NMLRA at the Old Northwest

[ohio ramrod]

Becky Waterman, the president of the NMLRA was at the old Northwest for two days. It is the first time in many years that a current president of the NMLRA attended an Old Northwest. I don't know what started the "feud" between the buckskinners and the target shooters but it is past time that we put past differences behind and work together. Divided we fall, united we stand! I aplaud Becky for her attendance and out reach to us buckskinners, Ramrod, the popcorn man

 

[Many Klatch]

Becky has been a fixture on the Primitive Range at Friendship for years. She always camps with the Primitive crowd and she is a good shooter. She does shoot on mainside as well, but that is because she loves to shoot shotguns.

There was a period where the NMLRA seemed to turn against the "primitive" shooters, but they seem to have come to appreciate us now.

Many Klatch

 

[akapennypincher]

READ

 

[meanmike8665]

I did, so?
Michael

 

[Ringel05]

I did, so?
Michael

Yeah, I don't get his point either. :idunno:

 

[akapennypincher]

I did, so?
Michael

Yeah, I don't get his point either. :idunno:

History lesson, and the NRLHO, how it is, was, and could be part of the NMLRA.

The Paper Puncher, and the buckskinners has always had problem getting along, and working in a single direction. Each group has people who want the other group to go away.

Maybe the New Lady President can keep the children from fighting like a kindergarten teacher...LOL.

 

[necchi]

Maybe the New Lady President can keep the children from fighting like a kindergarten teacher...LOL.

I don't see that happening here in Minn.
For starters this area is the Old Northwest.
Minn, Wisc, Mich.

I don't really see them as fighting like kids, it's just a different focus. Rendezvous folks have invested a lot of $$ in camps and gear, the NMLRA folks haven't.

But more to point about what they call the Midwest is that the local state leadership of NMLRA has no problem belittling Rendezvous participants. If you attend the Territorial shoot at GRRC and talk about Rendezvous you will be openly laughed at. If you place in the shooting events you won't receive congratulations and back slaps for a well done, but instead be handed your ribbon with a sneer.

Several years ago I was NMLRA and did my job to receive RO certification and did do my part as RO at the Territorial. The local Reps are decent guys but the man in charge made it clear to me I did not fit in. I suffered the day being insulted with what may have been an attempt at humor,,,
So I just stopped participating, each year I get letters begging to help out, even re-certifying my expired RO for a very small fee.
Of the dozen or more clubs in Minn, 1 is NMLRA affiliated.
There are "paper punchers" at Rendezvous all over the true Old Northwest, and most clubs hand out prizes of significant value along with the ribbon.

(I'd say this differently if this weren't a family site)
I don't dislike the NMLRA, I just don't care to participate.

 

[Adui]

Rendezvous folks have invested a lot of $$ in camps and gear, the NMLRA folks haven't.

And THAT distinction is why I will likely never join any reenactment group. I have precious little cash to spend, and cant afford to go spend hundreds (thousands??) on equipment just to be "PC" Id rather buy what I can afford and save the rest for more guns and ammo..

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to go primitive camping with a group, just don't expect my gear to be all PC, I get what I can afford and do without what I cant.

 

[Ringel05]

I did, so?
Michael

Yeah, I don't get his point either. :idunno:

History lesson, and the NRLHO, how it is, was, and could be part of the NMLRA.

The Paper Puncher, and the buckskinners has always had problem getting along, and working in a single direction. Each group has people who want the other group to go away.

Maybe the New Lady President can keep the children from fighting like a kindergarten teacher...LOL.

So typical group, personal politics (i.e. egos). Got it.

 

[akapennypincher]

Problem I have seen going on for years in different shooting groups is one want their cause give priority over someone else's cause. Management, Director, or Club Officer in charge are always in a position of who cause is more important.

Someone always feels slighted, and so the battle goes on.

Or the people running the show don't even listen to member complains, suggestions, or ideas.

Like in private in industry there is an attitude if you knew so much, you would be in charge, and not just a member, or working performing some menial job.

 

[Ringel05]

Problem I have seen going on for years in different shooting groups is one want their cause give priority over someone else's cause. Management, Director, or Club Officer in charge are always in a position of who cause is more important.

Someone always feels slighted, and so the battle goes on.

Or the people running the show don't even listen to member complains, suggestions, or ideas.

Like in private in industry there is an attitude if you knew so much, you would be in charge, and not just a member, or working performing some menial job.

More often than not it's the type "A"s who end up in charge and more often than not it's the type "A" who haven't learned real management skills or are so locked into their egos they can't see past their noses. I've had more than my share of that type in the reenacting community, thankfully I've had the pleasure of the few rare ones in charge who are also successful in their daily occupations and knew how to treat people and reach a consensus.

 

[tecum-tha]

Again? Local people may vary, but the NMLRA and the NRLHF will probably sooner or later come back together. The reason is simply, that the membership grows older (and did obviously not get the next generation involved successfully).
Things are looking brighter with the grandchildren of todays members, but that still leaves a gap to be closed.
All positions are volunteer positions, so whoever wants to donate his time and wants to get engaged is welcome. Who gets enough votes from the membership will be voted in.
The hurdles to participate in reenactments are higher, because one needs to invest more cash in camp stuff. But in Friendship one can camp across the road and still shoot primitive. And a simple primitive outfit does not break the bank. Most things can be made at home, the pioneers did so too....

 

[ohio ramrod]

So true about making it your self. The reason I got into buckskinning years ago was that it was realatively cheap to get started. Back then we made or bartered for our camp items. The sad fact is the few people getting into buckskinning today start out with a new trailer, new tent ( any major rendezvous will have lodges for sale by people getting to old to pound tent stakes. ) and buying new clothes and camp goodies. (last year I made and sold an ice box to a man who wanted one exactly like mine. Cost for mine when I made it: about seventy five dollars and a lot of time and salvaged copper flashing. Cost of materials to make a new one out of copper and solid brass fittings $365.00 Plus $135 for labor total cost $500. Getting started today can still be reasonable but it takes time and effort. :idunno: