Crawdad1
Member
That's the exact same cycle I went through.
The Rendezvous is Fading Away
- Thread starter .308 Norma
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That's the exact same cycle I went through.
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2002
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- 22,472
The subject of rendezvous came up today while we were working on our English rifles. Some rendezvous organizers actually chase out prospective attendees because they show up in non-period clothes. How can anyone who is just starting in the hobby expect to have full clothing and accoutrements from the get go? It's a "Lighten up Francis" type moment.
Panzerschwein
member
Went to the rendezvous at Fort de Chartres today, very awesome:
Did not take many pictures nor did I stay too long as I had a 7 hour drive ahead of me back to Kansas that I just finished. It was my first rendezvous and it will not be my last. VERY cool and I met some awesome people and got some great things! I met Doug Warren who makes shooting bags and horns and bought a set:
I also picked up the deer bone handle belt knife, some ramrod accessories, and the bullet board you see in the photo. The other things are stuff I've already gotten ready for my .36 caliber caplock that I am having made for me.
Rendezvous fading? I sure hope not. This one seemed to have a lot of visitors and participants for sure. I only wish I had more time, but will try and hit it next year and stay all day!!
Did not take many pictures nor did I stay too long as I had a 7 hour drive ahead of me back to Kansas that I just finished. It was my first rendezvous and it will not be my last. VERY cool and I met some awesome people and got some great things! I met Doug Warren who makes shooting bags and horns and bought a set:
I also picked up the deer bone handle belt knife, some ramrod accessories, and the bullet board you see in the photo. The other things are stuff I've already gotten ready for my .36 caliber caplock that I am having made for me.
Rendezvous fading? I sure hope not. This one seemed to have a lot of visitors and participants for sure. I only wish I had more time, but will try and hit it next year and stay all day!!
david58
Member
Was very, very active in buckskinning and colonial period living history. Had a biz to sell clothes, hats, et ceteras to folks interested in the living history end of things - had a blast as long as my energy was there for it. But had to pull out to finish raising kids, and haven't been in camp or shot competitively in many years. Now trying to resume my play (all for fun, no sutlery this time around), and having a hard time finding folks to go play with. Sure thought NM would have some activity, but not much.
And as to welcoming newbies, the folks I was on the trail with were always willing to share. We shed the ones that weren't.
And as to welcoming newbies, the folks I was on the trail with were always willing to share. We shed the ones that weren't.
bc38
Member
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- Mar 22, 2016
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- 97
AMEN! got tiered of seeing new people told that this or that wasn't "right" because the cloths where machine stitched, patch box was to big/small, no one carried a knife that way...................... we even when so far as to start a new comers rendezvous. a place where people could come camp, gather, and shoot with what they had. the nay sayers swooped in like a murder of crows and two years it was a wasted effort. as for the nmlra; after being told to sit down and shut up ( they where the pro's ) twice ( once in person and once by mail) i decided that didnt want to support them any longer.
Shanghai McCoy
Member
Hey Cooldill,
Those are some nice pictures and some fine looking gear. You should check out the Kansas Muzzleloading Association for events that would be closer to you. There's a big trade fair in Salina every December and smaller rondys around the state.
Those are some nice pictures and some fine looking gear. You should check out the Kansas Muzzleloading Association for events that would be closer to you. There's a big trade fair in Salina every December and smaller rondys around the state.
whughett
Member
I think the process is called "ageing" or perhaps Maturing.
Mike OTDP
Member
I have to say that the NMLRA is under new leadership. I'd give them another chance.
OP
OP
.308 Norma
Member
You could very well be right about that for some hunters, Armored Farmer, maybe a lot of hunters. But not for me. I mean, look at the evidence – I’m 69 now, been hunting (quite successfully) big game since I was 14, and my scoped, custom built .308 Norma Magnum was my retirement gift to myself. I personally wouldn’t describe a hunter carrying a scoped, .30 caliber magnum as a hunter who wants to “handicap” himself.
