U P Muzzle Loaders- news

Time ran in reverse last week when the UP Muzzle Loaders Association (UPMLA) celebrated its 33rd annual Rendezvous in Pelkie.
The Ottawa Sportsmen's Club (OSC) on M-38 opens its arms and grounds to the organization that embraces pre-1940s living. Men, women and children dress in the style of the day--buck skins, home spun shirts, moccasins--then compete for fun at various survival skills.
"We expect 30 lodges," said Sandy Henkel Thursday, July 16, 2009, at the OSC. "Multiply that by three or four people, and we'll have over 100 here."
Visitors cruise the grounds free of charge to enjoy the contests and easy banter by UPMLA members. Adults and children alike are knowledgeable about the times they enjoy reliving each summer at the OSC, and at other rendezvous' across the midwest.
The group's purpose is to preserve the history and tradition of muzzle-load shooting. Its members embrace the pre-1840's fashions and skills as well, dressing the part and practicing at monthly meetings held year round, the competing each summer at the Rendezvous.
Events kicked off Thursday with the longbow shoot featuring separate contests for men, women, and children. Friday featured the smooth-bore rifle shoot. There were also tomahawk and knife throws, again for both sexes and almost all ages.
On the lighter side (but not really!), women participate in a distance frying pan throw and men compete at throwing 20-pound hammers. To add a bit of zest to the competition. the men selflessly volunteer as targets for the women.
"The men stand out in the field and we throw at them," Henkel laughed. "The have to get out of the way." Asked if the ladies return the favor, Henkel smiled and snapped, "Silly woman! This is the 1840's--not equal opportunity!"
Saturday brought the annual open-sight muzzle-loader shoot at distances of 25, 50, and 100 feet, followed by a pot luck, annual meeting, awards presentation, and a raffle of prizes that have been handsomely crafted by skilled UPMLA traders.
The weekend wrapped up on Sunday with a Woods Walk. Teams of three to four people take turns traversing a course rigged with various pre-1840's obstacles including wildlife decoys that ideally would like to eat them first.
It's a light-hearted approach to the serious business of survival, and UPMLA members of all ages enjoy sharing their skills and interest with guests throughout the annual four-dayRendezvous. Ten-year-old Nick Nabkey of Cedar Springs is already a 10-year veteran of the event.
"I've been doing this since I was six weeks old!" said the smiling youngster, clad in a billowing cotton shirt, loose shorts and buckskin vest. Nabkey slipped off a "pucker toes" elk hide mocassin to show off the shoe that he helped craft.
He came to the Rendezvous with his grandparents. In the shade of Gary and Jan Hill's Red Hawk Traders tent, filled with various bone, wrought-iron and leather-crafted items for sale, Nabjey also demonstrated how to start a fire with flint until he was shooed be his nervous elders.
Participants in the Rendezvous typically pitch and sleep in traditional-style tents of hide or heavy fabric, though more modern accommodations are welcome as well. Wet and chilly weather last weekend put a bit of a damper on the event, but the pioneer spirit prevailed.
"There is something awful about 90-degree weather and tents," Henkel said, then optimistically added, "This isn't too bad. The wind keeps the bugs away."