Southern Cross Free Trappers

Welcome to our latest Around the Traps as we prepare for our first encampment since last September. Finally the summer heat has dissipated along with those hot northerlies and the constant threat of bushfires. The days have turned mild and the nights are cool enough to sleep under your Hudson Bay blanket or a buffaloe robe, while the smoke from the campfire wafts on the evening air. “Kettle’s on the boil…!”

Some of us are just bursting to rendezvous with mates, set up a canvas shelter and shoot a little black powder. Remember all those choice meals cooked on glowing red coals, and then washed down with hot coffee followed up with some apple pie for dessert and the yarn of a mate? Do I have your attention?

May 2nd & 3rd Longhunters autumn turkey hunt at Bernard’s Cache, Highlands-Caveat.

The first weekend of May starts around Friday the 1st when we can start arriving at Bernard’s Cache in the Highlands. We’ll camp on the Painted Pony Plains again and stay on until Monday 4th to make a decent break of it. Well, it has been six months since we gathered at a Trappers camp. “Don’t you go to Rondyvoo no more?”

Turkey huntin’ will be the theme of the weekend. We gave tips in the last news that turkey hunting was growing in popularity, whether you be Eastern Longhunter or Western Mountain Man, and that you should practice your turkey calls and rifle skills. And aim small! It sure is gonna be fun alright with all that gobble, gobble going on.

Please note: Annual subscriptions now DUE (at 31st March). Same low rate of $20 per adult member. Not payable at Rendezvous’-Please forward your cheque or money order direct to our Treasurer – Murray Convey, 2806 Colac / Ballarat Rd, Dereel 3352.

Events Calendar

May 2nd & 3rd Longhunters autumn turkey hunt at Bernard’s Cache, Highlands-Caveat.

Plan now – 5th Annual Winter Quarters Rendezvous June 6-8th Queen’s Birthday holiday weekend at Bernard’s Cache, Painted Pony Plains, Highlands-Caveat.
Can you believe it? We challenge our camp craft for a 5th winter in the highlands. We’ve had cold winds and rain squalls, and threatened snow. But mostly we’ve had warm sunny winter days, green mountain meadows, crystal clear water in the stream, and ample firewood for all; cool clear starry nights for burning the logs, chewing the fat and telling stories; strawberry jam and apple pie, it doesn’t get any better than this.

But I haven’t even mentioned the knife chuckin’, the trapping and shooting challenges. Oh, never mind, just expect to burn a little black powder, or several hornfuls, your choice; we warrant you lots of fun times that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

August 8th for Colonials – a Ned Kelly Heritage Market tent display, Beechworth.
Police paddock behind the Old Beechworth Court House. 9am–4pm, a one day only publicity display. Dress early Colonial – similar to the Gold Rush event of Easter 2008.

Sept 19th/20th thru to 26/27th Primitive Rendezvous at Beaver Creek, Whorouly.

November 28th & 29th a Time Line Camp, at Campbelltown, Tasmania.

Tattler

Donning their Longhunter attire and persona, Paul Sly and Jeff Clarke had moderate success on the duck opening using their muzzle loading flint Trade guns. A Blackie and a Teal, while short of bag limit, are certainly a nice feed and good sport.

Hits of the week: Beaver Creek Blues from the album The Phenomenal Ruthie Foster; and a full twenty-six weeks in d’Real Top 40 – “My Tent’s nearly Dry – and that’s it hanging in the Shed” by Murray Mocha-Zyn, front man of Jimmy’s Four Stroke Band.

The photographs featured in this edition were taken by Kevin and might all have been lost in the devastating fires if not for a back-up copy held by the editor. Thanks Kev!

Touchhole

Following up our President’s article on this subject (Vol. 14) we quote a brief page from none other than Lt. Col. P. Hawker from his “Instructions to Young Sportsmen in all that relates to Guns and Shooting”, 5th Edition 1826 London.

“Nothing contributes more to filling the bag than the disposal of this apparently trifling concern; insomuch, that an old musket, with a touchhole put in by a clever mechanic, would beat a gun, with all the new improvements, if this important part of it were left to the job of a bungler.

