Hidden deep in the backwoods of Clarkston, Michigan, lies a community of passionate individuals dedicated to living history and primitive skills. If you have a love for the old times, enjoy historical reenactments, or have an interest in traditional hunting and survival, this is the place for you.
Primitive Competitions and Events
Our club hosts regular competitions for primitive muzzleloaders, featuring activities such as knife and tomahawk throwing, fire starting contests, primitive archery, and pistol shooting matches. These events attract between sixty and eighty participants of all ages, from ten years old and up.
Knife and Tomahawk Throwing
Our seven-station throwing range offers a variety of challenges, from hitting silhouettes to playing card poker rounds and traditional log targets.
Fire Starting
Participants compete using flint and steel in timed events. Challenges range from simple fire starting to more complex tasks like igniting a candle to burn a string, which then releases a log that must be struck with a knife or tomahawk.
Shooting Range
Our shooting range features fourteen targets set from ten to sixty yards. We hold competitions for rifles, trade guns, and pistols, with targets including steel clangers, clay pots, skewers, chains, and even fruits and vegetables. All firearms must be primitive caplock or flintlock, shooting patched round balls only.
Experience the Joy of Muzzle Loading
If you haven’t tried shooting a real muzzle loader, you’re in for a treat. These guns are highly accurate and add a personal touch to each shot. Many of our members find themselves leaving their modern deer rifles at home in favor of the traditional muzzle loader.
Enjoy the Primitive Camp Life
Some members join us simply to enjoy the tranquility of camp life. Our primitive camps are free from the noise of radios and the sight of satellite dishes. Sleeping on a cot in a canvas tent and cooking with cast iron over an open fire provide a refreshing escape from modern life.
Immerse Yourself in History
Spend your nights in a primitive camp lit only by candlelight and the glow of cooking fires. If you’ve ever wondered what life was like during the Civil or Revolutionary War periods, this is your chance to find out.
Join Us for a Day or a Weekend
If you’re not ready to fully immerse yourself, come out for a day and see what it’s all about. For those interested in spending the weekend, we offer a limited number of modern campsites for your camper, along with indoor plumbing and hot water showers available most of the year.
Don’t be put off by our old-time appearance; you’ll find our community to be one of the friendliest around. Whether you want to participate or just observe, we welcome you to join us and experience the best kept secret in Oakland County. For more information, give our club a call or email our muzzle loading contact. We look forward to seeing you!