Besides, I’ve always been a “meat” hunter, never a “trophy” hunter. By chance, I’ve killed a few trophy animals over the years. But my practice has always been to shoot the first legal head of big game I see. If that “first legal head of big game” happened to be a trophy, he was the one I shot. I know, I know – letting the “trophy walk for the benefit of the herd” might be a good idea in some places. In my experience though, if you do that in Idaho, that trophy animal is only going to “walk” around the hill and into another hunter’s crosshairs.
Anyway, getting back to the subject - as strange as this may sound, all of what I’ve said so far goes along with why I bought a muzzle loader in the first place. Idaho used to have muzzle loader seasons for deer that preceded the regular rifle deer season, and the muzzle loader season for elk followed the regular rifle elk season in some areas. I never did kill an elk with my Hawkins, but I did use the opportunity of an early deer season to get out in the hills and kill a deer before the high-powered rifle hunters spooked most of them, and caused them to “brush up.” Back in the day, my muzzle loader was nothing except a way of increasing my chances of putting venison on the table because it provided a “longer season.”
But that was then. In Idaho, it wasn’t long after hunters like myself discovered we could extend our big game seasons by assembling a rather inexpensive muzzle loader kit from Thompson Center or CVA, that a good many other hunters and big game outfitters started complaining about us muzzle loaders having an unfair advantage. I don’t know if it ever came to pass or not, but there was even talk of “choose your weapon” regulations. That is, if you had a tag for muzzle loader season, you couldn’t get a tag for regular rifle season and vice-versa. I DO know the muzzle loader seasons were shortened, so I quit hunting with mine. As I say, I want the best chance I can get for putting venison on the table, and I have a better chance with a scoped high powered rifle than with an open sighted .50 caliber Hawkins. Especially now that I’m 69, and those danged hills got steeper and taller.
I guess I'm straying a little off track from the thread I, myself started. I'm saddened that Mountain Man Rendezvous reenactments are fading away. The Portneuf Rendezvous (used to be the largest in Idaho) we attended this past weekend, was a dismal disappointment. That fact that there are probably fewer muzzle-loader hunters nowadays than there use to be doesn't bother me one way or the other. My wife and I have only been interested in rendezvous for 10 years or so, and I'm not sure, but I don't think most of the rendezvous folks around here even hunt. Some do I know, but I think most of them just do the rendezvous thing for the same reasons my wife and I do - we enjoy the camaraderie and the spectacle. We used to enjoy it anyway. There's not much rendezvous to enjoy anymore.
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A friend of mine was buck skinner and homemade soap seller back in the late 1990's / early 00's. Hindsight being 20/20 I should've attended a Rendezvous with him. Sounds like it was quite the drunken costume party in the evenings at the campgrounds.
I'd been to a couple Renaissance Fairs back then - that was also a drunken costume party with swords instead of flintlocks.
I'd been to a couple Renaissance Fairs back then - that was also a drunken costume party with swords instead of flintlocks.
OP
OP
.308 Norma
Member
I think you've heard right about that - I can't remember.
Crawdad1
Member
That is some awesome looking plunder Cooldill and will go well with your custom rifle.
TheSquire
Member
The concept of the Rendezvous has never really been part of UK gun culture. Some CAS clubs (there aren't many) here have something like it maybe but the 'Old West' re-enactment groups are fairly active with lots of special camps at shows up and down the country. I know of at least one western 'town' on private land that a re-enactor has been building for him and his mates to hang out in at weekends etc. but its not open to the public.
Personally I do belong to a CAS group (The Yorkshire Renegades) but I like the guns and have no interest in dressing up.
I wonder if any American re-enactment groups 'dress up' in any aspect of UK history?
Personally I do belong to a CAS group (The Yorkshire Renegades) but I like the guns and have no interest in dressing up.
I wonder if any American re-enactment groups 'dress up' in any aspect of UK history?
