Southern Cross Free Trappers

Antler, Bone or Horn? Choose from a selection of fine quality primers available from Eddy Benc. See our Trading Post Advert.

Hello! Once again we do the rounds of our traps and welcome all members and readers; with a special welcome to our newest members Eddy Benc and Peter Convey. Both are no strangers to black powder. Peter, from the Western Districts, featured in our May 2008 newsletter while Eddy hails from South Australia and is remembered by those who rendezvous’d at Pine Ridge with Glen Mitchell some 30 years ago. We also had the pleasure of Eddy and partner Elsa’s company at our 2011 New Year barbecue. Eddy comes ready to trade so check out the little gems pictured above – now don’t drool on your laptop!

April was a busy month for your committee. Following constitutional lines we did some position trading within ranks. Giving an overworked Murray a break from the Treasury we imposed on Bob to take over that role, moved Jim into Vice President with Murray occupying Jim’s former slot as Ordinary Committee member. We hope Murray feels more special than ordinary though, and thank him for his job well done.

In the several weeks leading up to our Easter rendezvous we were suddenly made aware of governmental proposals to amend the regulations governing the storage and transportation of Black Powder. This resulted in frantic efforts to get you all to sign petitions to WorkSafe to protect our supplies and suppliers from these completely unworkable proposed new regulations becoming law. Many thanks to all those who forwarded the prepared submissions or who wrote or emailed their own submission.

Peter and Murray Convey set up camp at Caveat. Skins & chairs for trade!

Club Events and Camping Calendar

June 11th – 13th.

Queen’s birthday long weekend. Our 7th Annual Winter Quarters encampment in the central highlands – Bernard’s Cache, Caveat. Don’t sit at home, cold and miserable, join the congenial Buckskinners around roaring campfires, snug and dry in our open-faced shelter, sharing some shrub and a yarn or a song. Learn to tell the time by the Southern Cross. Gaze at the stars and the Milky Way or fall asleep to the soft tune of refreshing rain on stout water-proofed tents. Awake to glorious sunny winter mornings, coffee, bacon and eggs and the best of friends at the cooking fires.  All fun novelty shoots, a solid throwing block, a permanent creek and a beautiful secluded place to Rondyvoo – Come to Bernard’s Cache

July 9th

The 22nd Eureka Arms and Militaria Fair at Ballarat. Saturday one day only from 9am until 3.30pm the Council of Muzzleloaders representing the Free Trappers, Seymour Black Powder Club and Western Districts Muzzleloaders will attend a promotional display table. Adult entry $7, free if you wear complete Trapper/Longhunter outfit. 

August 6th & 7th

Leap into the future at Beechworth’s Ned Kelly Festival. Shuck off those pre-1840 duds and embrace time travel into the 1870’s and 80’s. Join all the fun at historic Beechworth and camp over on the Police paddocks right behind the Courthouse where the wounded Ned will re-hear the charges against him. Streets of period style tents planned. Be in the thick of the weekend’s re-enactment festivities and country fair. Contact Bob Ellis for further details.

September 16th – 19th

Our traditional Spring Rendezvous weekend extended from Friday 16th through to Monday 19th.  Arrive early to be assured of a place in the Mountain Man hunt. – Where? –  Why, Beaver Creek at Whorouly, of course!

November 5th & 6th

Time Line Festival at the Old Cheese Factory, Berwick. A weekend display camp in the heart of Melbourne’s eastern suburbia. Your chance to show the Flatlanders what Mountain Man fun is all about.

Paul and Jeff ready Nathaniel & Nicholas for a long hunt.

Ballooning Spider Moon

Autumn and the Easter holiday weekend is a fabulous time of the year. There is always so much happening and so many choices of things to do. But our smaller dedicated group of black powder burners had only one thought; that was to rendezvous around the nearly completed burnt-pine shelter at Bernard’s Cache.

Built from pine flitches salvaged from the 2009 bushfires, the shelter needed only some gap stopping where the summer sun had shrunk the timber and cold winds might now whistle through to chill the bones in winter. What better time to complete this task than the lovely warm sunny days of autumn?

Once again Jim was first to arrive and pitch camp, followed this time by Bob and Lyne getting there early to erect the big 22 foot tipi. When the Chookster arrived late Thursday afternoon the elements displayed threats of rain despite the fine weather forecasts, so it was up with the wall tent smartly in the darkening skies. You can bet Jim had the main campfire burning brightly, the dark clouds blew away, a whisky bottle broke out and a wine bottle was passed around.

Good Friday dawned cool, clear and bright and the grass, much longer than at previous visits, was very wet with heavy dew. Morning coffee at our shelter never tasted better. After breakfasting it was time to get on with chores. Bob and Lyne were hard at work stopping up the cracks in the shelter. Bob was measuring each plinth and doing the fastening, while Lyne did all the cutting and sawing. Thanks to Bob and Lyne we now have a fine draught free shelter.

Lyne’s a deft hand with the axe

Meanwhile Jim was cutting into a stand of dry dead timber, knocking up a vast pile of firewood. When hauled into camp, Lyne also showed deft wood splitting skills with Bob’s straight hickory handled period style axe.

But where were the Convey brothers – Murray and Peter? We had expected them to at least help with the chores. Peter would be attending his first camp with us and is now our newest member. Seems Murray assumed directions and took a wrong turn leading them quite a ways from the main trail. No, I wouldn’t suggest Murray was ever lost – but he did admit to being fearsome confused for a while there.

Well the brothers eventually cut sign, found the right path and made it to camp. Jeff also made his first visit to Bernard’s Cache and instantly fell in love with the place.

Paul with his two lads, Nathaniel and Nicholas, arrived on Saturday for the day only. Both youngsters were impressively dressed in period costumes hand sewn by Paul and it was obvious throughout the day they were enjoying a marvellous time, as boys do.

Trialling the evening fire from under the shelter those first nights indicated a need to draw the hearth closer in, so the next morning was spent locating and hauling suitable large rocks. Peter’s stonemasonry skills came to the fore and with help all around we soon had a new fireplace reflecting lovely warmth into the very depths of our shelter.

It still being duck season, Bob and Jim decided to take the smooth bore flinters for a walk to check out the farm dams. The wily ducks saw them coming and took off for the next waterhole. Bob and Jim persevered and at the next dam they each got off a shot – at the same time – at the same duck! Shades of Jeff and Paul’s story last edition.

Bob & Jim display the wing patterns of their Wood Duck.

Jim gutted and plucked that Wood Duck and slow roasted it in the Dutch oven with some apple and onion. Bob said it was the best wild duck he had ever tasted. I said it was the best wild duck I had ever tasted; as providence would have, I managed to score a goodly portion. Thanks Jim – (Eat your heart out, Janine).

The scent of plucked wild duck lingering in the air drew the attention of a fox well after dark. Peter & Murray were awoken when the red dog rattled some pots while searching to steal a meal. Long gone are days when a loaded gun was kept handy for such occurrence, so Peter articulated two words that it should depart our camp hastily.

Next day, Jeff set up an interesting little challenge shoot using some rabbit head cut-outs as make believe Hostiles. In modern terms it might have been called a “3 position shoot”, but with one foot in contact with a position marker. Basically, that meant a standing shot, a kneeling shot and a difficult lying-on-your-back shot taken over a log.

Two of the “Hostiles” were at 25 yards, one at 50 and one at 55 yards. We formed up in three teams of two for this timed event. Murray and Peter were first up while the rest of us watched and gave advice on how it should be done. Chook and Jim were next and promptly forgot their previous good counsel. Last up were Bob and Jeff who heeded no advice, routed the hostiles and galloped home to win in the shortest time.

Results: Bob & Jeff – 5 minutes; Murray & Peter – 9 mins 20 sec; Jim & Chook – a full 15 minutes. Now this little exercise simply illustrates that older blokes have more endurance when it comes to making the fun last longer.

The whole of our extended Easter break (Jim & I stayed on until Wednesday arvo) was blessed with wonderful weather – light breezy, warm sunny days reaching 24°C with crystal clear and cool evening’s ideal for staring into campfire flames and allowing for appreciation of comfortable warm woollen bedding.

In those light breezes one could observe the silvery webs of tiny spiders ballooning on gossamer threads gliding and bucking as might a Chinese kite on a broken string; some attaching to tent poles and even to the crown of Bob’s tipi poles. The sun’s rays shimmered on the morning dew on these threads like many gleaming jewels of any regal tiara or crown, while a waft of smoke told of stirrings within the tipi. Pure magic!

By Monday evening we were down to the foursome of Bob, Lyne, Jim and I at the after dinner fires. We decided to make some music and had a pleasant sing-along. Lyne particularly enjoyed this and said later that this was the very best evening for her. Oh, but she quickly added that Bob’s kept promise to do all the cooking chores was her greatest incentive to come camping. Ladies love camping – now there’s a title for Waylon Jennings.

The following day we spent some efforts on a general tidy up of the area, burning much bark rubbish and stacking firewood. At evening it was just Jim and I cooking an early dinner. No sooner had we finished our meal when our hosts Bernie and Judy arrived at our camp. They’d brought a picnic hamper of barbecue meats and a bottle of red Ned to share. We had a good chin wag about anything and everything and of our camp development achievements of which we are all pleased and proud.