Touchholes of platina are considered the best, as those of steel are apt to collect rust, and one of gold is more liable to blow out, and, therefore, will not admit of being made so thin; consequently (from requiring to be thick), does not shoot so sharp; for the thinner it is, the quicker will be the firing of the gun.

The touchhole should be countersunk; and, to get at it, for this purpose, the solid breechings have a screw directly opposite, which (although in those of Mr. Manton scarcely visible) is easily taken out and put in again.” (Italics as per original text.)

Dave Doran cartoons

Years ago subscribers to Muzzleloader magazine enjoyed the regular cartoons drawn by Dave Doran. Our President loved the chuckles so much he collected copies for the walls of his workshop. The topics are mostly evergreen to Buckskinners as Mountain men Lonesome Louie and Fast Freddy bumble through life.

Anxious to again share Dave’s humour we approached Bill Scurlock of Muzzleloader magazine for permission to reprint these great gags. Bill had lost touch with Dave but provided us his last Canadian address. Our letter of request to Dave at that location remains unanswered whilst use of the internet search engines also failed to find him.

Bill’s sanction was on condition that we acknowledge that the cartoons first appeared in Muzzleloader magazine and we feel sure that Dave would be delighted his work is still appreciated and enjoyed here down under. We’ll feature them from time to time.

Sept 19th/20th thru to 26/27th Primitive Rendezvous at Beaver Creek, Whorouly. Take a break from the mundane and live the past eras of your dreams. Main events are Sat 19th / Sun 20th when Glen & Paul orchestrate our Mountain Man Hunt, but why not add a full week of relaxing camp life among friends below that big ol’ Mt Buffalo?

Need directions to our Rondyvoo? Contact the secretary or any Committee member.

2009
August 8th for Colonials – a Ned Kelly Heritage Market tent display, Beechworth. Police paddock behind the Old Beechworth Court House. 9am–4pm, a one day only publicity display. Dress early Colonial – similar to the Gold Rush event of Easter 2008.

June 6-8th Queen’s Birthday holiday weekend at Bernard’s Cache, Painted Pony Plains, Highlands-Caveat.

May 2nd & 3rd Longhunters autumn turkey hunt at Bernard’s Cache, Highlands-Caveat.

Growing in Oregon!

Who says ya can’t grow anything in Oregon? Wanting to know more about turkey hunting in the U.S., I was trapping on the Web and came upon the following – “Turkey hunting is growing in popularity nationwide and in the West. The National Wild Turkey Federation estimates there are now more than three million turkey hunters nationwide. While 3,720 people hunted turkey in Oregon during 1990, last year 16,493 people hunted turkey in the state and hunters can now participate in both a fall and spring season.”

“Turkey hunting isn’t ingrained in our heritage like it is in eastern states, but hunters are picking it up out West,” says Ryan Mathis, National Wild Turkey Federation regional biologist. “People are turning it into a family tradition like deer or elk camp or the opening day of dove or waterfowl season, and hunting on the millions of acres of public land available in the West.”

Well, there you have it – turkey hunting as a family tradition is growing in Oregon. Not just in the fall to provide the Thanksgiving dinner, but in the spring also. Again I quote “Those that don’t get a chance to fall turkey hunt can go during the state-wide spring season April 15-May 31, 2009.” Now these spring season dates correspond to our autumn (fall), so it seems appropriate that we should support family traditions by conducting a simulated turkey shoot at our May rondyvoo. Would you not agree?

Apron Strings

(with thanks to Rosemarie)
Leather aprons have been worn by men in various occupations such as the pioneers in military regiments, butchers and blacksmiths to name a few. But it is of printed cotton or linen worn by our women folks that we generally associate this wonderful garment.

Sadly, I don’t think our kids know what an apron is – Here’s a little tale for those that have no idea how the apron played a part in our lives. The principal use of a woman’s apron was to protect the dress underneath, because she only had a few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses, and they used less material, but along with that, it served as a potholder for removing hot pans from the oven.

It was wonderful for drying children’s tears, and on occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty ears. From the chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven

When company came, those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms. Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove or a hot water copper.

Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron. From the garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables. After the peas had been shelled, it carried out the hulls. In the fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.

When unexpected company drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds. When dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.

In 1782, at the siege of Fort Henry (now Wheeling, West Virginia), sixteen year old Betty Zane, bare footed in skirts and apron, risked a 60 yard sprint from the Fort to an outer block house store in the face of some 230 hostile Indians and 40 British soldiers. Filling the folds of her apron with many pounds of black powder she braved the return dash under concentrated enemy fire. Uninjured, her bullet torn clothing bore testimony to the desperate affair and to her narrow escape; her laden apron relieved the critical gunpowder shortage of the defenders of the fort, and saved the day for all.

Betty later married, had children and lived a full life. A statue of Betty carrying her apron filled with gunpowder was erected in her honour at the old Walnut Grove cemetery Martins Ferry, Ohio, her final resting place.

It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that old-time apron that served so many purposes. But times do change – Grandma used to set her hot baked apple pies on the window sill to cool. Her granddaughters set theirs on the window sill to thaw. Our Rendezvous ladies certainly wear aprons to protect their too few dresses whilst simulating hard times, re-enacting the poverty of the frontier era.

Some folk would go crazy today, trying to figure out how many germs were on those well-worn aprons. I don’t think I ever caught anything from an apron ……except love!

Plan ahead….. Events & encampments programmed for 2009

May 2nd & 3rd Longhunters autumn turkey hunt at Bernard’s Cache, Highlands-Caveat.
June 6-8th Winter Quarters long weekend at Bernard’s Cache, Highlands-Caveat.
August 8th for Colonials – a Ned Kelly Heritage Market tent display, Beechworth.
Sept 19th/20th thru to 26/27th Primitive Rendezvous at Beaver Creek, Whorouly. November 28th & 29th a Time Line Camp, at Campbelltown, Tasmania.

Council of Muzzleloaders

We received an invitation to join The Council of Muzzleloaders and Black Powder Shooters Victoria Inc., and after Committee discussions, proceeded with the application. Membership involves a small annual fee with minimal meetings, but provides us a voice and vote on the Shooting Sports Council of Victoria thus gaining direct access to Government decision making forums.

Tattler

This column is saddened by losses suffered in the horrific bush fires across the State. John Morland and partner Annie who had gone out for the day were devastated to return to burned ruins and lost pets, while at Kaceen Garden Ornaments, Kevin & Robyn Norris’s manufactory and office were totally destroyed, but their house saved. All Victorians have been affected by the huge loss of life and property.

Seems we had picked on Ratus wrongly in the last issue. Turns out old Ratus is 1839 vintage rubber and not just a 21st Century plastic rat. However, suggestions that we had banned a child’s toy were simply unfounded. More out of character at last camp were the LED torches that appeared after dark, and our President has requested that our Rendezvous Guidelines be reprinted & re-read as stimuli to retain authenticity.

Guidelines for Rendezvous events (revised 2008) (Reprint)

1. 1. All S.C.F.T. rendezvous’ will be “Primitive” unless otherwise advertised.
2. All shelters and visible equipment must be of the type in general use between 1640 and 1840. All non-period equipment (Food & Beverage Coolers, Water Vessels, Containers, etc.) must be kept out of sight at all times.
3. There will be no area available for modern camps, camper vans or caravans. (See guidelines 1 & 2.) It is not permissible to hide modern camper vehicles, trailers, pop-ups, etc by canvas or similar coverings.
4. If arriving on the designated date, you are expected to set up basic camp within 1 hour of arrival and promptly change into primitive dress and remain in primitive dress until breaking camp. (Note: some American rendezvous’ expect you to arrive and depart in your primitive attire.)
5. Vehicles are to be removed from the camp area once unloading is completed, or promptly. If you take too long to unload you may be asked to move it.
6. Please turn the radio/player off prior to driving in to unload your vehicle.
7. Participants are to remain in primitive style clothing at all times for the duration of the event.
8. There is no public visitor day. Members wishing to invite visitors to witness the primitive side are asked to provide them with sufficient period clothing and suitable accommodation.
9. Dogs must be kept quiet and under control or on a leash at all times. Collar and leash should also be in keeping with the era. Owners must dispose of their animal’s litter appropriately. Owners of male dogs with random leg-cocking habits are to ensure their animals do not soil property of others. Animals possessing a threatening nature should be kennelled elsewhere.
10. Flintlock firearms are preferred, however cap lock arms designed for round ball will be accepted. Round ball and primitive iron sights only. Bows should be primitive style longbows or recurve, of wood or bone & sinew. Wooden arrows with natural nock and natural fletching only.
11. No alcohol is to be consumed prior to or during shooting activities. Foul language and drunken behaviour are unacceptable. Drugs, other than prescribed medicines, are prohibited.
12. Displayed trade blanket items should also conform to the pre 1840 spirit.

