NMLRA Spring National Shoot

[susie s]

It's only a few weeks away-NMLRA Spring Shoot-June 11-19 at Friendship, IN. It was a long winter's wait.
Come visit with us-see you on the range and around the campfire. S

 

[jdixon]

If someone were to plan on a one day trip just watch, check out vendors etc., which day of the week would be the best in your estimation?

 

[susie s]

Beginning of the shoot. The first Sat. and Sun. it is quite crowded if the weather is nice, but pretty well everyone is set up. Get there early to get easy parking and avoid the traffic back up. Local organizations man the parking areas and there is a charge. The first part of the week is pretty good, too. I shop early to get the "best" flints, etc. There are traders in the primitive, also, mostly at the beginning of the week. A ticket gets you everywhere for the day. By the end of the week a lot are packing up to attend other functions and by the last Sunday most are getting ready to go home. If you're a member you don't pay a gate fee, show your membership card, neither does anyone under 16-don't remember if 16 does or not for sure. If you have your membership card and are a registered shooter you can get up to 10 lb. of powder at a time at the powder measure between 2 and 4. I think you have to have a driver's license and be over 18, too. Been a while since I've been on powder detail. Museum is open in the afternoon, gunmaker's hall is open during the day, and different activities are going on during the shoot. Check out the NMLRA site. Lots and lots to see from slug guns to pistol, shotgun, primitive and everything inbetween. S

 

[susie s]

Also, there are lots of people there from Kentucky! S

 

[susie s]

Upon thinking for a while, I think you have to be 21 to buy powder. Check out the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association site and click on attending activities for a full blurb! S :sorry:

 

[jdixon]

Yes, I am a member but, have never been to one of the shoots or even to Friendship. Planning on correcting that next month. Got a buddy who is very interested in BP stuff as well, will be draggin him along. As for the 18 or 21 stuff, unfortunately there isn't a problem there. When you say get there early, what time does it open up?

 

[susie s]

Hard to say-I camp, don't wear a watch, and time isn't too relevant to me at the Nationals. We shoot when we're ready, eat when we have a break, and fall into bed much earlier than we used to! Can some one help? I'd say 8 or so. Line starts shooting at 7:30, Primitive later. Depends on which day it is for primitive-most of the time at 9 for them. Gate opens real early. I'd say most vendors would be open at least by 9, a lot of them earlier. All I know is that by 10 or so on Sat. and Sunday on nice days the traffic is really backed up both ways. Can walk to town faster than drive! There's this huge flea market in town and to the east of the range that is also a big draw and adds to the congestion. Don't mistake it for the shoot grounds! Then they've got these horse-drawn wagons hauling people from one end to the other that add to the congestion. Be sure to come. Look the place over, next time stay awhile, shoot. There's something for everyone. The more times you go, the more people you know and the better it gets. Ask anyone what's going on-it's a pretty friendly place on the most part. You'll get a map and program at the main gate on the north side of the road across from the bridge. You'll recognize a lot of the vendors from Muzzleblasts. There are food stands and a decent cafeteria on the grounds where you can get OK food and dozens of food stands in both flea markets. S

 

[djnye]

just a note. i will be there somewhere in primative. just look for the basketman. will have several packbaskets. also will have some skatagan(hopefully i will have some fresh ones so one can see what they look like whole--i'm back out working in the woods now and run into it often). also, on sunday morning will be demonstrating making ramrods from scratch. also will have at least a couple bowdrill fire kits for the taking. will bring my bark canoe again also. best thing is i might bring my daughter this year if she will grace me with her presence.

take care, daniel

 

[susie s]

Will stop and say HI. I remember the canoe and talking to you last year. Once our kids finally got to go with us, there was no way we could leave them home! Tom (32) still goes with us. The other one is in Alaska or she'd be there, too. Never heard of a skatagen ::-will be looking forward to seeing whatever that is! S

 

[djnye]

susie, skatagan is what some on this board refer to as tinder fungus. has similar function to charred material but a very different form. you can buy it mailorder(i think townsend offers it) but i would not trust a source like that for it needs to be harvested fresh--while the tree is still living--to be good. even then only part of the conk is really very useful. but when you see it work it is amazing. stop by and we'll play with some.

take care, daniel