Colorado State Muzzle Loading Association.

[blackhorse]

Attended the CSMLA 2024 Winter convention yesterday. Good event. Lots of good people that I shoot with were there. Listened to a couple of classes. Bought a great mountain man shirt. Only thing is, the convention got a whole lot smaller in the 20 years I have attended. Muzzleloading is the shooting sport I most enjoy. I'd like to see younger people get involved.

 

[waarp8nt]

Last show we attended was about 25% of what it was in the early 90's. It is a sad trend indeed. I too would like to see the younger folks get involved or at least set their phones down long enough to wipe their backsides.

 

[Phil Coffins]

Much to often these events aren’t known to the general public. We fail to let the outside learn about them by not posting flyers at public places. When we tell fellow old participants about events that are over we miss the opportunity to share our sport with individuals that may take an interest. Perhaps we need to figure out how to introduce this sport to those younger people.

 

[Antelope Pete]

Where we live in the Colorado Springs area it's just a real pain to get there with the current Denver area traffic.

 

[blackhorse]

Where we live in the Colorado Springs area it's just a real pain to get there with the current Denver area traffic.

I wasn't really talking about the lack of people at the Convention I was more talking about the dwindling participants in the sports. Although I am sure there are plenty of BP shooters that do not belong to the CSMLA

 

[Phil Coffins]

I wasn't really talking about the lack of people at the Convention I was more talking about the dwindling participants in the sports. Although I am sure there are plenty of BP shooters that do not belong to the CSMLA

I understand, what I’m trying to say is this is common everywhere in any state. I’ve introduced people to the sport over the years, most didn’t remain other than occasional hunting or plinking. But a few are still active. Us old guys are not what will keep the sport going unless we open the doors for people that aren’t even aware of the opportunity.
I haven’t joined the CSMLA and don’t belong to a club although I go to a few matches and events every year. I encourage anyone that shows the slightest interest and urge them by offering time and resources to give it a try.

 

[Absoroka]

We see a lot of grey hair at events that we grew up enjoying. It seems that cell phones and social media will be the death of many activities we enjoy, as well as those with an historical base.