Going down in the Flat

Prior to the 1850’s, during the golden age of trapping, mountain men trappers came out of the mountains only once a year to sell their furs and socialize. Amongst themselves the practice was known as ‘going down in the flat,’ the ‘flat’ being anywhere down and out of the mountains. It was always after the thaw in the late spring of the year and it was quite the occasion. The rendezvous, as it came to be known, entailed so much socializing that often the trappers, depleted of their earnings, didn’t make it back to the mountains with their much-needed provisions or anything in their poke to show for the past years trapping. Likewise, during those days market hunters and fishermen came to town or made port only occasionally to sell their harvest. Their visits to town were similar to that of their trapping counterparts in that the visits were festive times and not always financially profitable if the adventurer was not cautious and disciplined with his money. There were many vices to be found by the over-indulgent at rendezvous down in the flat. Purchasing various food staples, firearms, traps, powder, etc., as well as learning the latest news, catching up with old friends, making new friends, and learning new practices in their respective line of work were some of the many positive aspects of the rendezvous. Regardless of their undertakings, mountain men were characters that possessed many similar traits that the independent minded, red-blooded, southern Missouri outdoorsman possesses today.

Today times have changed in that most of us now live much closer to civilization if not directly in town (unfortunately). And, hopefully, when we do get to town we are a little more responsible with our choice of activities and money expenditures than some of our over-indulgent forefathers. Through the years we have learned from the mistakes of our past. Modern outdoorsmen now understand the destructive nature of market hunting and its potentially devastating effect on the wildlife resource. We understand the fragility of the natural environment and our responsibility to preserve habitat in the face of unchecked urban development. We more completely comprehend our role within the cycle of life in nature. We freely self-impose taxation of our equipment and ammunition through acts such as the Pittman- Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act in order to maintain and restore wildlife populations. Finally, we understand today a lesson we must continually pass on is the importance of maintaining our connection to and interaction within nature. We must keep the heritage alive.

In today’s world, with many misguided and misinformed ideologies raising funds with the sole intention of stopping us from participating in Mother Nature’s circle of life, I encourage each of you to ‘go down in the flat’ and attend a rendezvous with likeminded folks. Put your money where your mouth and heart are. Today there are ample opportunities to meet with hunters, fishermen, trappers, and shooters at gatherings designed for fun, fellowship, and learning, and all while generating operating funds for your outdoor cause of choice. From habitat enhancement and protection to wildlife enhancement to shooting sports, locally there is an annual outdoor related rendezvous within 45 minutes of your house designed to support your outdoor beliefs. Even if you only purchase a ticket for entry you will receive great value for your investment. You will receive a great meal, fellowship with friends, meet new likeminded people, and you will hear the latest news regarding your field of interest.

Various groups such as National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF), National Trappers Association (NTA), Quail Forever (QF), and Friends of NRA (FNRA), to name but a few, sponsor local benefit banquets at various times of the year. The banquets are great opportunities to come in from the woods, off the river, or down from the hills to rendezvous and support our great outdoor heritage. There is great fun to be had by young and old alike. Valuable merchandise such as firearms, outdoor equipment, and outdoor art are all available to buy or win. This year NWTF will hold their banquet in Dent County in mid February. The Missouri Trappers Association, District 9 will hold their banquet in late February. RMEF will hold their banquet in Phelps County in April. FNRA and QF will hold banquets later in the year in Dent and Texas Counties respectively. I hope to see each of you there.

In closing, of all the traits and characteristics of crusty old mountain men types, a propensity toward absolute blunt candor regarding issues about which we have a stake can be considered a fault. I, however, believe it to be a great asset. You will never wonder where an old mountain man type stands on the issues. To that end I will say to you, in this great country of ours if you love our outdoor heritage, our right to bear arms, and our inherent right to provide sustenance for ourselves by harvesting from nature’s bounty, then you have a responsibility to ‘go down in the flat’ and rendezvous at banquet designed to preserve that heritage and those rights. And if you don’t want a blunt, cut-and-dry, and possibly politically-incorrect answer don’t ask an old mountain man. By the way, take a young person with you, they are our future. Good luck, be safe, and get a big one.