Our thanks go to our hosts Bernie and Judy once again. We look forward now to our Winter Quarter’s camp over the June long weekend. Hope to see you there! Chook

Trading Post

For Sale – Lee bullet moulds .440 round ball; .445 round ball; .575 Minie ball; Lyman model 310 reloading tool for 44 WCF/44-40 plus small quantity black powder loaded 44-40 ammo; Brass mould with handles .45 Colt 271 grains; Lyman Ideal .38 Spl mould; 2 x 32/20 Win moulds; Lyman Ideal .38 Spl one shell resizer. Contact Murray for super special pricing deals. Ph 03 5346 1086.

Priced to sell – Parker Hale .451 Volunteer $550 phone the Chookster 03 5753 4455

Powder measures, bone or antler, choose from above photo; Fine powder horns with beautiful scrim work; superb antler and bone priming horns; also woven sashes and leg ties, contact Eddy for pics & prices. eddy550@tpg.com.au or phone 08 8268 2620

Empire Day

Many of us can still remember it – no doubt with a fondness for the fun and free life it represented. Remember when, to celebrate the day, kids at all schools were given a lapel pin featuring the flags of both the U.K. and Australia, signifying the bonds and origins of Australian settlement and of our constitutional sovereignty.

Back then schoolboys and girls could freely purchase fireworks in any town across the nation. The fun was second only to the November Guy Fawkes bon fires, crackers and rockets. Over recent years May 26th has slipped by uneventfully but some still lament the passing of an era – that time before laws discouraging fun became the norm.

Tattler

Ms Tattler made particular note of the prevalence of elastic-sided rubber soled boots appearing whenever the grass is long and wet. Obviously some extra study and attention to proofing moccasins is needed, but perhaps a change of persona allowing more weather resistant authentic period footwear is your answer?

Ballooning spider

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Ballooning is a term used for the mechanical kiting that many small species of spiders, (usually weighing no more than 1milligram) use to disperse through the air. Many small spiders use gossamer or especially fine silk to lift themselves off a surface or use the silk as an anchor in mid air. The very fine silk used for ballooning has been called “gossamer” since 1325.

A spider or spiderling after hatching will climb as high as it can. The spider then stands on raised legs with its abdomen pointed upwards. This is known as “tiptoeing”. After that, it starts releasing several silk threads from its abdomen into the air, which automatically form a triangular shaped parachute. The spider can then let itself be carried away by updrafts of winds, where even the slightest of breeze will do. Most rides will end a few metres later. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballooning_(spider)

Bob & Chook at Time Line Fair 2010

Victorian Duck Season opens March 19th 2011

Severe floods have occurred in all Australian States over recent months, resulting in a massive country-wide breeding frenzy of all our water birds. In many areas of Victoria, the ducks have triple clutched resulting in the Victorian Government declaring a full twelve week duck season, after years of reduced bag limits or no season at all. Enjoy our “Opening day” feature story of two successful sportsmen in this issue.

Our monthly Google web analytics report now allows us to flag the general locality of all Aussies visiting our site. We’re very happy to identify Buckskinner interest from all capitals, viz. Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney; also identified are readers from a number of Australia-wide provincial cities such as Bendigo, Cranbourne, Geelong, Nowra, Victoria Point and Warrnambool.

Of course our most cordial greetings also go out to our many friends and readers from around the globe. A warm “Hello” to you one and all, we’re pleased to meet you Around the Traps wherever you hail us from. We sincerely hope you continue to find our doings of interest through our newsletters and just maybe we’ll share a camp-fire, a fresh brew and a yarn someday soon. Meanwhile, keep yer nose to the wind, one eye on the skyline and never miss an opportunity to warm your barrel.

This’ll do! Good water. Not much wind. This will be a good place to … rendezvous.

Club President reports on working-bee at Bernard’s Cache 12/13th February

Driving up from the Marsh on Saturday I arrived at our camp around mid morning with much work already well under way. Bob Ellis, Ron Davis, John Morland and Glen Mitchell were hard at it with the roof now completed and the timber facades to the eaves almost done. Jim Walker who had arrived and camped over on Friday, along with Bob, was now nowhere to be found.

About an hour later Jim was back on site driving Bernard’s truck with a load of shale and clay for the shelter floor. A non-tipper it had to be unloaded with shovels, spades and sweat but the floor was soon levelled and stomped down with varied renditions of the Mountain Man Stomp. The floor area now being higher than the outside slope should, I believe, remain comfortably dry during any rainy weather.

Some timber pegs suitable for hanging hats, coats, traps etc were hammered into the upright posts and a couple of rustic shelves were fitted to keep vulnerable whiskey jars off the ground. Glen trimmed a couple of logs to form bench seats on each side wall. A fire pit was dug at the front perimeter as the structure was nearing completion.

Late that afternoon Glen, John and Ron departed for home leaving Bob, Jim and I to camp the night. Of course Jim had to test the fire pit and soon had a cheery blaze burning, whilst Bob and I contemplated some exposed modern structure quite visible at the low end of the roof. The solution was to fit a timber façade that would allow rain water to run off and this was accomplished by fitting offset brackets for the timber allowing a two inch gap for rain water to drain. Our page one photo shows the finished result. (That railing is only to keep the horses from camping in our shelter.)

As Bob and Jim had completed some refinements to the toilet after they arrived on Friday that only left firewood to be cut and stacked on Sunday morning. We had lots of fun and much good work was achieved, thanks to all who attended. Ian Convey.

Blue skies at Caveat – A little mud and dry grass caulking is all that’s needed.

Club Camping Calendar

April 22nd – 26th

Easter/ANZAC day long weekend. ANZAC day 2011 coincides with Easter Monday creating opportunity for Ronda-voo-ers to rise early for a short dawn service at Bernard’s Cache, Caveat. Tuesday 26th is a public holiday! Come, see and share the results of our working bee labours for a five day (F.S.S.M.T.) rendezvous.

June 11th – 13th

Queen’s birthday long weekend. Our 7th Annual Winter Quarters encampment in the central highlands – Bernard’s Cache, Caveat. Don’t sit at home, cold and miserable, join the congenial Buckskinners around roaring campfires, snug and dry in our open-faced shelter, sharing some shrub and a yarn or a song. Learn to tell the time by the Southern Cross. Gaze at the stars and the Milky Way or fall asleep to the soft tune of refreshing rain on stout water-proofed tents. Awake to glorious sunny winter mornings, coffee, bacon and eggs and the best of friends at the cooking fires. All fun novelty shoots, a solid throwing block, a permanent creek and a beautiful secluded place to Rondyvoo – Come to Bernard’s Cache.

July 9th

The 22nd Eureka Arms and Militaria Fair at Ballarat. Saturday one day only from 9am until 3.30pm the Council of Muzzleloaders representing the Free Trappers, Seymour Black Powder Club and Western Districts Muzzleloaders will attend a promotional display table. Adult entry $7, free if you wear Trapper/Longhunter outfit.

August 6th & 7th

Leap into the future at Beechworth’s Ned Kelly Festival. Shuck off those pre-1840 duds and embrace time travel into the 1870’s and 80’s. Join all the fun at historic Beechworth and camp over on the Police paddocks right behind the Courthouse where the wounded Ned will re-hear the charges against him. Streets of period style tents planned. Be in the thick of the weekend’s re-enactment festivities and country fair. Contact Bob Ellis for further details.

September 16th – 19th

Our traditional Spring Rendezvous weekend extended from Friday 16th through to Monday 19th. Arrive early to be assured of a place in the Mountain Man hunt. – Where? – Why, Beaver Creek at Whorouly, of course!

Bojo tents and Free Trappers combined display at Seymour Alternative Farming Expo 2011.

Seymour Alternative Farming Expo

The above photo by Glen gives a hint to the amount of combined effort that goes into promoting our hobby and sport at this three day expo. A tipi is always an attention grabber for the “alternative styled” folks while an A frame with bell end is both snug and roomy at the same time. But that massive barracks style tent on the left houses our grand display of flintlock arms and accoutrements, powder horns, peace pipes, tomahawks, several quilled possibles bags, a beaded Indian war shirt and many photos of club camp life and black powder shoots.

The Expo runs from Friday to Sunday and Bob and Jim worked tirelessly on Thursday erecting tents, then Bob, Glen and Jim attended each of the three days of the Expo. John Morland helped out on the Saturday and George Mohr on the Sunday. They were kept busy each day and all said they had a marvellous time answering queries and chatting with the numerous interested visitors. The good publicity generated for all black powder shooting sports is immeasurable.

George Mohr’s colourful display of trade goods at the Alternative Farm Expo 2011.
Photo by Glen.

A Backwoodsman style story of Duck Opening 2011 – a day for true sportsmen.

It was with great excitement that I travelled up to Pyramid Hill for the Duck Opening. The past few years had been lean on the duck hunting front, with restricted bag limits and the cancellation of more than one opening due to lower duck numbers. However this year, with all the rain across the country and the abundance of surface water around Pyramid Hill I knew there would be ample ducks. I was hoping for a bag full.

