ABOUT
The Sapphire Mountain Men Shooting Club promotes safe and accurate use of muzzle loading firearms of the pre- 1840's era. The club works towards developing accurate period representations, honesty, fellowship, good sportsmanship, patriotism, youth education and annual sponsorship of the Wildhorse Rendezvous.
Matt Deen-
President
I went to my first rendezvous at the tender age of 16, a place called Roaring Camp Rendezvous in Felton, CA, known for their narrow gage steam locomotives. My first step back into history. And I loved it & felt at home. I bought beads & a hair pipe chocker & have been making various beadwork since. Then for 25 years I attended Fort Pico Blanco Rendezvous in Big Sur, CA. Earned the name Preacher the spring of '91.
I moved to Montana with my wife & son in 2016 & learned about Wildhorse that next spring. I have been a student of Lakota culture & traditions since '88. History of the fur trade & French Indian wars has been a lifelong study & interest. Sharing the colorful history of the fur trade era is a favorite pastime.
I consider the friends I have made with the Sapphire Mountain Men as part of my extended family. So this year I accepted the position of President & look forward to making many new friends.
There is always an open space at my campfire & I would love to have you stop by.
Andrea Crosier-
Secretary
Bio and picture coming soon !
Debbie Tomell-
Treasurer
I have been involved with the Sapphire Mountain Men for over 25 years. It is so much fun to cook using Dutch ovens over the campfire and wear historical clothing. At night enjoying conversations with new friends and old around the campfire is the best.
Over the years I have held both the Treasurer and Secretary positions to help continue this great tradition.
The Members
From experienced shooters, to the novice, Sapphire Mountain Men all offer unique and different opportunity to learn from each other. We focus on safety, fun, and activities for the whole family!
Mark Oswald
Vice-President
My father and I would visit the "Blue Mountain Boys” rendezvous in the early 70s, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Then came a "little movie” called Jeremiah Johnson, so we bought a T.C. Hawken. Still have it.
A few years ago, I found 2 books at the family ranch that had a lot of the family history (confirming the family lore) that we had been in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky starting about the mid 17th century. This peaked my interest in early American history.
Then about 3-4 years ago, I was at an estate sale at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, and there was a plunder box for sale! The “moccerskins” even fit me, and in the bottom of the plunder, there was a pale blue flag that had “WHR” and a horse’s head on it. I did my research and found the Sapphire Mountain Men. I went to one of the monthly shoots and I was hooked!. So I said to hell with being "100% historically correct” and I just jumped in with both feet and started to have fun. My first real rendezvous was the 2023 WHR, and then The PPR in Winchester ID. I still do the "Tin Tippi” but I’m working on that.
I have made some wonderful friends here with the SMM and wanted to contribute to the club, so here I am as V.P. Don’t be afraid. Come out with us. You’ll find the most welcoming and friendly bunch of folks you ever want to meet!! And you don’t have to have all the “stuff”. Just jump in and start having a great time.