Why is this period so completely ignored?

[wildman1]

+++  WM

[Caleb Hobbs]

I don't see a need for different classes or modern, electronic timers. I'm afraid it would only encourage a race mentality, which is what I'd like to get away from. I'm coming at this from the rendezvous approach -- here are the targets, a hit is ten points, a miss is zip. Add it up at the end of the match and high point wins. A tie requires a shoot-off, or a knife throw, or a... Distances can vary according to the range, and something like a woods walk or a renegade attack can add a lot of fun to an event without a lot of extra work. Most stage set-ups I've seen would also work, just don't shoot it with a timer and include a few targets that will scatter the final scores.

I've set up shoots using watermelon gourds, squash, prickly pear pads, chili peppers, pieces of cork, wooden dowels, charcoal, ice (in winter), and even a skillet from a junk shop set waay out there, because I wasn't sure how much punishment it could take if it was hit too many times. I generally tried to set up a match as fair as possible; for every long range target that favored a rifle, I'd include something to favor a smoothbore. I'd really like to get away from electronic timer and racing the clock. With SASS, NCOWS, Western Three-Gun, Wild Bunch, etc., there are plenty of those types of matches readily available.

Nothing's set in stone at this point, and bumping the time back to 1865 is certainly feasible.

[JimBob]

I see many thoughts on the persona to recreate and the firearms that would be representative of such a person except what was probably the largest group of that period,the settler with his smoothbore whether it be a surplus or cutdown musket or a boughten shotgun.Just a thought.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

I'd really like to get away from electronic timer and racing the clock.

Nothing's set in stone at this point, and bumping the time back to 1865 is certainly feasible.

The plainsman and the buffalo hunter prided themselves on accuracy, not speed.  I cast my vote for this.

The 1865 time line works for my group so we would also cast our vote for this as well.

Our little group also adds wood bows and arrows, tomahawk throwing, knife throwing and other items into the mix as well.   I think that a general guide line for the national / international group would work with individual groups adding their own into the mix.

[Caleb Hobbs]

It sounds like the consensus is for an 1865 cut off date, which works for me -- 1840 to 1865. I emailed Marshal Halloway last week about our own forum for the Plainsmen period, and he replied that he was out of town, but that it was a possibility. I'll write him again tonight and see what he thinks. I like your thoughts on accuracy over speed, TwoWalks, and JimBob, ain't no reason we can't find a way to include a settler.

[TwoWalks Baldridge]

It sounds like the consensus is for an 1865 cut off date, which works for me -- 1840 to 1865. I emailed Marshal Halloway last week about our own forum for the Plainsmen period, and he replied that he was out of town, but that it was a possibility. I'll write him again tonight and see what he thinks. I like your thoughts on accuracy over speed, TwoWalks, and JimBob, ain't no reason we can't find a way to include a settler.

the "The American Plainsmen Society" is in the process of being added. 

The dates 1840 - 1865 begins where the fur trade groups end and ends where GAF begins.  I feel that covers the percussion period and the plainsman hay day very well.  I like where this is headed, thanks for the insight and work Caleb.

[Caleb Hobbs]

Thanks to the many of you who posted your ideas and suggestions here, The American Plainsmen Society is now a reality with its own CasCity home. Check it out, and let's see where this trail leads us.

Thanks also to St. George and Silver Creek Slim for the space in the Historical Society forum to get this new board started.

Best,
Caleb

[boilerplatejackson]

Here in Kansas, we have a diversity of living history. As mentioned elsewhere Fort Scott provides Mexican War era, as well
as Civil War era encampments. The opening of the Kansas Territory has many annual and bi annual KT battle reenactments held
on or near the actual battlefields. But the participants are limited to specific CW reenactment groups whom do a very good  job
with the civilian impressions. Live fire shooters they are not.

So far what we have is SASS, NCOWS, and mountain man rendevious. What we also need are specific Plainsmen events
that include 1840 thru 1869 for a variety of Plains rifles, handguns and fowlers. I think between KTMA, KMA, and NCOWS
we could have more plainsmen events. Defining what those events could be would be fun.

[Caleb Hobbs]

I agree, and I'd like to see some of these events take place in Kansas. Right now we're talking about getting together at one event a year, at least until we grow a little larger. Like GAFs annual Muster. It's coming.