Le Reynard and I have established a tradition that the duck opening is a period hunting event. This means we are attired and kitted out as mid 18th century backwoodsmen using muzzle loading flintlock shotguns. Le Reynard has a 12 gauge fusil de chase, named “Precious” and I have a 20 gauge Indian Trade Musket I named “Longshot”. Both firearms are long barrelled compared to modern day cartridge shotguns and both have hefty locks that throw showers of fat sparks.

We both load 70grains of 2f with an ounce and a quarter of shot. Precious tends to shoot a wider spread at shorter distances while Longshot, as the name suggests, keeps the pattern tighter over greater distance. The combination allows us to effectively cover a broader range. But the hardest working member of our team is Jake, my Brittany spaniel. Brittany’s are a superb working dog bred as pointers and retrievers. They have a natural propensity for water and love to swim, hunt and retrieve.

Le Reynard, always an astute hunter, had reconnoitred a suitable hide on the banks of a creek. About a mile down this creek to the west were two swamps. Our plan then was that allowing the birds would be shot at and disturbed from the heaviest population at the northern swamp, they would head straight for the southern swamp where other hunters would try their luck. Some of the birds disturbed from here would seek refuge by flying east to drop into a calm bend in the creek. An easterly breeze meant perfect landing conditions and a low tree and bushes offered us the perfect hide.

Opening morning, we awoke at 5.30am in our bush campsite, grabbed a cup of tea and a piece of homemade fruit cake before heading off across the field and down the creek to our hide. Jake was frisky, sensing our enthusiasm. We settled in the hide about 20 minutes before opening time; it was still half dark with the sun below the horizon. A stiff cool breeze was blowing and I was happy to be wearing my long waistcoat. I noticed Jake was shivering with the excitement.

An occasional European Carp flopped out of the water sending ripples across the slow moving surface. The time dragged on for the next twenty minutes or so, then, off to the west the first shot was heard, quickly followed by others. Then a cackle of gunfire sounded across the landscape, Le Reynard turned around to me and gave me an excited grin, the day had started. I quickly checked the powder in my pan, all good and the big English flint tightly held in the jaws of the lock. Jake was sitting patiently by my leg, still quivering in anticipation of the sport to come.

Le Reynard & Griz with Jake the Brittany spaniel and 4 plump ducks.

Scanning the horizon, I could see a mass of black dots rising in the air and heading south. The mass disappeared below the tree-line then gunfire could be heard from the southern swamp. Moments later the dots re-appeared above the tree-line, circling a few times before heading east towards us. They seemed to melt into some taller trees and just for a moment I thought they had turned away. Then, bursting clear of the scrub, a large flight of birds was rapidly approaching our position.

Le Reynard and I waited motionless until the very last moment as the birds started to flare their wings preparatory to landing. We both rose and fired into a mob of teal. Two birds dropped, one into the creek and the other onto the far bank. I sent Jake off into the water to retrieve the first bird. He handled the retrieve perfectly and delivered the duck to my hand. We decided to cross to the other side of the creek to retrieve the other bird and commenced moving off.

Suddenly Le Reynard said, “Quick! Load up again there’s more birds coming!” I looked and sure enough more black dots were heading our way. Fortunately I had set up my authentic shooting rig for quick loading. We were just in time. Le Reynard shot a Wood Duck, Longshot and I missed by yards – but hey I was having so much fun!

Jake went in again and retrieved that Woody bringing it back to me; I passed it across to Le Reynard. We moved across to the opposite bank and set Jake to finding the downed Teal. He scented it in about 2 minutes flat, pointing at it with front paw up and tail twitching in the classic manner – a pleasure for every bird-dog owner to view.

Then Le Reynard’s eagle eyes glimpsed a small mob of ducks zooming along the creek at low level, presenting a difficult fast passing shot. Caught out in the open clearing, we hunkered down, luckily the sun was up and behind us, so in our favour, blinding the ducks to our presence. We popped up and fired simultaneously, and as is often the case in this circumstance, at the very same Pacific Black Duck. That bird dropped instantly onto the opposite bank; caught by two and a half ounces of shot.

We returned to our original hide. The recent wet summer bringing on lush growth all about made it virtually impossible to locate downed birds without a dog, but Jake quickly found the Blackie in the thick weeds. In fact we didn’t lose one single bird all weekend and all thanks to Jake. The sun rose higher and we carried on in much the same vein throughout the morning until the flow of passing birds ceased.

Having mostly hunted and shot with rifles, I consider myself no shot-gunner and to master all of the different shots requires dedication, practise and skill. Luckily my hunting companion and good friend Le Reynard set me up in the right position with the conditions in my favour. This can make all the difference between a good bag or empty bag. The weekend was a memorable Duck Opening for me. My advice to any first timers to duck opening is to go along with sportsman who really knows how to hunt ducks – your experience will be all the more rewarding for it. Best regards to all.
Griz

Editor’s note: Successful sportsmen Paul and Jeff (aka Le Reynard and Griz) spent the entire Opening weekend dressed in 18th century style apparel. They bagged seven ducks with their single barrel flintlock smoothbores burning good old black powder. In the game bag – one Black duck, two Woodies and four Grey Teal; According to Paul they will cook up to a very nice meal in the slow cooker, to be served up with a favourite mouth-watering creamy mushroom sauce. KFC wouldn’t even come close!

Participants at Hatchie Run “Freeze your Arse” Rendezvous Jan 22/23 2011

Our good friend Brad Randall in the USA has forwarded the latest Hatchie Run Longrifles club newsletter. Readers can find it at www.hatchierunlongrifles.com Brad reports having a whole lot of fun at their recent “Freeze yer Arse” rondyvoo. Shades of our Western District’s club “Wet to the Arse” shoot, I wonder? Check out the site and the picture of Brad’s camp in the snow storm. Man, that does look so-oo cold. Brrr! This happy smiling group photo better illustrates the warmth of our broader kinship.

Trading Post

The Dereel Fur Trading Co has had a terrific year of horse trading and wrangling and now find they have an over supply of high quality goat skins. These pelts are beautifully tanned with long soft hair with true buckskin colouring on the underside. They would make up into excellent warm cloaks or bed coverings, etc. Priced at only $20 each, be quick to secure your order. Contact Murray on 5346 1086. Pay & collect at Easter rendezvous.

A deserted Traders camp, little used but far from derelict, one roomy bedroom, large living/dining/entertaining area complete with 5 dog stove, kitchen sink, numerous lanterns, a useful hand cart, ready for pioneer life or rendezvous camping.

Abandoned? “Don’t ya wanna have fun no more?”

Contact owners and suggest it’s time they re-cemented friendships at Rendezvous…..

Editor’s note 2: If you are perhaps uncertain as to what constitutes “sport” or of what maketh a true “sportsman”, may I suggest you refer to my earlier article “Sportsman’s Identity Stolen” in Around the Traps newsletter Vol 18 of July 2009. Hunting is sport!

Postcard from U.K. – Flint knapper Will Lord’s cottage, December 2010.

Finally – the heat of summer is upon us. Now I know you older members don’t really like the warmer weather and I’m with you all the way. But on the positive side, the sooner we get it over and done with, the sooner we can start another black powder burning season. Makes good sense to me – Roll on autumn!

But what to make of all the world-wide weather extremes? Australia’s widespread long drought has now been broken by bucketing torrential rains causing vast devastating floods. More closely to home we had a rare December snow fall in the north-east high country just six days before Christmas. Unfortunately we hadn’t foreseen this cold snap – and consequently we had no events planned. Tipi’s in the snow anyone? Perhaps on postcards, but maybe not for everyone.

Our delightful frontispiece of a cottage in the snow is a beautiful reminder of cooler days in the midst of our summer heat. That thatched roof English residence also happens to be the home of Will Lord – flint knapper. Will’s family have been knapping black Brandon flint for over 35 years. Will came across our website on the internet and established contact, offering us a direct supply of black flints if we could muster a reasonable sized order.

A small sample of flints was forwarded and found to be of excellent quality. You members responded with estimates of personal requirements and so an order was placed just as England froze up for Christmas. Will got the parcel away and those black rocks arrived in the early New Year mail.

As for the white Christmas effect, Will made this interesting statement about snow. “The snow is a total pain regarding the flint knapping as the flint is porous and it therefore freezes inside which changes the way it behaves – I keep it covered over, so that helps a little.” About now I’m thinking, there’s another reason why those hardy Mountain Men slept with their rifle next to them under the buffalo robes. Right smart!

Saturday 20 Nov 2010. Looking out at portion of the Time Line. The crowds came on Sunday.

Time Line – selling re-enactment to the masses

This new event held on the 3rd weekend of November 2010 promised much by way of showcasing the Rendezvous sport and hobby, both to the public and to other re-enactment groups. Jim Walker, Bob Ellis and the Chookster attended and enjoyed a marvellous time interacting with the many interested visitors of all ages.

Bob had numerous queries about his tents and we made several sales of trade blanket goodies. The value of attending, plus the goodwill generated, should not be underestimated, and once again there were one or two good bargains to be snaffled up.

Unfortunately the weather can be overly warm this late in November but the event is promised for an earlier date in 2011. We’d love to see more Club members coming along to witness so many other well researched re-enactors playing out their personas.

