MICHIGAN STATE MUZZLELOADING ASSOCIATION NEWS

MICHIGAN STATE MUZZLELOADING ASSOCIATION
NEWS LETTER
JULY/AUGUST 2016
MY FINAL ONE
When you see Al Pichan or Serge Bourdeaux, you need
to ask them about the in-line aggregate they shot.
Quite a story.
Having a match named after you is a very big honor
bestowed on the shooting membership. Eric Hoskinson
had a match named after him by the match naming
committee. Match 34 "Pistol/Revolver match" will
now be known as the Eric Hoskinson match.
Congratulations Eric. Eric has been doing the computer
work, for the scoring tabulations, for about twentyfive years. Thanks Eric.
The 2016 State Shoot is in the record books. The
weather was a little bit rocky at times and the heat was
a bit much at other times. Other than that it was a
good week.
The winner of the State Shoot Rifle raffle was Matt
Crum. I sold Matt the winning ticket while pestering
him on the line as I had done to several others.
Congratulations Matt on winning a fine firearm.
The Keeler Society voted in a new member this year.
The inductee was a well deserving individual and fine
shooter, Ira Thumma. Welcome Ira, to the Keeler
Society.
Lyle McGregor will be your new President. Grace
Pichan has accepted Treasurer. The new board
members are Joseph Valentin, Eric Hoskinson and
myself, David Maddox. Ira Thumma is completing the
last year of the board position vacated by Lyle (new
President).
I would like to thank all of the officers and board
members for their help the last three years. It helped
make my job easier. I would like to especially thank my
wife Marty for the fine job she did as treasurer the last
five years and also for helping out and putting up with
me during my term as President.
The State Association is still in need of a rifle builder
for 2017. If you or someone you know would like to
build a rifle for the State Association for 2017 please
let me or another board member know. The
association would buy the parts the only thing we are
asking for is the labor and your talent.
The membership approved GVCB's request to host the
State Shoot for 2018, 2019 & 2020 at Grand Valley Cap
n Ballers in Dorr.
The Association elected Board members and Officers
are listed below w/email addresses. Feel free to
contact them with any questions or concerns you may
have:
Russ Anderson ([email protected])
Ron Fernwalt ([email protected])
Eric Hoskinson ([email protected])
Ira Thumma ([email protected])
Lyle & Diane McGregor
([email protected])
Alan Pichan ([email protected])
Ron Smith ([email protected])
Joe Valentin ([email protected])
David McMurray ([email protected])
Serge Bourdeaux ([email protected])
David Maddox ([email protected])
Until my next writing shoot well and keep your
powder dry.
David Maddox
MSMLA President (Retired)
young man on how to shoot a flint lock rifle that he
loaned him. He assisted a different fellow with a lock
problem and answered another young club members
questions. He is known to do the same thing at
Friendship, both on the line and in the evening behind
Gun Makers Hall. Another instance was a fellow
shooter was having a problem with fit of his bench
gun. He kind of looked things over and said a few
words, and he disappeared. Here he comes back with
a rasp, some files and sand paper and he fixed it on the
spot. That’s the kind of guy he is.
Ira and his wife Sue live at 3841 W. Chippewa in
Shepard, Mi.
2016 KNIFE BUILDER
IRA THUMMA
Ira is a kind of guy that is hard to understand how
anyone so quiet could be so full of knowledge. Over
the years it has become easier to understand. Ira
listens and then he comments. He is no longer the
quiet individual we once knew. He has gained most of
his knowledge from doing and listening (he also knew
Pa Keeler, so he knew what Pa’s expectation were). Ira
has built many black powder firearms and the actions
that work them. He keeps playing the gun that he is
working with until it gets to where he wants it. He
doesn’t get discouraged. He may stop for a while and
think things thru, but he will get it. Ira also has the
knowledge to help you with most anything firearm
related. Whether it is powder charge, powder grade,
bullet design, barrel problems or action problems. It
really doesn’t seem to matter if he is in the middle of a
match or not, he will listen to you to see if he can help.
Ira is known to work with young people to teach them
the proper way to load (safely) and be very patient
with them to shoot a good target. Ira mentored a
The knife builder for 2016 was Jim Brotherton. The
late Scott Langworthy helped Jim start the knife and
Lyle Mcgregor helped him finish it. The sheath was
made by John Dyer from the Lansing Muzzle Loading
Gun Club. The knife was started in 2014. The handle
was made from an elk shot by Scott Langworthy in his
younger years. This is the first time a knife has been
built by these gentlemen.