Loyalist Dave
Member
Our hobby is not inexpensive, folks, and with OTC traditional black powder "entry rifles" only available from three manufacturers (Traditions, Lyman, Pedersoli)..., it's even tougher to get started. ADD to that..., 8 years of poor economics, and esoteric hobbies such as ours tend to wane.
So over the next four years, IF the economics are improved, we might have a window of opportunity to pass on to future generations what we have been blessed to experience.
We need to consider how to get the next group involved in shooting and "primitive" camping. We need to..., dare I use some buzz phrases ..., check our messaging and modify it for the "market", and we need to educate ourselves to that line of thinking. Gone are the days when Daniel Boone and Davey Crocket were on TV sparking the interests of the youth of America. Sad, but true.
We need to reach out to Scouting, Venture Crews (an offshoot of Scouting) and Royal Rangers, and hold events where the scouts may attend and see and try the food and the guns. ALSO see if you can find a Scouting or Royal Ranger event near you, and if they would allow you (or members of your club/group) to do a demonstration of some sort. Remember the phrase "Leave No Trace Camping", research that so you know what the folks looking at that concept mean, and see how we can demonstrate how what we do dovetails with that idea. ( For example moccasins leave less impact on the environment than vibram soled boots. ) Think about selling the idea that DIY clothing coming from natural fibers is better than gortex and nylon bought over the counter, and DIY shelters (like oil cloth) not having petroleum based products which is also better for the environment. Be ready, IF you get the chance, to talk about the guns and rifles and hunting, to point out how we help the deer to thrive, and use the whole deer not just the meat (antler knife handles, powder measures ..., leather for bags, etc).
Think about doing some sort of skills demonstration in the next school year so the field trip comes to the school, though you may be limited in what you can show...., depending on the politics of the school district. Some schools will like the less expense (like FREE) for you to come and do a show and tell.
Know any young vets? ALL of the young guys that I have met in the last year that are now doing this hobby, are under 30 years old, and are combat vets. The laid back atmosphere of black powder living history, and the fact that the rifles are so different from their M4, helps them. How about some wounded vets?
Look if this hobby dies, we can blame it on ourselves, especially if we don't try to preserve it. (imho)
LD
So over the next four years, IF the economics are improved, we might have a window of opportunity to pass on to future generations what we have been blessed to experience.
We need to consider how to get the next group involved in shooting and "primitive" camping. We need to..., dare I use some buzz phrases ..., check our messaging and modify it for the "market", and we need to educate ourselves to that line of thinking. Gone are the days when Daniel Boone and Davey Crocket were on TV sparking the interests of the youth of America. Sad, but true.
We need to reach out to Scouting, Venture Crews (an offshoot of Scouting) and Royal Rangers, and hold events where the scouts may attend and see and try the food and the guns. ALSO see if you can find a Scouting or Royal Ranger event near you, and if they would allow you (or members of your club/group) to do a demonstration of some sort. Remember the phrase "Leave No Trace Camping", research that so you know what the folks looking at that concept mean, and see how we can demonstrate how what we do dovetails with that idea. ( For example moccasins leave less impact on the environment than vibram soled boots.
) Think about selling the idea that DIY clothing coming from natural fibers is better than gortex and nylon bought over the counter, and DIY shelters (like oil cloth) not having petroleum based products which is also better for the environment. Be ready, IF you get the chance, to talk about the guns and rifles and hunting, to point out how we help the deer to thrive, and use the whole deer not just the meat (antler knife handles, powder measures ..., leather for bags, etc).Think about doing some sort of skills demonstration in the next school year so the field trip comes to the school, though you may be limited in what you can show...., depending on the politics of the school district. Some schools will like the less expense (like FREE) for you to come and do a show and tell.
Know any young vets? ALL of the young guys that I have met in the last year that are now doing this hobby, are under 30 years old, and are combat vets. The laid back atmosphere of black powder living history, and the fact that the rifles are so different from their M4, helps them. How about some wounded vets?