Jim & Bob rest in the shade after selling the Rendezvous concept to the public. Time Line 2010

Another of Ian’s D.I.Y. projects – Reshaping Flints

Many flintlock shooters have more than one lock to supply with flints. If you do have two or more flinters its possible the locks may require different size flints. In this case you may be fortunate enough to be able to remodel larger flints to fit your smaller lock. Here is a method that I use to transform blunt flints, of either 5/8” or ¾” size into good sharp ½” flints that then fit my small Siler lock.

For this project, you need to save your old worn out larger flints and when you have collected a number you can rework them to the required smaller size.

You will need to make a knapping tool. Mine is a very simple one – I use a piece of ¼” (6mm) brass rod say 4”-6” (100-150mm) long. I file a ½ moon notch in one end – see Fig.1.

Figures 1 & 2

Next, clamp your old worn flint in a vice using a leather pad, as per the way you normally clamp it in your lock, with the edge to be reworked / sharpened facing up. See Fig.2 above. And remember Safety First – wear Safety glasses.

Now place the notch of your knapping tool on the blunt flint edge (see Fig.3.) and tap the tool end with a hammer. It should break off a small shard of flint. If it does not, then tap the bloody thing a bit harder. Conversely, if it shatters the flint, don’t whack the tool so damned hard next time. You’ll soon get the hang of it! Continue along the complete edge so that it is squarely shaped and sharp all along.

Figure 3

You now have a sharp new flint, albeit somewhat shorter than the original. That’s when it’s mighty handy to have a second rifle possessing a smaller lock. To recut the flint to a specific length, continue either knapping the sharp edge, or reverse the flint in your vice and knap the back edge to the required length.

A word of caution here, your remodelled smaller flint must be knapped sufficiently short so as to just clear the frizzen of the smaller lock when in the half cock position.

If you wish you could also knap the sides to make a narrower flint, or a four sided flint – offering four times as many shots. There you have it – it doesn’t take but a few minutes to get a new supply of smaller flints – or maybe a small pile of gravel for the fish bowl. Watch your top knot! Ian Convey.

Subscriptions

Murray wishes to remind all that subs fall due 31st March 2011. The new fees are $30 single member, $50 family member. Murray urges all members to pay up promptly or risk losing their traps, half the horses and all their hair. Please forward your subscriptions direct to M. Convey, 2806 Colac/Ballarat Rd, Dereel 3352.

The Free Trappers pay homage to Robert Timms for his generous donation, also to members Clive and Veronica Brown for their kind letter and supplementary support.

Flint Hint

Use a clean cloth to wipe the edge of the flint and the frizzen face between shots.

Carved Shield

Mountain Man – Superb wood carving by Bill Wilson – Silent Auction

There are several reasons why we’ve avoided perpetual trophy events, thus although Bill’s carving was eminently suited as a perpetual award shield, we decided it should be used as a Club fund raiser. We modelled our “member’s only” silent auction along the well established lines used by I.S. Wright auctioneers of Ballarat for their highly regarded militaria postal auctions. All bids are recorded and the winning bidder actually pays the lesser of his bid or the amount of the second highest bid plus 10%.

A pleasing high number of bids were received with John Morland outbidding them all.
John’s generous bid was accompanied with the words – “recon thet mountain man would look fair dandy hangin’ in me lodge.” Right on – he’d look swell in any home! Your Committee are considering that the funds generated might be put to long term promotions with the purchase of a Laser 12” Portable DVD Player and accoutrements.

This new fangled device could be programmed to showcase our activities and used in conjunction with our established static displays at Living History events, also at combined Council of Muzzleloaders displays at the various gun shows. In this way Bill’s wonderful contribution will long continue to draw much attention to our Club’s black powder doings. Our grateful thanks go to Bill and Beryl Wilson of Bundaberg.

Club Camping Calendar

April 22nd – 26th Easter/ANZAC day long weekend. ANZAC day 2011 coincides with Easter Monday creating opportunity for a five day Rondyvoo at Bernard’s Cache, Caveat. Yes, Tuesday 26th is a public holiday! Come, see and share the results of our working bee labours. Weatherwise, this is the most pleasant time of the year to camp.

June 11th-13th Queen’s birthday holiday weekend. Our 7th Annual Winter Quarters in the central highlands – Bernard’s Cache, Caveat. Definitely the next best time to camp!

September 16th – 19th our traditional Spring Rendezvous weekend extended from Friday 16th through to Monday 19th. It’s the following best time of the year to camp! – Where? – Why, Beaver Creek at Whorouly, of course!

As recommended by Glen Mitchell – Hand sewn mocs by Paul Etgen $165.

Moccasins

Poppen Mocs: 2500 Co. Rd. 25, Cardington, OH 43315 U.S.A.
For those with no inclination to sew up moccasins, yet want the utmost comfort, Glen Mitchell has asked me to feature these mocs that he located on the internet. Glen has made contact with the makers, Paul and Jenny Etgen of Ohio, USA and is quite taken by their service and the apparent quality and comfort of their mocs. Glen forwards this photograph together with description from the internet. They are not cheap but then best quality never seems to come cheap, does it? Look out for Glen’s new mocs at the next Mountain Man old timey dance doings.

Quote:

These wonderful hand sewn centre seams are slightly antiqued with dyed threads and soles. Poppen mocs all feature a double sole of heavy pig skin, elk vamps and deerskin lining with an additional foam midsole for optimum comfort. We take custom orders and for this antiqued feature we charge an additional 10.00 dollars! Poppen mocs celebrates their 30th year of business! Feel what the buzz is all about and order your pair today! Sincerely, Jenny and Paul Etgen.”

Mappo at Beaver Creek, September 2010

Vale

Garry Leonard Kingsley Mappin. – Mappo, aka Senator Festus T. LaGarse, passed away 12th January. A kind friend and dedicated re-enactor who understood persona and authenticity; he shared our passion, but sadly far too few rendezvous’ – gone too soon! “Running in Virginia, walking in Georgia” – Fondly remembered!

Foraging at the Forge

As previously announced, Trapper families and friends were invited to eat and be merry at a “non period” sleep-over barbecue, at the Pioneer Forge home of the Mitchells. It would be “just a little something to kick-off the New Year right” as Glen put it.

Nigh on thirty Buckskinners enjoyed the abundance of good food and drink that was only surpassed by the warm friendship, light banter and fun times shared by everyone. Special welcomes were extended to Eddy and Elsa Benc who had travelled hundreds of miles from Adelaide, South Australia to attend, also to our newest member, George Mohr from the nearby hills.

Many camped overnight at the Forge or at the nearby local hall, so partying continued until well after midnight, only to recommence with good hot coffee at the cock’s crow. Special thanks to Anthea and Glen for opening their home for a third year running.

Working Bee – Sat/Sunday February 12th & 13th

This weekend has been earmarked by Bob and Jim for completing the roof of our open-faced shelter at Bernard’s Cache. Other minor chores such as levelling of the earthen floor and fireplace works are also needed. Modern camping with possible fire restrictions! Please liaise with Bob Ellis if you can attend to lend a hand, telephone 03 5796 2753 or mobile 0412 368 034.

Bob Ellis at Time Line 2010, photo by Rhys Hawley.

Your help is needed! Seymour Alternative Farming Expo, Feb. 18th 19th and 20th

Members are required to help man our static display for a day, two days or three, whatever you can manage. We are not promoting sandals, shorts or singlets – we will be there to showcase our alternative outdoor camping experience and hobby, so please don your Trapper, Longhunter or other chosen pre 1840’s fur trade era costume.

This will be our third year of advancing black powder shooting sports at the Expo. Our Populous Place Permit will allow members with appropriate licence endorsement to attend with their favourite flinter and accoutrements for display purposes only (no powder). Please contact Bob Ellis if you can donate a little time to promote our sport.

Winter snows cottage photos courtesy Will Lord – flint knapper.

Heartiest season’s greetings to all. I’m into recycling at the moment. I got this bug from another black-powder family who each year recycles the previous season’s greeting cards. Cut and paste sort of thing, like save a tree! Oh, yeah? I really doubt that, but it is good home-made Yule time fun, and it has some panache! The above greeting was emailed to me two years back by the Mitchell family; I had saved it in the ‘E’ fashion, only wishing I could credit the unknown original artist. I do know that Glen and Anthea won’t mind my recycling and sharing this fine greeting with you all.

But did you know that commercial Christmas cards were first produced in London in 1843, just three years outside our nominated re-enactment era? They featured a family scene with a small child, all drinking wine together, and were therefore somewhat controversial. It was another 30 years before cards were produced in America. Early English cards rarely showed winter or religious scenes according to Wikipedia.

“Since the 19th century, many families and individuals have chosen to make their own Christmas cards, either in response to monetary necessity, as an artistic endeavour, or in order to avoid the commercialism associated with Christmas cards. With a higher preference of handmade gifts during the 19th century over purchased or commercial items, homemade cards carried high sentimental value as gifts alone.” More interesting facts about recycling greeting cards for scrapbooking and children’s picture books etc. can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_card

A New Year barbecue will be held at the Pioneer Forge home of Glen and Anthea Mitchell. Saturday January 8th promises to be equally as enjoyable as last year’s gathering plus new air-con comforts if it gets too warm. A park-like camping area is available (modern or primitive). Bring some grub to share and your favourite booze. We’ll toast the health of all Buckskinners and drink to another year of Primitive fun.