KNIFE BUILDER FOR 2017
Joe valentine is our knife builder for 2017. Thank you
Joe for your support to the association.
SMOKING
It was passed by the board and membership that no
electronic cigarettes are allowed in the shooting area.
Above is our computer guy, Eric Hoskinson that won
the Novice Pistol aggregate this year. Congratulations
Eric on a job well done.
This years’ rifle raffle was a great success. Mike
Sullivan of Vassar built us a beautiful 58 caliber hawken
rifle. This was Mike's first build for the MSMLA but far
from his first rifle. The rifle also came with a shooting
bag built and donated by Ted Thelen. This is one of
many Ted has made and donated to the cause. We
also had a buffalo horn powder horn made by our old
friend Jack Dupree. In the shooting bag were some
round balls donated by Alan Pichon. This was a
complete set ready to go hunting. This year’s lucky
winner was present at the shoot! Matt Crum
withstood the shock of hearing his name called by
Jaden Wright. Jaden drew the lucky ticket from a pile
of almost 2700 tickets. I want to thank all of the
people who bought tickets in support of our sport. I
also want to give a big Thank You to all who helped sell
the tickets. They are easy to sell and so don't be
bashful next year. Give selling a few a try. It’s a lot of
fun and for a good cause.
We are still looking for a gun builder for next
year. Please call and let me know if you would like to
know about building one. Tell me what you want to
build and we will get you started. We are also starting
to look for a builder for 2018 and a knife builder for
2018. Many of you out there build guns and knives so
why not show your work. Everyone says they can't
make something nice enough but believe me when I
say yes you do. Call me and let’s get you started and
see how much your skills are appreciated. Lyle & Diane
McGregor ([email protected]
Allen Pichan used his Remington 700ML rifle that
he picked up in 99 when he went on a Moose hunt
with Serge Bourdeaux, but that's a different
story. Didn't have enough of the Powerbelt bullets
he had been using and went back to the Maxi-ball
bullets with 70 gr. of 3F Goex and a fiber
wad. Started to sight in on the 50 Yd. target when
he realized he was already down to 19 wads and
would need 20 for the match. That was when
Serge suggested using one of his sabots by
cutting off the wings and use the base as a
wad. Shot an X with it so it must have been a
good idea. Anyway while walking down range I
noticed all the sabots that Serge had shot and
were laying all over the ground and the wings on
them were already spread apart and made them
easy to trim off so I started using those. Serge
ended up asking me for some of his good ones
back because he was starting to run low. Anyway
Allen won a couple of targets and came in 2nd,
and Serge won a couple and edged me out for
1st. It was a fun match and am looking forward to
trying it again next year, already have a couple of
handfuls of "pre-engraved" sabots I picked after
Serge was done shooting.
Founders of
Manistee Muzzle Loading Club
Over a friendly game of pool in the basement of
Dick Lijewski's home, a club was formed by Bob
Adams and Dick Lijewski. In a few weeks, another
friend (a gun collector), John Fischer joined the
group. Every meeting brought in a few new faces.
Early club meetings were informal and held at
member's homes. While at one of these meetings
held over the pool table at Dick Lijewski's, the
name "Clan Muzzle Loading Club" was hashed
over and approved.
We, the individual owners of muzzle loading
arms, realizing the benefits to be derived from
organized rather than individual effort in rifle,
pistol and shotgun shooting, agree to advance
and promote this particular sport for the
common good of all members. By our efforts,
we hope to maintain high standards of
sportsmanship, safety and good fellowship
Lyle & Diane would like to thank all the club
members and competitors for the fun and relaxation
they provided. Even though we had to work to make
this weekend possible, we were truly able to enjoy
our weekend.
As always, pass along your stories. Brag about the
fun and help us to make this event grow.
When our paths cross again...
tiger & two dogs
among all who shall participate in this activity.
MEDALS
The medal recycling program is working fantastic. We
have 11 ½ years of Aggregate Medals and 2 ¾ years of
match medals.
GUN BUILDER
The association is in need of a gun builder for 2017
and 2018. Give Lyle McGregor a call if you are
interested at 989-746-0723
Now Selling GOEX, Schuetzen & Swiss
Call Jeff- 269-792-4384
Ron – 616-836--5760
RENDEZVOUS 2016
The Bridgeport Gun Club Fun Rendezvous has
come and gone. This year we saw more woman and
youth shooters. This was exciting to see them on the
line. Roberta P shared her pistol and in the end even
let her husband shoot it.
