Buckskinning

Buckskinning is a branch of historical reenactment concentrating on the fur trade period of the Old West---roughly 1800 to 1840. Participants may choose to portray mountain men, American Indians, traders, missionaries, or anybody else that might plausibly have been in the Rocky Mountains in that time period.

Buckskinning grew out of the increased interest in black powder and muzzleloading firearms in the last decades of the 20th century. Many buckskinners also participate in other historical reenactment groups, particularly those involving antique and replica firearms, such as American Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactment.

Buckskinners' gatherings are called rendezvous after the large "Rendezvous" held during the years when beaver fur hats were the height of fashion, and beaver pelts commanded high prices. At a rendezvous, everybody is expected to dress in styles appropriate to the period, as far as possible, and authenticity in all things is encouraged, consistent with health and modern law. There are competitions in marksmanship with muzzle-loading firearms, bows. tomahawk and knife throwing, demonstrations of period skills, and commerce in goods related to the hobby.