Look if this hobby dies, we can blame it on ourselves, especially if we don't try to preserve it. (imho)
LD
Shanghai McCoy
Member
As a matter of fact there are often folks who portray British soldiers at events. I knew a gentleman,sadly he passed away a few years back,who portrayed a Rifleman in the 95th. Another fellow I know on the West coast portrays an HBC trapper/trader of the Pacific Northwest.
I'd also guess that back East there are a few who have Loyalist personas at events..?
whughett
Member
Always though I'd be English Bob, were I to take up cowboy action shooting. On second though thinking back to Gene Hackman, aka, Little Bill, ah maybe not.........................
Y'all old timers (I consider myself still young at age 42) might want to look into the Bushcraft movement as a way of recruiting / integrating fresh people.
At least for the US - www.bushcraftusa.com is huge. Lots of members learning self reliance in the outdoors + DIY making of goods, gear, and camp related items. From what I've seen they are very retro in their gear - sleeping under tarps, using blanket rolls, forgoing the latest bright orange tents and sleeping bags. Starting their fires with old fashioned methods. Lots of fire building / outdoors related training and discussion.
Interesting thing about BCUSA is they have homework assignments for their members and require photo or video proof that the assignments were completed plus have forum threads to show those proofs.
Lots of younger folk over there that would appreciate some old hand buck skinners showing off the tricks of the trade. One of the leaders of that site / group is IIRC a retired Sere Instructor and an altogether good guy.
Note they are big on firesteel usage for beginners but then move up from there.
Not sure if you need to be logged in that site to see this but here's a list of some of the "training" they offer:
https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/bushclass-index.27234/
I use the same screen name on pretty much every board including that one and am a member there.
Edited to add: They have state wide get togethers / campouts. You go to one of them in full regalia, set up a period camp, your going to get some folks interested.
You post a thread on making some knife, bag, tool, powder horn etc. and have current photos step by step of how to make something. Your going to get folks interested. The site is huge on passing skills on to others.
At least for the US - www.bushcraftusa.com is huge. Lots of members learning self reliance in the outdoors + DIY making of goods, gear, and camp related items. From what I've seen they are very retro in their gear - sleeping under tarps, using blanket rolls, forgoing the latest bright orange tents and sleeping bags. Starting their fires with old fashioned methods. Lots of fire building / outdoors related training and discussion.
Interesting thing about BCUSA is they have homework assignments for their members and require photo or video proof that the assignments were completed plus have forum threads to show those proofs.
Lots of younger folk over there that would appreciate some old hand buck skinners showing off the tricks of the trade. One of the leaders of that site / group is IIRC a retired Sere Instructor and an altogether good guy.
Note they are big on firesteel usage for beginners but then move up from there.
Not sure if you need to be logged in that site to see this but here's a list of some of the "training" they offer:
https://bushcraftusa.com/forum/threads/bushclass-index.27234/
I use the same screen name on pretty much every board including that one and am a member there.
Edited to add: They have state wide get togethers / campouts. You go to one of them in full regalia, set up a period camp, your going to get some folks interested.
You post a thread on making some knife, bag, tool, powder horn etc. and have current photos step by step of how to make something. Your going to get folks interested. The site is huge on passing skills on to others.
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Panzerschwein
member
Check out Dave Canterbury's work with the Pathfinder School. He promotes primitive weaponry and has many videos on YouTube about using muzzleloading rifles and shotguns for survival use. Very interesting and cool!
Crawdad1
Member
Here you go, just one of countless reenactments going on all year.
Panzerschwein
member
I heard it too, very cool!
daboyleroy
Member
Check out this site....sure there are others around
http://www.crazycrow.com/site/event...geoloc=South+Carolina&tribe_eventcategory=104
http://www.crazycrow.com/site/event...geoloc=South+Carolina&tribe_eventcategory=104
His video of using a H&R single shot 12ga reloaded like a muzzle loader pushed me in BP.
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