The Sanford Brigade had 17 members register.
Some participated and others visited. The Midland
Highlanders played for the evening campfires. So
much fun was had by all.
As we grow, our field was filled with 17 camps of
white canvas. What a beautiful sight! Only 1 minor
problem. Remington, Barb Ruby's grandson
informed us that the port-a-potty would not flush!
His imagination kept the whole camp laughing.
Thank you to Elaine for setting up the kid
activities. I believe that even the big kids had fun.
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the Breakfast Club.
Competitors filled up and were on the shooting line
on time to have lots of fun. Some targets proofed,
leaked and blew up.
Above we have Nicole Galiger Wright presenting the
trophy to her son Jayden which she had earned back in
her younger years while shooting as a youngster.
Congratulations Nicole and Jayden.
support the state association in what it does for
shooters around the state. Send check to MSMLA - Shotgun,
16808 Peach Ridge, Kent City, Mi. 49330. Thank you for your
support in advance.
RIFLE MATCH SPONSORS
2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
JULY 22 - 24
OPEN TRAP CHAMPIONSHIP
GRAND VALLEY CAP N Ballers
AUG 4 - 7 FRONTIER SHOOT 53RDGRAND Valley Cap N BALLERS™
AUG 13
MUZZLE LOADER & 22 CAL WOODS WALK
WHITE RIVER MUZZLELOADERS
AUG 13 - 14
PRIMITIVE RENDEZVOUS
COLUMBIAVILLE SPORTSMAN CLUB
AUGUST 14
WOODS WALK
Clinton River
Muzzle Loaders , Detroit Sportsman Congress
AUG 18 – 21
MSMLA STATE SHOTGUN CHAMPIONSHIPS
GRAND VALLEY CAP N BALLERS™
AUG 19 – 21
NMLRA MICH. RIFLE/PISTOL TERRITORIAL
BEAVERTON
AUG 26 - 28
BENZIE RENDEZVOUS BENZIE SPORTSMAN CLUB
AUG 27 - 28
LADIES RIFLE FROLIC
GRAND VALLEY CAP N BALLERS™
SEP 3 – 4
FALL SHOOT RENDEZVOUS
LANSING MUZZLE LOADING GUN CLUB
SEP 3 - 4
JACKPOT TRAP SHOOT
GRAND VALLEY CAP N BALLERS
SEP 10 – 18
N. M. L. R. A. NATIONAL MATCHES
FRIENDSHIP, INDIANA
SEP 11
WOODS WALK
Clinton River Muzzle
Loaders , Detroit Sportsman Congress
SEP 16 – 18
FALL RENDEZVOUS/SHOOT HOWARD CITY
Sep 17 -18
TURKEY SHOOT (EVERYBODY WINS)
LANSING MUZZLE LOADING GUN CLUB
SEP 17
FOUNDERS DAY WOODS WALK
WASHTENAW SPORTSMAN CLUB
SEP 17
SPORTING CLAYS (modern Shotgun)
GRAND VALLEY CAP N BALLERS™
SEP 18
FOUNDERS DAY LINE MATCH
WASHTENAW SPORTSMAN CLUB
SEP 4 TO NOV 6 WINTER AGG
BENZIE SPORTSMAN CLUB
SPONSORS
We are still accepting sponsors for matches for only
$25.00 a match. There are matches left at shotgun.
