their own experiences in Jackson, reminiscing about how tempting it was to climb the arch, while others expressed concern about the decision-making involved. One commenter recalled, “I lived there for a few years and often joked about climbing those antlers with friends.” Another mused, “I’ve been to Jackson over a hundred times and never thought to do that.”
Ruschill, the officer on the scene, noted that while the police have seen similar antics before, he was struck by how high the man had actually climbed. “We usually expect people to talk about it before they start climbing,” he remarked. “But this guy? He really went for it.”
Despite the humor of the situation, Ruschill cautioned against such reckless behavior. Climbing the arch is not only illegal but also poses serious safety risks. “It’s a long way to fall,” he warned, emphasizing the serious public safety implications. “Someone could really get hurt.”
The Jackson Elk Arch itself was constructed by the Jackson Rotary Club back in 1953 and holds a significant place in the community, weighing between 10,000 and 12,000 pounds. It’s the first of four grand arches around the city, with the others added later on.