In wine there is wisdom; in beer there is freedom; in water there is bacteria. Ben Franklin

Ronnie’s camp tools. Pencil drawing by Ian Convey.

Working bee: Sat. October 23rd

Weather forecast – Scattered showers, cooler than yesterday! Undeterred by the bureau’s threat of rain, Ian Convey, Ron Davis, Bob Ellis and Jim Walker arrived at Bernard’s Cache well prepared to erect a permanent unisex toilet. Bob had prefabricated the unit at home; check assembled, refined, sanded, polished and petted the thing before disassembly for freighting onto site.

This exacting workmanship paid off handsomely, as the numbered parts were quickly re-erected in the field by the many helping hands. Around midday, Kevin and Chook arrived, after having picked up a huge load of pine flitches, hardwood posts, and sump oil and the long-drop septic drums all piled onto Kevin’s tray truck.

Owing to wonderful spring rains, both ground water and natural springs were turning the access track to a spongy quagmire in several gullies and slopes. As the tray truck was not designed to travel these conditions it was necessary to transfer the timbers to Bob’s trailer and ferry them across in several loads. Then Bob experienced a terrible sinking feeling as his new Jeep Cherokee broke through the surface crust and became hopelessly bogged to the floorboards. And the slogan on the rear windscreen “Only in a Jeep”.

After a slight delay, a little helpful advice, some spade work, more advice – mostly unhelpful and mostly ignored – a tow chain and some diesel grunt from Jim’s new u-beaut bits-R-missy Ute, the Jeep was hauled free and the ferrying task resumed. Nothing like a bit of unorganised fun!

The day’s achievements were – an outstanding toilet cabin erected on site; location selected for our open-faced shelter; lumber for same delivered and protective coatings applied; one Jeep mired and recovered; 4WD talk, gun talk, small talk and bullshit.

In Bob’s own words – “A magnificent erection” Photo by Bob

Special thanks to Bob Ellis for brilliant design, planning and building the toilet; to Kevin Norris for materials delivery using his business truck; to Dave Costa for supply and storing of pine flitches and hardwood posts; to Glen Mitchell for supply and welding of drums and to Ian, Jim and Ron for being there with tools, equipment and willing helping hands. A great Club effort – and the weather was cooler than yesterday!

Subscriptions

All subscriptions fall due 31st March 2011. As already announced at our AGM your Committee has increased the annual subscription rate for 2011-2012. Public Liability insurance remains the single largest component of our subs. The new subs to apply from 31st March 2011 will be $30 single member, $50 family member.

Working bee: Sun. October 24th

Weather fine and warm. Sometime after Kevin and Chook headed off home on Saturday arvo Bernie came out to check on proceedings. He was back again early Sunday morning with tractor and post-hole auger and cracking the whip for action among the overnight campers. Trees with suitable roof timbers were selected, felled and hauled, post holes dug deep and uprights sunk.

Meanwhile Bob had applied a protective coating of sump and linseed oils to the toilet external walls and Estapol white-washed the inside. Toilet complete!

The pine flitches for the shelter were all carefully sorted as to size and suitability and Bob soon had footings of the sturdiest planks fixed to the uprights. There was no stopping these Buckskinners now; those natural split log walls were going up so swiftly our open-faced shelter and one-time-dream was rapidly becoming a reality.

With the shelter now some three parts completed we were far advanced beyond expectations for our first working bee weekend. All in all it was a terrific team effort but particular thanks must go to Bernie on this day. Thanks again to Bob (I can’t stop for lunch) Ellis and to Ian, Jim and Ron. Jim was still chuffed that his 2WD Ute had strength to rescue the Jeep on Saturday and a hatless Ian got sunburnt on a Sunday.

Working Bee – day 2. Oct. 24th Trapper’s shelter under construction Photo by Jim.

Club Camping Calendar

April 22nd – 26th Easter/ANZAC day long weekend. ANZAC day 2011 coincides with Easter Monday creating opportunity for Ronda-voo-ers to rise early for a short dawn service at Bernard’s Cache, Caveat. Tuesday 26th is a public holiday! Come, see and share the results of our working bee labours.

June 11th – 13th. Queen’s birthday long weekend. Our 7th Annual Winter Quarters encampment in the central highlands – Bernard’s Cache, Caveat.

September 16th – 19th our traditional Spring Rendezvous weekend extended from Friday 16th through to Monday 19th. Arrive early to be assured of a place in the Mountain Man hunt. – Where? – Why, Beaver Creek at Whorouly, of course!

Junior Free Trappers – Nathaniel and Nicholas at Bernard’s Cache.

“The West” historian, Fred Gowans, commented “There was a common understanding in the fur trade – if you didn’t show up at a Rendezvous, you were considered dead.”
Remember the line from The Mountain Men? Bill Tyler! Bill Tyler! I thought you …..

Will your name be a prefix to “I thought you were dead” at Rendezvous this year? Check the above dates and put those holiday wagon wheels in motion. Plan early to secure those extra few days for an extended weekend camp. Why not do it right now?

Ian asks “What’s on yer feet, Pilgrim?”

It seems that very few pilgrims have problems procuring period clothing for re-enacting. Whether the choice is cloth or leather or a combination we all seem to be outfitted with correct and comfortable attire. But when it comes to footwear that’s when we seem to run into all kinds of problems.

At rendezvous I have seen some folks wearing period correct moccasins, shoe packs and even cobbled straight-last shoes, while others persist with elastic-sided boots, Kmart style moccasin slippers (not authentic), Crosby slip-ons shoes or slippers and even rubber Wellington boots. The oft used excuse given for these transgressions is that the correct footwear is “too cold” or “leaks water in” or similar.

With a little thought and minor effort these problems can be overcome and you will look the part for a modest outlay. If you wish to wear shoes or boots but find period correct custom made ones uncomfortably difficult to wear or just too expensive then you might consider modifying modern footwear to make them look about right.

A good place to start in this vein is to visit the Op shops for shoes that can be easily modified by adding a buckle and strap or by removing modern decoration or eyelet liners etc. Use a little imagination and you might get something that nearly passes. Old style Desert Boots or Rollers modify easily to look something like shoepacks.

Ian’s photo compares side seam with centre seam mocs, showing heel and sole stitching & two pairs with extra liners for warmth.

But if moccasins are your thing, (no self respecting Longhunter, Mountain Man, or Free Trapper would consider otherwise) your choices become very limited; especially if Dyer and the like are out of your price range and you have no-one to make you a pair. You will just have to make your own, but it’s not that hard to do. Here’s how!

First, you will need an appropriate pattern; either a centre-seam pattern for Longhunters / Woodsrunners or a side-seam pattern for Mountain Men / Trappers. There are other authentic styles, but these two are the easiest for a beginner to make and you will notice they are very similar in shape. Start by drawing an outline of your foot onto a piece of cardboard and use that to draw in the pattern scaled to your foot and as per our sketch.

Pin this pattern to a piece of old denim or similar cheap heavy material and cut around. Next staple or tack-stitch your cloth along the seams, modifying them by trying your foot in them as you go, so that they fit properly. It takes a little while but it is worth persevering to get it to feel and look just right. When comfortably snug, undo the trimmed and fitted denim moc and use it to transfer to your master pattern.

Now you are ready to go! I use second grade cowhide splits costing about $10 a piece from the Haddon tannery near Ballarat. You could use whatever leather is available but don’t make your very first pair from expensive leather in case of mishap or a need to further modify the pattern.

Cut your leather and sew from the toes back as per the pattern sketch. The heel can be a bit tricky, so put your foot in the moc and try various ways before you finally trim the leather. Use only lead pencil or chalk to mark your leather as biro/ink marks are permanent. Sew with waxed linen thread or artificial sinew and use an awl to make the holes. Do not use a punch as punched holes let in water – big time! The ankle flap can be sewn on once it all fits the foot.

To make your mocs more comfortable and last longer cut leather soles and sew on using a wide spaced running stitch. Cut the sole large enough to come up the side slightly. It can be replaced when worn out! For increased comfort you could add leather inner soles and even glue a ¼ inch thick heel inside the moc. If the moccasins stretch with use, just wear thicker socks or perhaps two pair of socks, or alternatively, use your pattern to make blanket liners for your mocs.

I grease my moccasins with a 50/50 mixture of beeswax and rendered mutton fat which helps keep my feet dry and warm most days. If conditions are such that my feet do get cold and damp I just change socks and mocs for dry ones – so make at least two pair. Happy sewing and watch yer top knot. Ian Convey

Working bee: 6th & 7th November

Forecast – warm days, cool nights; plus hard yakka and a bit of fun, in no particular order. Jim and I decided to arrive a day early for the fun bit. That being November 5th it was, of course, necessary to celebrate the 405th anniversary of Guy Fawkes with a blazing bon-fire and a fistful of firecrackers.

