Rain Dee Voo 2009

RAIN-DEE-VOO 2009 BEATS THE RAIN!!(ALMOST)
Western Washington’s first rendezvous allowed buckskinners to hit the rondy trail just south of Littlerock, where the Puget Sound Free Trappers of Capitol City Rifle and Pistol Club hosted their annual event. Starting at noon on Friday February 14th, Booshway Bo Brown opened the gates for a dry, cool session. Fair weather and cool nights greeted the102 registrants, comprised of 12 under 12’s, 8 juniors, 6 women and 72 men. 25 campers had at least bearable weather conditions. They almost got to take dry canvas home until rain started Sunday noon. Over a dozen traders welcomed the patrons including a number of visitors from the community.
The full-size competitors had a range of typical events: Rifle, Trade Gun, Pistol, Knife & ‘hawk and Archery trails. Don Kerr headed the shooting trails while Tim Sampson ran the Knife & Hawk event. Capable helpers: Chris Miller, Ralph Buckingham, Allen Cuniff, Josh Brown, John Vladeff & Tony Yaklich along with some others whose names may have escaped kept the trails working. Aggregate scores could combine either archery or Knife &’hawk with the Rifle trail. Will Ulry and the Capitol Bowmen managed the Archery event. Will and Glenn Sutt handled the Under 12 shooting events. Off the trail had the Ray Baker blacksmith exhibition along with the Trader’s fair as well as the Club House kitchen to help pass the time. The WSMA held their annual meeting Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening gathered all comers to the Pot Luck which had Buffalo Roasts provided by Will Ulry to complement the results of the Dutch oven competition. Trade Chief Steve Andrews was in charge of the evening’s events. Trader’s Auction and Poker Tournament filled out the agenda. Lots of folks pitched in to get the details taken care of which included some of the “guests” as well as the hard-working Free Trappers. Shooting concluded with novelty events at noon Sunday with a stake shoot, Grub shoot and a Squirrel Gun match run by Bob Quick of the Green River Mountain men.

End result was the aggregate blanket and awards. WSMA’s grant to the event provided special awards for Junior and Under 12 shooters as well as the muzzle loading rifle for the one shot buffalo hunt prize. WSMA Pilgrim medals also went to those attending a black powder event for the first time.
Doug Simpson, Tom Brown, Jan Sampson and J.K Johnson at registration and statistics yielded the results for recognition of the top individuals:

Tom Brown won the drawing for the Rifle and returned it by donation for next year’s event. Chuck Lacher of Cascade Mt. Men won the medallion replica plaque.
The Free Trappers thank all those who came and enjoyed the event. On President’s Day weekend in February 2010, Booshway BO Brown, Segundo Ralph Buckingham and the crew will welcome you again.