PINEDALE - Three bullet holes were found in the pickup of a Pinedale man missing in the Bridger-Teton National Forest for more than a week, authorities said Wednesday.

Officials said three shots were fired into Garrett Bardin's pickup in a random pattern, but that it was the sort of gunfire damage that is often seen in vandalism cases.

The search is continuing today, although on a reduced scale, for Bardin, 24, who was reported missing by his family July 24, said Sublette County Undersheriff Jim Whinnery.

Searchers will focus on Muddy Ridge and other locations west of where Bardin's truck was found. Scent dogs and volunteers on horseback will also search the area.

Bardin is the son of Sublette County Sheriff Wayne Bardin.

The younger Bardin was last seen driving his silver Lincoln pickup June 21.

The truck was found by sheriff's deputies about two miles from the old Dutch Joe Guard Station in the Wind River Mountains, at a site about 35 miles southeast of Pinedale near the Big Sandy area. The area is near the Rainbow Family's annual gathering.

Whinnery said the truck was towed to a county facility, where a forensic examination revealed the bullet holes. He said the vehicle had sustained a degree of body damage, but no blood or other evidence of violence or injury was found inside the cab.

Officials said the agency's investigation is following up on information that Bardin is inside the Rainbow gathering and is unharmed.

"Unfortunately, we cannot … absolutely confirm that through direct contact with Garrett, as much as we'd like to," Whinnery said.

He said a search of the gathering is impossible, considering some 4,000 participants are scattered over miles of rough terrain.

"It just can't be done … he's not a wanted man," Whinnery said. "He's missing, and his family and friends are anxious about him."

In a news release Wednesday, Sheriff Bardin expressed appreciation for the support and efforts of volunteers, searchers and others.

"It's times like this where you find out how many friends and neighbors you really have," the elder Bardin said.