Jim notches a roof stringer.

But Jim had arrived hours earlier and was resting from a full day’s solo efforts when the Chook arrived around 5pm. Jim had the weekend’s work all mapped out so it only remained to roast some vegetables in the camp oven and grill the massive steaks. We ate well and drank our fill of red grape juice, then stoked up that bon-fire as befitted the tradition linked with those little red cracker gems and blue touch paper. Absolute fun!

Next morning we were well pleased when Bernie visited briefly, arriving with his tractor to lift the front stringer into place. Jim was then able to set up string lines and commence filling in the sides of our shelter. We kept at it all day and were quite stonkered by evening, although I did manage to keep Jim up for some hours after dark.

Long Drop Cabin dwarfed by 20 tonne Excavator

On Sunday, the promised 12 tonne excavator was apparently needed elsewhere, so Andrew and young Mick arrived with the 20 tonne version. Way to go! In less time than it takes to tell, the long drop hole was dug, liner drums inserted and backfilled. A few seconds more and the toilet was fully positioned over the drums and the soil tamped and levelled. Our stylish and permanent toilet cabin was now fully operational.

Jim demonstrates the new Mountain Man drum dance – the Long Drop Do Whop.

Andrew’s machine then supplied the necessary lift for the middle stringer to our open faced shelter and finally some soil to level the floor area. Jim was soon back into securing the last flitches, completing the end wall fills. There only remains the roofing to finalise the construction, then painting the pine flitches with protective coatings to fully complete our planned project. Bob has already delivered the required materials.

Special recognition must go to Jim who did all the hard yakka this weekend. Thanks also go to Bernie for tractor lifting of heavy stringers and particularly to Andrew, Sharyn and son Mick for bringing in the heavy equipment, its use and operating time. We could never have achieved so much without this greatly appreciated extra help.

Ready for the roofing.

Tattler recalls

Remember as a kid long ago when you could almost guarantee receiving a new pair of slippers from Grandma each Christmas; oh the disappointment, when all you really wanted was a Daisy airgun or a store-bought super dooper slingshot?

Well, here’s an idea! Now that you no longer need that slingshot so badly, think about those slippers, or better yet, think of moccasins! How about making some new moccasins for yourself and for your loved one for this festive season? Bring them along to Glen’s and Anthea’s for show and tell comparisons in January. Following Ian’s explicit instructions on moccasin making Tattler will be taking a close interest in footwear throughout the Rondyvoo year ahead.

Greetings from the Club president, Ian Convey

A safe and merry Christmas to Everyone, from Ian and the SCFT committee!

Bill Wilson of Bundaberg, Queensland sends best wishes.

Welcome to yet another chinwag on Longhunter and Trapper doings. I’ve mentioned the Wilson’s of Bundaberg in several past newsletters. Had a telephone call from Bill enquiring if we had been troubled by the recent floods. I assured him we were well above water, afloat, and looking very keenly forward to our annual spring rendezvous.

Bill expressed his wish that they could rendezvous with us, but the years were slowly catching up, making long distance travel rather difficult. It’s very nice to know friends are close with you in a spirit that spans thousands of miles. This splendid photo of Bill at Rainbow Creek Black Powder Club negates any distance and connects us all together. Check our website gallery for a couple more photos of Bill and wife Beryl.

Best and worst of weather

The best rains for many a long year also meant the worst flooding down many Victorian rivers. Nevertheless, fortune smiled on us at Beaver Creek and water levels subsided sufficiently to allow camping in the picturesque horseshoe bend once again.

Twenty six members, family and friends attended our 4th spring camp on the Beaver. Club membership continues to grow steadily each year and for this event we fielded a total of eighteen primitive camps, bringing prophesy to the words. “Beaver will shine again!”

Thanks to Kevin and Robyn Norris for cutting and hauling huge piles of firewood so that the many campfires could burn brightly. With flood waters all about, the urge to stoke up blazing hot fires was not suppressed by any shortage of the free firewood.

Many took advantage of our program of a single extended weekend to arrive as early as the Thursday afternoon and although the bureau forecast more days of showers we were so lucky they were wrong – again! Our main concern was the tracks through the farm paddocks which remained sodden and boggy for most of our stay. No-one got bogged in the wagon ruts on the track into camp and the campsite was quite perfect.

Ian heralded the official weekend fun with a short camp meeting, the purpose of which, for the life of me I can’t remember. It’s a mature age thing! Bob and Glen were “out there” somewhere along the beaver ponds, setting traps for the unwary pilgrims and seasoned Trappers alike. So let the Mountain Man hunts begin.

To enter this shoot one must simply add a reasonable vegetable to the cane basket. Onions are not reasonable. Peeling onions makes a body cry, just like my shooting does. Winner gets the basket with all the veggies and a China turkey plate.

Noel Collinson was first off the mark and really got back into the swing of the hunt after a slow start. Ron Davis going even slower did a little better on points. Peter Hawkey shot two rabbits but wasn’t listening for the rattle of death. That Rattler’s bite means a very sudden end! Kevin Blind Fox Norris did reasonably well on both rabbit and beaver and fire lighting. John Morland rushed through in half the time of Blind Fox.

Col Barrett should have listened to Hawkey’s ghost. Yep, Col got rattle snake bit too – another rather sudden death! Ian Convey started out in too much hurry; gotta learn to take a little time! There’s a song, for ya! John Maccioni, well, it’s no wonder they call him “Fasta Pasta” he shot that squirrel and bolted up and down the creek in absolute record time.

Step up Jenny Baker; she ain’t afraid of mountain men, red men or griz. Jenny travelled a little slower than the three preceding entrants and got to see most of the critters along the stream, collecting three beaver and the highest points along the way. Paul Le Reynard Sly was even slower and finished runner up on points. Murray Convey had too much interest in the banks, while Tom Jefferies put in a reasonable hunt in the fading afternoon light, once they prised him from that rocking-horse saddle tree.

Other events on the Saturday were the hotly contested rabbit gong shoot with the range extending from about 20 yards to around 60 yards for the final shoot-off. Blind Fox Kevin emerged victorious on this one. Next we had Tom’s amazing Dancing Bear gong with a 3 inch flapper tongue. Once again competition was fierce and an extended shoot-off at increasing ranges was necessary to determine a winner. John Maccioni took this one!

Sunday’s always seem to start slowly at Rondyvoo. Keith Hendry and Chook were lucky enough to cover the Mountain Man hunt course although the event had closed on Saturday. After that Ian challenged everyone to a shooting Duel. Contestants paired off, loaded, then back to back they faced each other, took three paces, half turned, primed, aimed and fired – at the balloons suspended some 25 paces away.

Two balloons attached to a single string were each weighted slightly with a spoonful of sugar, meaning the unsuccessful duellist’s balloon fell to the ground when the other balloon burst from a winning shot. Losers were out and winners pitted against winners until only two remained. This time John Fasta Pasta Maccioni was not quite fast enough, beaten by a poofteenth of a second with a balloon shattering speedy reload from that wily Le Reynard.

General plinking could be had at all other times and several grabbed the opportunity. Keith Hendry visiting from Sydney, attending his first ever rendezvous, was pleased to get in lots of laidback shooting practice with his accurate 45 cal Pennsylvania rifle.

Jenny Baker wins the Mountain Man Hunt and congratulatory handshakes from Glen and Bob.

Congratulations to Jenny Baker of the Frontiers Group on winning the major event and the basket of vegetables prize including the Turkey Plate. Jenny was then asked to draw a name from the hat containing names of participants in the Mountain Man hunt. And the winner of the Brad Randall hand made hunting pouch is – Noel Collinson. Good luck to Noel and our warmest thanks once again to Brad in the USA.

Congratulations also to our other competition winners – Blind Fox Kevin winning the blanket pin donated by Chips; John Maccioni won the red Voyager cap donated by John Morland; while Paul (Le Reynard) Sly won the drop sleeve shirt donated by Justin and Louise Fletcher.

Evenings around the campfires saw constantly changing intermingling smaller groups as friends moved from camp to camp warding of the night chills in woollen coats, sipping hot tea and coffee or fiery booze, some singing, some guitar strumming, a few talking and some just day-dreaming half the night away or guessing the time by watching the stars.

Ian and Justin had brought along their guitars and Ian handed out a few song sheets so that those of a mind could sing along with the picking. Justin’s excellent renditions of John Williamson’s songs were well received. Hopefully we can keep up the standard of this entertainment and with a little singing practice, well who knows, maybe a stage career for one of us? Yeah, yeah – the first stage out of town!

Beaver Creek rendezvous encampment, Whorouly, September 2010

Did I say no one got bogged? Well, not actually while arriving into camp, but one grandpa Trader with growing family did attempt a foolish shortcut after breaking camp, only to get his wagons hopelessly bogged and jack-knifed and easy prey to any muddy Blackfeet. Fortunately Glen and Hawkey were on hand with reserve mules to rescue Ma and Pa – the only ones to get black feet!

Thanks to Bob Ellis and Glen Mitchell our conveners and judges on the Mountain Man hunt; thanks also to Bob for supplying the substantial throwing block; and to Ian Convey and Tom Jefferies for supplying targets and conducting the minor events. That amazing bear had to be securely chained down to a massive log.

