Upper Peninsula
Muzzle Loading Association


  News & Notes2016 →July 6, 2016 L'Anse Sentinel Story


Newspaper Coverage of UPMLA Rendezvous in Baraga

Story from L'Anse Sentinal of L'Anse, Michigan

[img:nn16-g1]
[img:nn16-g2]
RIFLEMAN—John Pera of Wakefield takes a bead on the target during the Rifle Shooting Match at last summer's Rendezvous in Baraga. Pera is currently the president of the UPMLA. Photo courtesy of Sigurd Utych.   [Larger image]
      [img:nn16-g2]
PAN THROW—Rose Sutton of Phillips, WI shows admirable form in the formidable Pan Throwing competition. Photo courtesy of Sigurd Utych.   [Larger image]
by Nancy Besonen

The pioneer sprit will be alive and entertaining July 14-16 when the Upper Peninsula Muzzleloaders Association (UPMLA) holds its 40th Rendezvous at the Ottawa Sportsmen's Club on M-38 in Baraga.

The organization celebrates and helps preserve the skills and lifestyles of early settlers, more specifically, pre-1840's. It also works to promote safety, good sportsmanship and fellowship among its members and beyond.

During the Annual Rendezvous weekend in Baraga UPMLA men, women and even a few children embrace the past by camping, cooking, dressing and competing accordingly—with a whole lot of fun thrown in.

The public is also welcome to step back in time, and visit the Rendezvous free of charge. Members of the UPMLA camp on-site in pioneer-style lodges, though a few may opt to enjoy the comforts of more modern camping.

In the pioneer spirit of trading, handmade leather, bead and ironworks may also be sold by UPMLA members at the Rendezvous. The biggest draw of the weekend, though, are the various competitions that test the mettle (plus tomahawks, hammers and even fry pans!) of participants.

Spectator-style events begin Thursday, July 14 with Long Bow Shooting at 2 p.m. and the Long Distance Rifle Shoot at 5 p.m. All shooting events are staged at the club's shooting range behind the Ottawa Sportsmen's clubhouse.

Friday, July 15 opens with the Smoothbore Shoot at 10 a.m. The afternoon is action-packed with Hawk and Knife Throwing at 1 p.m.; Hammer Throwing at 3 p.m.; Rolling Pin Throwing at 4 p.m.; Primitive Fire Starting at 5 p.m. and a Rifle Fun Shoot at 6 p.m.

There's also live music around the campfire Friday night featuring acoustic guitar, singing and local talent.

Saturday morning's schedule begins with the Rifle Shooting Matches at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. There's a Pistol Shooting Match at 3 p.m., Rifle Match for Junior Members at 4 p.m. and a Pot Luck Dinner and Open Fire Cook-Off at 6 p.m.

Throughout the weekend UPMLA members may also participate in the Woods Walk. A trail set up behind the club's trap range features a variety of targets for smooth bores and pistol shooting, offering both challenges and entertainment.

Jerry Glisson of Pelkie, a UPMLA Board Member, said the Baraga State Park also used to host a Rendezvous each summer as an educational feature for campers. Glisson said UPMLA members would set up their lodges, demonstrate skills and interact with campers in the spirit of the past.

"We had demos (including the tomahawk throw and other skill/strength tests) and we'd allow campers to try, too," Glisson said. "The kids wanted to do it all day long!"

Glisson said spectators have to stand behind the shooting line to watch shooting events at the Rendezvous, but other contests allow closer inspection, including some old-fashioned fun.

Good-natured hooting and hollering during contests, especially throwing ones, aren't just allowed. They're encouraged.

Glisson had French rolling pins crafted for the Rolling Pin throw, and has dressed up a dummy to look like a woodsman. To add some authenticity, he also planted some bags of powder on the target so they'd burst when the women hit their marks.

The 40th UPMLA Rendezvous will draw to a close Saturday, July 16 with a dinner, business meetings and elections, an awards ceremony and raffles. For more information, please see upmuzzleloaders.com—or come on out and Rendezvous July 14-16 in Baraga.


[img:nn16-g3]
FIRE MAN—Bob Lukes of Sheldon, WI sits back and admires the flames he sparked during the Fire Starting Competition of last summer's Rendezvous. Photo courtesy of Sigurd Utych.   [Larger image]
      [img:nn16-g4]
LONGBOW LADIES—Winners of the Women's Longbow Competition at the 2015 UPMLA Rendezvous included, l-r, Sandy Hebert of Ishpeming, Sandy Henkel of Pelkie, Holly Lukes of Sheldon, WI and Madeleine Bourdon of Arlington, TX. Photo courtesy of Sigurd Utych.   [Larger image]

Copyright © Upper Peninsula Muzzle Loading Assn, Inc.   All rights reserved - 04Nov16