The purpose of the Black Powder Committee is to preserve and promote the safe care and use of muzzleloading firearms. Included within the Black Powder Committee is the Wachusett Mountainmen whose goal is to promote and educate group members and other interested individuals or organizations in the history, skills and lifestyle of the pre-1840 era in the United States.

Organization - The Black Powder Committee and the activities of the Wachusett Mountainmen are presided over by the Black Powder Committee Chairman who is nominated and elected annually, each November, by members of the Group. That person's name is then submitted to the Board of Directors of the Leominster Sportsmen's Association for approval. The Black Powder Committee Chairman is governed by the by-laws of the Leominster Sportsmen?s Association as outlined in the section on Committees.

Meetings - Committee meetings, when required, are normally held on the last Sunday of each month at 10:00 AM either at the Primitive Area or in the LSA clubhouse. The majority of other Committee activities are held in the Primitive Area.

Activities - The Committee may, subject to the approval of the LSA Board of Directors, conduct public competitive events in the Primitive Area or on the Rifle Range. Entry fees and event rules shall be set by the Chairman and Committee members subject to approval by the Board of Directors. All proceeds shall be turned over to the Finance Committee, along with a detailed financial report to the Directors, at the first Board of Directors meeting following the event.

Shooting Schedule - Although no formal shooting schedule exists, there is usually an informal shoot or activity each Sunday morning beginning around 10:00 AM in the Primitive Area.

Non-club Members - Non-members of the Leominster Sportsmen's Association must be in the company of a member of the Black Powder Committee and are allowed use of the facility three (3) times per calendar year.

Submitted by: Phil Gendron Black Powder Committee Chairman May 1996

1. Firearms - Only muzzleloading rifles, muskets, shotguns and pistols using black powder, Pyrodex or similar propellants may be used for target shooting. The discharge of smokeless cartridge rifles and pistols is strictly prohibited in the Primitive Area.

2. Shooting Area - The designated safe area for target shooting is the Woodswalk Trail.

3. Targets - Only the permanent trail targets, approved temporary targets or paper targets may be used. No bottles, cans or other such items are allowed. All paper targets must be removed when shooting is done.

4. Conduct and Supervision - General Rules of Safety which govern the rifle range also applies to the Woodswalk Trail. Specific Rules of Safety for the use of muzzleloading firearms also apply to the Woodswalk Trail. Shooters must be accompanied by a black powder range officer or a member of the Black Powder Committee.

5. Edged Weapons - An important part of promoting primitive weapons skills is the use of edged weapons. Only those weapons approved by the National Muzzleloading Rifle Association may be used and shall be generally restricted to throwing knives and tomahawks.

6. Edged Weapons Area - The areas approved for edged weapons use are the Edged Weapons Walk, the Hawk and Knife Range, a designated Practice Area and the Edged Weapons Event area on the Woodswalk Trail.

7. Alcoholic Beverages - The use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited by anyone engaged in shooting or edged weapons activities. Individuals under the influence of alcohol are not allowed to participate in these weapons activities.

8. Fire Rules

1. Cooking fires only are allowed and only in an approved fire pit.
2. A full water bucket must be present at the fire location.
3. All fires must be cold out before leaving.

9. Vehicles - In general vehicles are not allowed in the area of the cabin. Exceptions are for workparties, transportation of equipment or other special considerations. Vehicles may be parked at the clearing by the gate leading to the cabin or in the small area on the left on the cabin road.