Special thanks as always to our hosts Rolly and Jo.

Finally, thanks to everyone who attended what has already been hailed as our “best ever” Rendezvous. We’re sure you all had fun and we’ll try to do it all again next year.
Why not start planning right now by booking your 2011 holiday fun early – primitive fun!

A couple of interesting points – Not one person in the Mountain Man Hunt saw that well camouflaged snake lurking in the flood debris; only four of Saturday’s twelve contestants were able to start a “life-saving” fire without the use of their flinter. Hmn!

AGM in progress; Chook reading correspondence from Beryl Wilson of Bundaberg and from Brad Randall, USA.

Some thoughts on achieving that elusive accuracy.

1. Buy a rifle or gun that fits you. How often we hear of fellows buying a “brag” gun, just because it is better, or perhaps bigger, than Fred’s. If a gun doesn’t fit you properly it’ll probably kick you in the cheek, shoulder, hip pocket or all three areas.
2. Ensure those authentic sights are the best suited to your personal eyesight. You must be able to achieve a clear sight picture quickly every time you shoulder the gun.
3. Fall in love with this gun!
4. Experiment extensively with your new love – Find the best patch/lube/ball combination and the optimum uniform powder charge. Use a bench rest or other sturdy rest for these trials.
5. Keep a note book to record your trial load info and the results.
6. Develop a regimented loading procedure including frequent use of cleaning patches.
7. Ram with the same pressure each load. This is only possible if the bore is indeed cleaned frequently. Use only sufficient force to seat the ball properly.
8. Do not use excess lube.
9. Most importantly – check all cast bullets for regularity. It’s great to see Buckskinners exhibiting skills running ball at the campfire, but it’s a good idea to arrive well stocked with ball that have been individually weighed for uniformity, checking for hidden air pockets or flaws.
10. Practise as much as possible; then go shoot some more!

Events for 2011

April 22nd to 25th. ANZAC day 2011 coincides with Easter Monday which may disrupt holiday plans for some members. We have scheduled a rendezvous camp spanning Good Friday, April 22nd to Easter Monday / ANZAC day April 25th. Location Bernard’s Cache, Caveat.

June 11, 12 & 13th. Queen’s Birthday holiday weekend. Our 7th Annual Winter Quarters encampment in the central highlands – Bernard’s Cache, Caveat.

September 16th – 19th Four days of Spring Rendezvous, an extended single weekend that includes the Friday and Monday –Beaver Creek, Whorouly.

Glen Mitchell (left) congratulates Noel Collinson on winning the prized Brad Randall hunting pouch.

Our fine picture shows Glen Mitchell, a founding father of Rendezvous in Victoria, awarding the coveted Brad Randall hand-sewn pouch to a delighted Noel Collinson.

Working Bee

An encouraging show of hands at our AGM indicated you are all willing to help our little building project at Caveat. We anticipate this can start very soon so please be ready when you hear the call. Trailers, utes, wrecking bars and spades will be useful.

Quotable quotes

“Nothing wrong with quiet” from the Sydney Pollack film Jeremiah Johnson starring Robert Redford as Jeremiah Johnson.

“We aim to reinforce the notion that … the past remains part of the warp and weft of us all, and is to be cherished.” Sir John Smith (The Landmark Trust).

“We try to preserve not only the guns and accoutrements but the outlook on life which created them.” (With apology to Sir John).

Lonesome Louie and Fast Freddy first appeared in Muzzleloader magazine.

Win this exceptional hunting pouch hand-sewn by Brad Randall of the Hatchierun Longrifles, North Mississippi, USA. Other prizes shown are man’s shirt donated by Justin & Louise Fletcher, blanket pin made by Chips Whitthread and red Voyager cap donated by John Morland.

Come to Horseshoe Bend, Beaver Creek, September 17th-20th

Welcome to another ramble on Trapper & Longhunter doings. We are seeing a new interest in the sound of Rendezvous. After months (read years) of friendly cajoling to our musically inclined members we seem to be gaining ground. Our good friend Jenny Baker from the Frontiers Living History Group had some influence too – playing her Mountain Dulcimer in camp last September. Then at Winter Quarters there were Justin, John Morland and Ian taking turns to pick a few guitar tunes. Now I’m told Anthea Mitchell has a good ear for the sweet sounds of a family violin while her man, Glen, claw-hammers at open backed banjo lessons as only a Blacksmith can.

It’s mighty encouraging to see so many keen to add this extra dimension to campfire life. All we need now is one or two unafraid to support the musicians, adding their voices to the tunes. Whether you sing in silky tones like Julio Iglesias or are gifted with a whiskey croak similar to Lee Marvin – no one will complain if you have a go!

Then there’s the music of the guns in friendly marksman competition – that whoosh-bang-clang gottcha sound of successful shots. This year Glen and Bob are conducting the Mountain Man hunt again. It is sure to test a steady aim and good eye. Entry fee is only a worthwhile vegetable or two in the cane basket. No onions and no husbands (we went through all that last year). Lady competitors welcome. All shoots are fun shoots and our primitive style prizes are all well worth your best endeavours.

The above pictured hand made – hand sewn hunting pouch has been generously gifted to us by Brad Randall (U.S.A.) whom we introduced in our December ‘09 newsletter. Brad first contacted us after discovering our website and maintains regular correspondence. The pouch will be our major prize this Spring Rondyvoo, but you will have to be there and participate in the shooting to be in the running.

Anna and Henry Findlay wearing authentic smiles and having fun inside Bob’s covered wagon – Beechworth Festival, 7/8/2010.

Beechworth – 130th anniversary of Ned Kelly’s committal hearing 6th-8th August.

Early August saw a handful of Free Trappers catapulted into the future – that being the year 1880, the same year when the wounded Ned Kelly was brought to Beechworth for a committal hearing at what would become the “historic” courthouse.

This festival weekend draws thousands of visitors to the town and the Free Trappers were there to add to the historic flavour of this annual event. Three wall tents lined up with a covered wagon bogged to its axles in the police paddock behind the court house. Of course we were ideally situated to view Ned and the police re-enactors and the whole proceedings. We also drew huge numbers of the public to our display, all keen to learn more about our re-enactments and how we camp cosy and comfortable under old fashioned canvas shelters.

On the Saturday, we shared the police paddocks with a ladies spinning and weaving craft group, plus members of several antique stationary engine clubs, with their beautiful engines carefully restored and running sweetly. Most interesting for us though was the display of “Traditional Bush Timber Skills” demonstrated by James Findlay of Cheshunt. James showed us how to build log cabin style structures with excellent fitting locking corners, post and rail fencing, gates and other almost forgotten timber working skills.

Thanks to James for the overnight loan of a pot-bellied stove. His two children, Henry and Anna, (pictured) were ever ready to join us for fun, mischief and romping in Bob’s wagon. Also on display in secure surroundings nearby were all four sets of armour worn by the Kelly gang – very impressive! We were invited to exhibit again in Beechworth next August and you can bet we’ll be there to promote re-enacting, black powder and muzzleloader era activities.

Come to Beaver Creek

Annual Spring Rendezvous first weekend of Victorian school holidays. Camping is available from Friday 17th September thru to Monday 20th. Plenty of firewood available but you’ll need to fetch in drinking water. A minimum of 20 litres is recommended for each camp. Due to better seasonal rains we may have to relocate from the Horseshoe Bend to higher grounds up the creek – bright orange beaver markers will indicate the trail. You can read sign, can’t you?

Ram’s head firepoker

Raffle We’ll be raffling a superb Glen Mitchell ram’s head fire poker valued around $150 so bring along a pocketful of gold coin and get your tickets early from Murray.

Notice of AGM – Saturday 18th September 3.30pm at Beaver Creek camp.
As usual, Spring Rendezvous brings about our Annual General Meeting and the elections of Committee to take us forward another year. We’ll try to keep it as brief as possible so as to not interfere with the fun programmed for the weekend. Well, “Don’t ya wanna have fun no more?”

Ian’s thoughts on keeping your Smokepole clean.

Today many shooters uninitiated in the ways of black powder steer clear of muzzleloaders mistakenly thinking that cleaning them after each use is a major chore. Quite a few muzzleloaders consider it a burdensome task also! But I regard the cleaning as part of the fun of shooting and caring for a muzzleloader, and have refined this small task to the simple method described herewith.

Originally, I used the hot water method – I splashed water everywhere, dripping rags, wet gun, soggy sleeves, scolded fingers – all the time thinking there’s got to be a better way. All the proprietary cleaners seemed to clean out my wallet quicker than cleaning my gun. After much experimenting I have settled on a technique that I find quick, easy and most importantly, that keeps my gun clean and protected.

For a black powder solvent I use Cloudy Ammonia – straight out of the bottle! First I place a piece of rag in the pan and close the frizzen on it. I then soak a patch in the Cloudy Ammonia and run it through the bore, down and up three or four times. I repeat this one or two times using a freshly soaked clean patch each time. Then I run a dry patch down the bore and check to see if any crud stains the patch. I continue with this wet / dry sequence until the last dry patch comes out clean. It only takes about 3 or 4 pairs of patches. I then run a patch soaked in Methylated Spirits through the bore, followed by a dry patch. I then clean the lock with the Ammonia solvent and dry it.

