<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" color=3D#000080></FONT></STRONG>&n=
bsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" color=3D#000080>Granted there must=
have been challenges (probably alcohol induced) ;) that involved shoot=
ing, but common sense (which isn't so common) tells us that men in the mount=
ains didn't 'waste' bullets and powder on target-shooting as we do today.</F=
ONT></STRONG></DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" color=3D#000080></FONT></STRONG>&n=
bsp;</DIV>
<DIV><STRONG><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS" color=3D#000080>Barney</FONT></STR=
ONG></DIV></BODY></HTML>
- -------------------------------1082561330--
- ----------------------
hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 20:01:18 -0600 (MDT)
From: beaverboy@sofast.net
Subject: Re: MtMan-List: shooting contests
Dear List,
It's interesting that you mention the "waste bullets and powder". As I
read the "Rendezvous Reader" it amazed me how many times the trappers
shot off their guns as they charged on their horses in excitement at
seeing someone, a landmark or a waterhole. I love shooting my gun too
but I wouldn't want to clean it that much.
Also, if you read "Captured by the Indians" you might notice a few too
many misfires that cost people their freedom (or death) at the hands of
the savages.
bb
> In a message dated 4/21/2004 6:38:45 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
> Rifleman1776@cox-internet.com writes:
> And both powder and lead were scarce and expensive commodities.
> Exactly! From what I remember, most of the 'contests' involved physical
> strength, speed, horsemanship, gambling, etc.
>
> Granted there must have been challenges (probably alcohol induced) ;) that
> involved shooting, but common sense (which isn't so common) tells us that
> men in
> the mountains didn't 'waste' bullets and powder on target-shooting as we
> do
> today.
>
> Barney
>
- ----------------------
hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 21:09:55 -0600 (MDT)
From: beaverboy@sofast.net
Subject: MtMan-List: Drunken Grizzlies
Dear List,
Drove over Marias Pass today and went by the big 29 train car
derailment down the side of the mountain. 29 cars loaded with corn from
Iowa! What a mess that was!
They clean it up as much as they can but they can't get it all.
The Grizzlies will eat the fermented corn in a month or so and get
drunk!! Think your brother-in-law is a bear when he gets drunk!!!
Drunk Grizzlies! You got to love that!
bb
- ----------------------
hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 21:15:03 -0600 (MDT)
From: beaverboy@sofast.net
Subject: RE: MtMan-List: Gobble Gobble!
Nice Goin to you Sean! I'm glad you got your bird too!
Doesn't sound like too many others have gotten their birds yet.
Missouri's season just opened last Monday though. I think Montana might
be a week or two earlier than others states.
Looking forward to shooting at Wild Horse. We can tell each other fish
tales when there.
bb
> Got mine!! They sound like twin birds almost. Its been a good year around
> here for the turkeys, mild winter, dry spring, summer full of hoppers (in
> my garden anyway). Even used one of those new fangled unreliable
> per-suction
> guns. It was a bit bigger load than your fusee. probably double in gauge,
> double in barrel too. Nice goin bb!
>
>
>>From: beaverboy@sofast.net
>>Reply-To: hist_text@lists.xmission.com
>>To: hist_text@xmission.com
>>Subject: MtMan-List: Gobble Gobble!
>>Date: Sun, 18 Apr 2004 13:09:22 -0600 (MDT)
>>
>>Dear List,
>> Just got done watching Night & Hale on the Outdoor Channel. They
>>were turkey hunting. It got me to thinking about how all these guys
>>on the Outdoor Channel are packing AND selling all the latest gizmo
>>to get that bird or buck with. ItÆs amazing the guns and other gear
>>they use now compared to when I was a kid hunting turkeys in the
>>Missouri woods. They didnÆt have hot turkey shells back then or
>>even decoys. We shot all our turkeys back then with 2 3/4ö high
>>brass regular 4 or 6 shot shells. And killed just as many turkeys.
>>We had only about eight calls to chose from too. Most of my buddies
>>and me packed break open single shot .12 ga back then. 2 3/4"
>>chambers.
>> I got my Gobbler last Monday morning. A year and a day to last
>>years bird. Last year I got mine on Easter Morning, this year I had
>>Monday off so decided to go Monday instead of Easter.
>> Hiked halfway up the mountain through and around snowdrifts up to
>>my knees. Finally found a flock of ten birds or so but they would
>>not respond much to my calls. Such a pretty sight, turkeys walking
>>the snow crust. I knew the area well so figured out where they were
>>going and ran ahead of them to ambush them.
>> Ended up getting a 20 lb Tom with 3/4öspurs and an 8ö beard. 1
>>ounce of #5 with 85 grain
- ----------------------
hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 03:55:00 +0000
From: amm1616@comcast.net
Subject: Re: MtMan-List: Shooting Contests
Ed,
Here are a few entries that I pulled up on shooting at marks
and why the mountaineers shoot off their guns. These mostly came
from the manuscript of my second book, which should be out shortly.
I hope they help.
mike.
...in the mean time all fire arms are being examined, shot off and reloaded to be all in readiness for an attack. And we are well prepared for it; all the wagoners are well armed, William and the DctrÆs company, and within our little tent we have twelve sure rounds, a double-barreled shot gun, a pair of holster and one pair of belt pistols,
Susan Magoffin, p. 193, 1847
On the 8th [10th] of March 1824 [1823] all things ready we shoved off from the shore fired a swivel which was answered by a Shout from the shore which we returned with a will and porceed up stream under sail
James Clyman, p. 9, 1823
[at the rendezvous]Here we found the hunting Parties all assembled waiting for the arrival of Supplies from the States. Here presented what might be termed a mixed multitude The whites were chiefly Americans and Canadian French with some Dutch, Scotch, Irish, English, halfbreed, and full blood Indians, of nearly every tribe in the Rocky Mountains. Some were gambling at Cards some playing the Indian game of hand and others horse racing while here and there could be seen small groups collected under shady trees relating the events of the past year all in good Spirits and health for Sickness is a Stranger seldom met with in these regions. Sheep Elk Deer Buffaloe and Bear Skins mostly supply the Mountaineers with clothing bedding and lodges while the meat of the same animals supplies them with food. They have not the misfortune to get any of the luxuries from the civilized world but once a year and then in such small quantities that they last but a few days.
Osborne Russell, pp. 58-59, 1837
We were upon the water this morning at half past three, were more than two hours ashore for breakfast, reached the mouth of the Cowlitz River at noon and encamped for the night at 5 oÆclock when we all turned out to a target and were at complete counters. It was rifles against guns and guns against riflesà If we continued on at this rate, thought I, we may like the Bow Bell Train bands, so far improve as to be enabled to discharge our pieces without blinking.
Francis Ermatinger, p. 99, 1828
A small Cannon brought up from St Louis was loaded and fired for a salute.
Jedediah Smith, p. 197, 1827
July 4th
We travelled a short distance to-day when on arriving at a large spring of most delicious water situated in a beautiful grove, where we concluded to spend the National Anniversary of American Independence; and accordingly our hunters went out in the afternoon and killed several very fat buffalo, which were dressed and the choice parts prepared for a grand feast on the morrow. When the morn of the glorious fourth first dawned we gave three salutes, spent the morning in various kinds of amusement, and at noon partook of our national dinner, which was relished the better as we had a small portion of good old brandy, which we drank in a few minutes, deeply regretting that we had not a small portion of what was that day destroyed by the millions of freemen in the States.ù The remainder of the day was celebrated by drinking toasts, singing songs, shooting at mark, running, jumping and practising on our horsesùhaving the two Spaniards still with us, who learned us many singular pranks, and were a valuable addition to our company, as they created a great deal of fun, and were always in a good humor.
Zenas Leonard, pp. 216-17, 1834
July 28th
Before he went off, however, Mr. MÆLellan, to show him [an Indian who was captured] the effects of fire-arms in the hands of the whites, set up a piece of board, with a white spot on it, only two inches in diameter, and in three successive shots, at a hundred yards distance, with his rifle he pierced the bullÆs eye; then stopping up the holes of two of the shots, put a hazel-nut in the third, and broke it with two successive shots at the same distance.
Alexander Ross, p. 198, 1812
After the pipes were extinguished, all agreed to have a frolic shooting at a mark which occupied the remainder of the dayà
Osborne Russell, pp. 114-6
> Folks, another question: What do you have as history on different types of
> shooting games/challenges that would be accomplished at rendezvous? I am
> interested in how they showed their marksmanship skills while hanging out
> together.
>
> Ed "Brother Bear" Stuart
>
>
> ----------------------
> hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
- ----------------------
hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 08:18:45 -0500
From: "John McKee" <stitchin@sirisonline.com>
Subject: MtMan-List: Re Drunken Grizzlies & a question
BB,
It's good to see that our Iowa corn is getting a different use than it
was intended for! It also looks like it will make for a good turkey harvest
in the years to come too.
By the way BB, what is a good set for the two muskrats that have just
invaded my pond? I understand from the locals that muskrats are hell on the
pond damns and I want to send them to their great reward ASAP. Thanks for
any info. John
The Stitchin' Scotsman
100% Handsewn Elkhide garments
and moccasins
Manu Forti
www.stitchinscotsman.com
- ----- Original Message -----
From: <beaverboy@sofast.net>
To: <hist_text@xmission.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2004 10:09 PM
Subject: MtMan-List: Drunken Grizzlies
Dear List,
Drove over Marias Pass today and went by the big 29 train car
derailment down the side of the mountain. 29 cars loaded with corn from
Iowa! What a mess that was!
They clean it up as much as they can but they can't get it all.
The Grizzlies will eat the fermented corn in a month or so and get
drunk!! Think your brother-in-law is a bear when he gets drunk!!!
Drunk Grizzlies! You got to love that!
bb
- ----------------------
hist_text list info: http://www.xmission.com/~drudy/mtman/maillist.html
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2004 03:10:35 -0500
From: hawknest4@juno.com
Subject: Re: MtMan-List: Re muskrat sets
I personally like a drownding set---and i like to use fresh apple for a
bait on a stick over the trap---tye the chain to a rock with wire and
keep a leg of wire off it about 10 ft long ty this to the bank muskrat
gets in the trap and goes for deep water and the rock will drownd it to
retreve just grab the wire and pull him in and reset---can catch several
off the same set without tearing up the souroundings---