General Etiquette – All shelters must be constructed of pre 1840 type materials, such as uncoloured canvas, oilcloth, hides or wool blankets. Wooden tent poles. Tent ropes should be hemp or sisal – no nylon. Clothing materials and patterns should conform to the pre 1840 fashions. Cooking and eating wares should be made of iron, tin, pewter, wood or horn. Enamelware is not historically correct, but may be tolerated for new chums. Oil lamps (not kerosene) and candles are the appropriate lighting.

No portable television, radios, ghetto blasters or generators. Please, no chopping of firewood during early morning hours. Chain saws not to be used during the scheduled event. It is not etiquette to leave modern cigarette butts, empty drink bottles or cans littering any camps. Actually, none of these items are correct for the era. Please try to use period style alternatives.

Seymour Alternate Farming Expo 20-22nd Feb ’09

This was something quite new for us, although Bob Ellis has been exhibiting his tent wares here for many years. And don’t the Alternate crowd just love canvas dwellings?

Jim attended 3 days dressed in best mountain man style to “improve” Bob’s display of the famous (still bogged) Covered Wagon, a 22 foot Tipi, a wedge tent and a marquee.

Thousands of visitors were fascinated with our Trapper lifestyle display. Jim and Bob, who were inundated with questions from an interested audience, barely found time for a cup of tea; whilst Glen & Anthea Mitchell, John Morland, Clive & Veronica Brown, Henry & Karen Hauser, Bernard, Judy, Andrew & Sharon Shaw and extended families were all familiar faces to Rondyvoo enjoying the display.

Glen returned to lend a hand on Sunday, dressed in his preferred outfit, and bringing additional display items including some magnificent photos from earlier rendezvous days. Our thanks to Bob, Jim and Glen for a terrific Club publicity achievement!

Please note: Annual subscriptions are due as at 31st March. Same low rate of $20 per adult member. Not payable at Rendezvous’-Please forward your cheque or money order direct to our Treasurer – Murray Convey, 2806 Colac / Ballarat Rd, Dereel 3352.

World Wide Web

Several small changes were adopted in February. We have registered a new address for our website. This identifies us as a non-commercial Australian entity for easier locating. The home page now opens immediately to our latest newsletter. Previous subscribers for new entries will continue to receive notifications. Bookmark our new address which is simply http://freetrappers.org.au

Turkey tip

Remember toms are not actively looking to mate this time of year like they are during the spring, so different calls and tactics are needed for fall turkey hunting. Practise your calling technique! There’s going to be lots of fun shootin’ at our May camp. A few gags, plenty of giggles, and lots of Gobble, gobble, gobble!

Turkey tip 2

Don’t shoot beyond 25 yards. Wild turkeys are tough to bring down so don’t attempt a shot beyond 25 yards. Gobble and wait for the turkey to extend its head and neck and aim for the base of the head, not the body.

Club Committee 2009

President – Ian Convey, tel. 03 5367 8450
Vice Pres – Bob Ellis, tel. 03 5796 2753
Secretary – John Fowler, tel. 03 5753 4455 Email chookster@vfowler.com
Treasurer – Murray Convey, tel. 03 5346 1086
Committee – Kevin Norris, tel. 03 5753 4415
Committee – Jim Walker, tel. 03 9723 5868