Dacotah Territory Muzzleloaders

Dacotah Territory Muzzle Loaders (DTML) started with four individuals—David Blondo, Don Bachman, Gary Heuer, and John Thelen—who shared a passion for camping, fishing, canoeing, and black powder rifles. Over 40 years later, the club remains a centerpiece of Great Plains living history and pre-1840 fur-trade era gatherings.

Monthly Shoots & Range Access - Regular shoots held the third Sunday of each month (excluding some summer months during rendezvous season) - Club range located 16 miles south of Aberdeen, SD at 38524 149th St, Mansfield, SD 57460 - Targets from 25 to 100 yards - Primitive Range setup for period-correct shooting - Archery and tomahawk target stations - Clubhouse with 2 wood-burning stoves - Well-maintained grounds with plenty of trees

Annual Rendezvous Events

"Rendezvous (defined as a pre-1840, fur-trade era gathering) can be a wonderful, peaceful, and educational vacation for all family members." The club has actively participated in Ft. Sisseton Historical Festival for over 40 years and has been represented at regional and national rendezvous events for over two decades.

• •Family-oriented membership — Individuals and families welcome
• •Christmas parties and cabin fever events during cold seasons
• •Canoe trips on the James River when enough members participate
• •Club patches available ($5.00 each)
• •Classified ads section for member sales and trades

The club has relocated its range multiple times over four decades: - Early years: Richmond Lake and a gravel pit near Ordway - 1984-1999: 20 miles southeast of Aberdeen along the James River (destroyed by fire) - Current: 16 miles south of Aberdeen — The club secured a 25-year lease on this land, recently relocated from the old Thelen homestead to Drifting Goose

Membership Dues: - Individual: $10.00/year - Family: $15.00/year

Contact Information: - Address: 38524 149th St, Mansfield, SD 57460 - Email: [email protected] - Officers: Chris Altmaier (President), Scheri Smith (Vice President), Diane Carda (Treasurer), Mike Thelen (Secretary) - Facebook: Search "Dacotah Territory Muzzle Loaders"

The DTML maintains extensive links to national muzzleloading organizations, rendezvous sites, and suppliers. The club website serves as a resource hub for black powder enthusiasts across North America, featuring directories of: - 30+ regional and national rendezvous events - 40+ state and regional muzzleloading associations - 100+ muzzleloading clubs across the U.S. and Canada - Specialized suppliers for guns, ammunition, period clothing, camp gear, and living history equipment

The club is actively seeking new shoot ideas to keep members engaged throughout the year. Leadership welcomes suggestions from interested participants.