Finally, I oil the bore and lock – I use Inox, sprayed in the bore and followed by an oily patch. Then I wipe the stock with a cloth dampened with boiled linseed oil and the job’s done. It takes only five to ten minutes and isn’t your gun worth that time? Then just before you next go out to shoot your gun, run a Metho soaked patch down and up the bore to remove any oil and its then ready to load and shoot again.
Watch your top knot! Ian.

Candid Camera

Our President shares a few concerns that some members are becoming complacent towards our goals on pre 1840 authenticity, see his comments under the heading “Palaver”. These remarks refer mainly to seasoned hivernants who have achieved better previously. We do not wish to deter the new chums who we understand may not be fully kitted or unsure of correct gear. But in all cases the remarks are very “candid camera” as we poke serious fun at ourselves, all and sundry. Serious fun? Yeah, why not!

Wet to the Arse!

Six Free Trappers journeyed to the 2010 Western Districts Muzzleloader Club’s annual Wet to the Arse shoot. Here they are pictured directing the unwary. Just don’t go assumptin’ there’s anything civilised down Immigrants Lane. The flattened grass under foot indicates the degree of flooding from heavy rains just two days earlier.

The WDML cabin is out of picture to the left, the wagon track leads to a Town somewhere; travelling Immigrants Lane could get you mighty confused.

The celebrated main event for the weekend is a simulated hunt for teams of two following along the creek, down the creek, in the creek, over the creek, back in the creek, across the creek, and finally up the creek and generally getting soaked and chilled to the bone, all the while trying to keep your powder dry and shoot straight at any nasty critters spotted along the way.

About 30 ’Skinners participated in this legendary event and no doubt there were one or two thoroughly wet backsides with that creek well up after a month of good local rainfall. Murray Convey and Don Kay teamed successfully again scoring consecutive wins in 2009 and 2010. How high’s the water, Murray?

President’s Palaver

Actress, Julie Andrews, performed more than one version of her hit song “My Favourite Things”. But it’s highly unlikely she would find favour in lines such as –

“Milk cartons and gal-iron buckets and dippers,
Plastic butter tubs and gumboots and rubber sole slippers…”

You know the tune, but sometimes we forget that the above items are not in tune with “primitive” encampments. Yet those things are indeed items a critical observation at our last event might have recorded. Some were not so obviously on display, but a later examination of photographs, show that they were indeed there – at our Primitive. Doh!

The more serious primitive enthusiast club members will chuckle at this discussion and perhaps at others adherence to modern ways; however we should all remember what the whole exercise is about. Some want to live the theme in the extreme, while for many it is sufficient to present only the image. That is adequate, and that is all we ask! It isn’t very hard to cover or hide modern stuff that you can’t manage without. I’ll bet if someone said “Gee, your camp looks real good, real 1820-1840’s era” you will get a huge buzz of pride out of the compliment paid to all your efforts.

At our Winter Quarters, one tent was left open displaying a cardboard tucker box and a plastic Esky – spoiled that photo, didn’t it! These little anomalies are easy to overcome with just a minimum effort. A blanket or calico bag makes a quick cover for the Esky; using tins or ceramic containers for butter, coffee, tea, jam, powdered ingredients etc. avoids the modern packaging. Replace the cardboard tucker box with a large calico bag or with a wooden box that can double as a work surface or a seat.

Galvanised buckets could be given a coat of paint, preferably matt black or otherwise blackened in a fire. Keep your bread in the plastic bag for hygiene but hide it in an outer calico bag for storage. Fruit and vegetables store quite well in calico bags which are quite authentic having been in favour and use for hundreds of years.

Food in cartons such as milk and eggs should be kept in covered Esky’s or stored in closed tucker boxes (of wood). Keeping these items out of sight isn’t hard and it makes our camp look so much better when they are not on view. Stowing all your coffee, tea and food items and utensils back into your tent or tucker box after each use also improves the general appearance and photo visuals around the campfire.

Modern axes, wood splitters, spades and other tools should also be kept out of sight, if they must be present at all. Check what other campers are using and discuss what, how, and if, it fits our themes; how it is made or from where it can be obtained. An example I have seen is a very authentic looking axe at a certain covered wagon. It apparently started life as a modern El Cheapo axe but when fitted out with a new handle it looks for all-the-world like great-Grandpa’s favourite cherry tree chopper.

Some Buckskinners get cold feet about moccasins after every downpour of rain, then the elastic-sided “Blundstone” style boots reappear in our camp. But have you looked at other alternatives to maintain comfortable warm feet? A check of catalogues such as Jas Townsend’s could provide the answer. Whatever you do, maintain the fun, and keep searching; keep striving for that pre-1840 authentication of your “favourite things”.
Ian Convey.

Squirrel Guns Down Under

Many traditionalists regard a squirrel rifle as being a .32 calibre. Even David Crockett had a 32 cal. Yet squirrels are not present in Australia, so why bother with such tiny bores? I have heard it often said that they are difficult to load, hard to clean and needing a barrel swab out after every shot – downright pernickety! But are they really?

The closest thing to squirrel hunting here Down Under is bunny busting. Most old-timers refer to the humble rabbit as underground mutton, but lately I prefer to think of them as underground squirrels and they provide great shooting for the diminutive 32’s.

Aim small – miss small!

Rabbits are classified vermin and are usually shot at anything from 10 to 50 yards by front-stuffers and at far greater distances by modern scoped cartridge guns. Due to its vermin status, some hunters have no concern whether the rabbit is destroyed with a clean head shot or blown away with a 58 cal round ball passing the full length of the carcase. They have no interest in harvesting the rabbit meat, not even as dog tucker!

Looking back, I do recall the lean times of the 1950’s, when, with little beef or lamb in the Coolgardie safe, our Dad struggled to raise my brother, two sisters and I. Underground mutton was often on the menu and we all learned about shooting for the pot, about snares, trapping, ferreting and even the salt on the end of a long stick trick.

Nowadays, for too many Aussies, a meal of rabbit seems to have lost all the prestige given it on so many European dining tables; possibly due to that vermin status across our nation. But for us hungry kids growing up, a bunny dinner was special for it spelled success at hunting, shooting or trapping in which we, as a family, all took part.

I’d been reading lots about squirrel hunts and squirrel rifles in Muzzleloader and Muzzle Blasts and other U.S. publications. Over and over I read stories of American woodsmen enthusing about a good feed of squirrel and of how fond they were of their little 32 cal rifles for the job. “My Squirrel Gun” is a phrase stated with great affection!

So when I came across a second-hand .32 flinter begging for a new owner I decided it was time to satisfy myself whether the claims about finicky, difficult to clean, troublesome small bore flinters were indeed actual fact, or just another campfire myth.

My squirrel gun certainly needed a little caring attention – mainly an overhaul of the lock and re-alignment of the sights. I soon learned how a loading block was a must for getting those tiny round balls into the muzzle smartly. The slender ramrod will always need handling with great care and ramming with hand over hand short thrusts.

At first I used greased felt wads between 28 grains of Wano PPP powder and patched ball, thinking that wads would help to keep the fouling soft thereby reducing the build up of crud between shots. In this first “range” session I fired 21 shots with no extra cleaning of the bore, stopping at that number only due to a time factor. Loading had not been a problem!

On my next range visit I omitted the felt wads loading 28 grains of C&H 3Fg behind cotton patched .315 round balls. Wet weather induced me to call it a day after 25 shots, all of which loaded smoothly down the bore without any cleaning between loads. So, as for squirrel guns needing a swab out after every shot – myth busted!

The after-shooting clean-up is no different to that required for larger calibres, excepting for the very necessary prudent use of that skinny wiping stick.

“Aim small, miss small” – is the axiom that Mel Gibson picked up from Mark Baker and used as a Patriot father’s shooting advice to his sons. It is indeed good instruction when hunting rabbits for the pot. Our photo illustrates the “miss small” effect where the rabbit’s eye was targeted. Nevertheless, there is real satisfaction when such a near “miss” still provides the tucker, with literally no meat spoiled by that tiny .315” ball.

If you merely aim at a rabbit you may well thump that rabbit – probably gut shot and wasted! However if you aim small – at the eye of the rabbit, whilst you may miss the eyeball, any head shot kill still provides a very fine meal. Cooked your favourite way and topped with rashers of bacon, rabbit makes a delicious feast. Aim small – eat well!

There actually is a place for the little squirrel guns here Down Under. They are traditional small game getters that truly can “make meat”. They are ideal for most range competitions, remarkably cheap to run and plainly put, are just – damn good fun!
Chook

Good friends

Best of friends and long supporters of the Free Trappers, Bill and Beryl Wilson of Bundaberg, Queensland have blessed us again. They have forwarded a beautiful hand-carved Mountain Man figurine made by Bill. We have yet to decide how best to utilise this generous gift. Meanwhile our warmest thanks go to Bill and Beryl. By the way, Bill turned 82 the day the carving arrived at my post box. Good health and many happy returns of the day, Bill – from all of us at Southern Cross Free Trappers.