There were several matches that didn’t get sponsored
by clubs this year. Talk to your club and ask if they
wouldn’t sponsor a match. It helps defray the cost of
the matches and also lets people know that you
Match
1. 25 Yard Off Hand-------------2. 50 Yard Off Hand------- Manistee Clan Muzzle Loading Club
3. 50 Yard Rest------------------------------4. 100 Yd Rest-------------------Robert A. & Mary E. Elka
5. 50 Yard Rest-----------------Randy & Shelly MacInnes
6. 100 Yard Rest------------------Randy & Shelly MacInnes
7. 100 Yard Off Hand-----------Matt Crumb
9. 50 Yard X Stick-------------------Alex Maddox
10. 100 Yard X Stick-------------------------Matt Magdic
11. 50 Yard X Stick---------------JB & Marge Brotherton
12. 100 Yard X Stick-------------------13. 25 Yard Off Hand Flint--Janet Lanworthy in memory of Scott
Lanworthy
14. 50 Yard Off Hand Flint----------Washtenaw Sportsman Club
15. 100 Yard Off Hand Flint------------------16. 50 Yard X Stick – Flint----------------Ira & Sue Thumma (18)
17. 50 Yard Rest Flint----- David & Marty Maddox
20. 25 Yard Off Hand Women—
21. 50 Yard Off Hand Women---------Wayne & Pattie Baughman
22. 50 Yard X Stick Women------Tobacco River Muzzle Loaders
23. 50 Yard Rest Women----------David & Marty Maddox
26. 25 Yard Off Hand Juniors------------- Eric Hoskinson—The
Computer Guy
27. 50 Yard Rest Juniors------------30. 50 Yard Musket-----------------31. 100 Yard Musket------34. 25 Yard Pistol/Revolver
35. 50 Yard Pistol Revolver----------Serege Bourdeaux
36. 25 Yard Revolver-----------------37. 50 Yard Revolver---Serge Bourdeaux
38. 25 Yard Flint Pistol
39. 50 Yard Flint Pistol------Serge Bourdeaux
40. 50 Yard OH Co-ed
41. 25 Yd X Stix 11 yrs & Under—
42. 50 Yd Rest 11 yrs & Under---John & Diana Reist
43. 50 Yd Lite Bench Rest OS------ Wayne Baughman
44. 50 Yd Lite Bench Rest AMS-Pattie Baughman
45. 100 Yd Lite Bench Rest OS ------Wayne Lamson
46. 100 Yd Lite Bench Rest AMS----Matt Magdic
47. 25 Yard Off Hand---------------Jeffrey
48. 50 Tard Off Hand-------------Matt Crumb
49. 50 Yard X Stix------------------50. 50 Yard Rest-------------------51. 25 Yard Off Hand--------52. 50 Yard Off Hand---------------------53. 50 Yard X Stix-------------------Wes & Gloria Odell
54.
60.
61.
62.
63.
50 Yard Rest-------------------25 Yard OH Old Timers--------------------------50 Yard OH Old Timers----------------------50 Yard Rest Old Timers---------Clyde & Betty Carr
100 Yard Rest Old Timers-----------------
AGGREGATES
A.
Michigan State Championship—Grand Valley Cap N
Ballers™
B. Flint Off Hand Championship—
C. Women’s Championship-----------The Baughman Family
D. Junior Championship--------------Joe Valentin
E. Musket Championship----------------Dick Williams Gun Shop
F. Flint Lock Championship—Lyle & Diane McGregor
G. Serge Bourdeaux Pistol/Revolver--------- Sauk Trail Long Rifles
H. Bench Championship------------J B & Marge Brotherton
I. Cross Stick Championship---------Wayne Lamson
J. Off Hand Championship-------- J B & Marge Brotherton
K. Roy Keeler Championship------- Eaton Rapids Conservation
Club
L. Thelma Keeler Championship-----Eaton Rapids Conservation
Club
M. Guy R. Smith Overall Championship—
N. Novice Championship--------------------Joe Valentin
O. Flint Primitive--------- Bridgeport Gun Club
P. Open Primitive--------------Alan Pichan
R. Old Timers-----S. Trade Gun – Serge Bourdeaux
T. Lite Bench Aggregate—
U Trade Gun Line Match ----Deo & Wanda Freeman
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
111.
115.
116.
