Who were you?

While browsing around the 'net, I found this great site that gives advice for folks on choosing a persona for the buckskinning hobby.

Here are some highlights:

One of the most popular characters in the U.S. is the American Mountain Man or 'buckskinner'. Such a look is characterized by a complete wardrobe made from buckskin, usually in an Indian style—war shirt, breech-clout, leggings, moccasins, etc., with a fur hat and lots of quillwork or beadwork.

This look tends to be what people can drift into when they first get into living history, especially since we get much our information from the States.

There is nothing wrong with depicting a mountain man. Just remember that mountain men were American free trappers, (not traders, part of the reason the Indians hated them so much), and they date to the 1830's. Any mountain man who successfully evaded the Blackfoot and their allies and made it as far north as Rocky Mountain House or Fort Augustus with his load of furs would doubtless become a major celebrity — as far as I know, none of them even tried.

In general, traders in the Northwest did not 'go native' or even wear native dress, as this quotation from the Mandan journal of Mr. Charles McKenzie (July, 1806) illustrates :

'I heard my name called at the door of the lodge by a voice which was familiar, and enquiring if I was within. I hastened to the door, dressed as I was in the Indian costume, and was much surprised at seeing Mr. Charles Chabollez, [Jr.], Mr. Alexander Henry [the younger], and Mr. Allen Macdonel [sic], accompanied by three men. Their first salutation was a reproach at my dress...' (cited in Henry, 346)

Now granted, this site is geared towards Canadian reenactors, but what a great resource.

Check it out

Time to change direction

A lot has happened since I first decided to put this blog together. To be honest, it's really been sitting unused for a few months while I decided which direction to go. Do I write about hard-core tips and tricks and our trials and tribulations in the woods? Do I talk about events, what happened, who was there?

There are all kinds of folks who get into the buckskinning hobby. Some folks are really into the history. Some get into it because they love to shoot blackpowder rifles and pistols. Everyone needs a place to drink beer and some folks are there because it was either this or the bowling league. :)

Some folks do treks and pack-in their gear, some wouldn't do it without the ability to drive-in and drop off their equipment. Whether you are a hard-core purist or are happy to wear a borrowed shirt and some off-the-shelf mocs, buckskinning is a hobby that you can take as far as you want. It is really about the individual. There are groups to meet everyone's particular interests and needs.

The most important thing to remember about buckskinning is to get out there and do it. You can only learn so much about yourself from the quiet of your living room or library. The smell of woodsmoke is contagious and the fun you'll have can't be matched anywhere else.

So I'll be here in our little camp in the far corner of the Internet. This won't be a blog about problems with groups or any sort of organizational rants - Lord knows there are enough of those out there already. I have a group of folks who will be writing with me and this will be our take on what is happening with the world of buckskinning - online and in the wilds.

If you like the direction this blog is going, write me and let me know. If you don't like it, let me know that, too. And if you have a lot of opinions and suggestions on a lot of things, let's talk about getting you added into the blog team as a writer.

So to all the buckskinners out there who never wanted to take it to the next level, to all of you who wear your yellow chrome-tanned buckskins with pride, to those who don't understand why you should take the modern, adjustable sight off of your Cabela's Hawken rifle for the shooting contest, for those who are in this hobby to blow off steam on the weekends and get away from house and job - this post is for you.

Thanks for coming out to the events and having a good time. :)

- Many Rifles