Faces & Places: Frolicking with firearms

Randy King fires a muzzleloader as others watch or prepare to fire their own weapons Friday during the Bucksnort Longhunters Rifle Frolic in the Elizabethtown area. During the event, members compete in shooting contests such as 25-yard and 50-yard targets and a woodswalk, which is along a wooded path with varying size and difficulty of targets.

Travis McQuady measures black powder Friday for the main charge as he prepares his muzzleloader for firing during the Bucksnort Longhunters Rifle Frolic. During the event, members dress in pre-1840s clothing and equipment.

Robbie McMillen looks at his target down the range Friday during the Bucksnort Longhunters Rifle Frolic. The event is in the spirit of what trappers would have done at the conclusion of trapping season, explained Bucksnort Longhunters president Mike Martin. They would gather and celebrate after being alone for awhile.

Bill Smith takes aim Friday as he prepares to fire a flintlock muzzleloader during the Bucksnort Longhunters Rifle Frolic.

Bucksnort Longhunters members Paul Reed, left, Cooper Martin, right, and Bruce McGuffin, behind Martin, chat during the organization’s rifle frolic Friday. Martin was in modern clothes as he was still in the process of setting up camp. Bucksnort Longhunters president Mike Martin said it is an opportunity to experience a little of what the pioneers endured. “Have to think everyday was survival for them,” Martin said.