PRIMITIVE
Trade Gun Woods Walk—Dennis Neely
Norm Blaker-------Sauk Trail Long Rifles
James “Mac” Hall Open Woods Walk-----Primitive Woods Walk--Free Trapper---Lyle & Diane McGregor
Primitive Free Trapper--Fer-Du-Lac------Bridgeport Gun Club
Knife Throw—Russ & Marcie Anderson
Tomahawk Throw—Russ & Marcie Anderson
Father Marquette-------Kids Knife----Kids Hawk---------------JOHN & DIANA REIST
Junior Knife------Junior Hawk----
If you would like to sponsor a match, see or contact:
Ron Fernwalt------16808 Peach Ridge------Kent City, Mi. 49330------616-836-5760--------e-mail [email protected]
FLINTLOCKS LLC
6929 Beech Tree Road, Nineveh, In 46164
Ph.: 317-933-3441
www.myflintlock.com
Shotgun wads, cleaning patches, percussion caps,
flints
SHOTGUN MATCH SPONSORS
MATCH
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
25 Bird St. Championship---David McMurray*
25 Bird Junior State Championship—Clyde & Betty Carr
20 Bird Lady St. Championship—Dick & Jo Wadsworth*
Percussion Championship-----Ron & Bonnie Fernwalt*
Flint State Championship-------15 Bird State Novice Championship--------Paul & Louise
Mercer
7. Junior Novice Championship----------Clyde & Betty Carr
8. Flint Only 16 Yards----------a. Flint Only 20 Yards--------9. Hunters Match 10 Yard----------Mike & Mary Beaty
10. Flint Only 10 Yard--------11. Blk Powder Cartridge 10 Yard-------David Taylor
12. Lady’s Only 10 Yard------------ Wayne & Ardith Knop
13. Cooks Shoot 10 Yard------Mike & Mary Beaty
14. Novie Only 10 Yard-------------15. Juniors Only Re-entry- 10 Yard
16. Sub Junior 11 & Under – 10 Yard----------17. Doubles – Yard – 10 Pair-----------Mike & Mary Beaty
18. Traditional Style Shotgun- 10 Yard----------Don Koopman
19. Trade Gun- 10 Yard---------------Dan Nuttall & John
Crawford
20. Old Timers-10 Yard--------------Team Hobday in memory
of Maylan Hobday
21. Lady’s 55 and Over-10 Yard------Morry & Myrna
Holloway
22. Juniors-16 Yard---------------23. Lady’s-16 Yard-----------24. Shoot Till You Miss—16 Yard----------Mike & Mary Beaty
25. Percussion/Flint-16 Yard-----------26. Novice-16 Yard-----------------Ken Hobday
27. Dean & Pat King Co-ed Protection (18 Yard)-----Pat King*
28. Friday Protection-20 Yard---------29. Saturday Protection—20 Yard---------30. Sunday Protection-20 Yard----------Dave McMurray*
31. Handicap—20 Yard------------Grand Valley Cap N Ballers
32. Percussion/Flint- 27 Yard-------------33. Black Powder Cartridge 16 Yard-----Team Hobday
34.Black Powder Cartridge 20 Yard ---------Team Hobday
Flint/Percussion Aggregate-Matches 4 & 5-----
Subway, Hillcrest Food & Fuel Incorporated
SHOTGUN COMMITTEE
David McMurray, Otsego, Mi
(269) 370-0095
John Crawford, White Cloud, MI (231) 519-5951
Ron Fernwalt, Kent City, Mi.
(616) 836-5760
Jack Huss, Marcellus, Mi.
(269 )858-8771
Pat King, Plainwell, Mi
(269)2204-6202
Cell
(269)-569-0091
Louise Mercer
(winter)
(519) 623-7430
(summer) (616) 307-7728
John Shinabarger, Jenison, Mi (616) 745-2848
Kevin Price, Jenison, Mi.
(616) 425-1913
Dick Wadsworth, Marcellus, MI (269) 244-8451
Ken Hobday, Union City
(810) 580-8100
Mike Beaty, Laingsburg
(517) 651-5096
SPRING BROOK TRADING CO. EST 1990
Black Powder Shopp [email protected]
William F. Hammond, 9024 E Spicerville Hwy. Eaton
Rapids, Mi 48827
517-663-3115
Jim Brotherton , Vice President of the MSMLA presenting the
Knife to Matt Crum, winner of the Knife Aggregate.
Congratulations Matt
LOSS OF A LOVED ONE
Alberta Thelen, aged 90, passed away June 26th. The mother to
Ted Thelen is survived by four sons and a daughter, 26
grandchildren, 5 great - grandchildren, and 2 great- greatgrandchildren.
One of Midland’s former shooters, Jim Dion passed away June 25.
You can find the obituary at Michigan obit.com. You can also sign
the guest book at Wilson Miller Funeral Home. There will only be
a family-only memorial service at a future time.
OUR MOTTO
DON’T POINT A FINGER, LEND AND OPEN
HAND
Above are the Keeler Society members that were at the 2016
MSMLA Rifle/Pistol Championships. From Left to Right Dennis
Nealy, Joe Valentin, Ron Fernwalt, Ira Thumma, Randy MacInnes
and Dave Maddox
There will be more pictures in the next issue as soon as I compile
the list on the aggregate winners. Have a great day, your editor