The Little Butte Mountain Men club got its name in 1960 when Al Osterman of Lake Creek, Ore., and other muzzleloading enthusiasts joined to promote the safe use and ownership of firearms, especially the black powder long rifles of yesteryear.
In 1960 few recently manufactured muzzleloaders were available and most of the members had antique ones of questionable accuracy.
Serious shooters in the club thought it strange that some members were more interested in wearing the leather clothing and feathers of the original mountain men than in shooting.
In the 1970s, more men and women decided to take up the sport as manufacturers began producing up-to-date muzzleloaders.
As the popularity of colorful outfits grew, many who at first were disgusted with them were wearing their own leather and feather outfits. Buckskins became popular as members made leather clothing and learned the skills of the original mountain man. By 1980, they were attending weekend rendezvous.
Present-day Little Butte Mountain Men continue to be dedicated to promoting the safe use of firearms with an emphasis on antique muzzleloaders.
Sources: "Little Butte Mountain Men Newsletter." Little Butte Mountain Men, edited by Gary Smith, Gary Smith, 16 Oct. 2018, ww.turkey-ridge.com/lbmm/newsjune15.htm. Accessed 18 Oct. 2018; "Little Butte Mountain Men Newsletter." Little Butte Mountain Men, edited by Gary Smith, Gary Smith, 13 Oct. 2018, ww.turkey-ridge.com/lbmm/newsjune15.htm. Accessed 13 Oct. 2018.
