Page Last Updated: 07-07-2024 *Archery Rules updated.

Rules of the Primitive Rendezvous

Camp Rules

This is a PRIMITIVE Rendezvous. To avoid any misunderstanding of what that means, please read and follow all rules of the camp. Rendezvous rules take effect Friday at daylight until Sunday at 6:00am.

1) All camps (Full traders, Blanket Traders and General Campers) setting up early must be totally period correct (clothing, camp set-up) starting daybreak Friday before Opening Ceremonies. This Means EVERYONE in your camp. NO EXCEPTIONS!

2) ATTENDANCE at a primitive event means: all clothing, lodges and accoutrements must be in the period of 1640-1840 North America. Absolutely NO modern footwear and sun glasses of any kind, unless medically required. If modern footwear is required by your doctor please cover with period correct material. Medical documentation may be asked for so come prepared to produce it if asked. Period eyewear is strongly encouraged for those wearing glasses. All modern items (solar panels, coolers, cans, plastic, etc) must be kept out of sight at all times. Period fabric over drinking cans and bottles is not acceptable. Electronic gear including phones and flashlights, must not be seen or heard at any time. All photography equipment (cameras, camcorders, cell phones, etc.) must be covered when not in use and no flash photography. As of 2019, cellphones may be used as a camera only and must be hidden at all times except when being used as a camera, then it must be immediately put away.

3) A TRADER is any person who sets up a shelter, lodge, blanket, hide or table with goods for sale, trade, or barter. All traders are required to pay the trade fee. Any taxes due or licenses required are the responsibility of the trader. All traders, dealers, or possessors of furs, claws, feathers, or any animal parts are responsible for confirming and complying with all requirements of federal and state laws. There will be a Trade Committee to inspect trade items.

4) DOG SOLDIERS are here to help you. If you need help look for the Dog Soldier arm bands throughout camp. They are here for emergencies and direction.

5) HORSE CAMP - Horses and mules are permitted. Primitive tack is required. Current health certifications will be required. There will be a separate area for camping with your horses or mules under the supervision of the Horse Camp Chief. You are responsible in all ways for the health, safety and conduct of your animals. Horses must be restrained in some manner when not being ridden - there will be no “free range”. If a horse, mule or rider is creating a safety hazard, the owner/rider will be asked to correct the issue, if horse/mule or owner is uncooperative they will be removed from the site.

6) ANIMALS - Dogs, cats and other domestic animals will be allowed if on a leash or under restraint AT ALL TIMES. This restriction is part of our land use agreement with all of our site land owners. Unrestricted (unleashed) domestic animals could jeopardize the entire event for everyone so this will be strictly enforced. If an animal is not leashed, the owner will be asked to leash it. If they refuse and continue to disregard this restriction the animal will need to be removed from the site. If this becomes an issue then the animal’s owner and their camp will have to leave the site as well. We cannot jeopardize this event over one person not cooperating and following the rules. You are responsible in all ways for the health, safety and conduct of your animal. If the animal roams, bites, disturbs others, or barks a lot; be prepared to pack up your camp and you and your pet will be on your way home. All animal poop must be cleaned up so carry a shovel and bury. Make sure your animals are tolerant of strange sights, loud noises and the chaos of rendezvous. If you have any doubts, DON’T bring them.

7) SAFETY and conduct of young people under the age of eighteen (18) is the responsibility of their parents. Direct supervision is required on the shooting, archery and hawk and knife trails. This includes the practice hawk & knife blocks and the practice shooting areas where all safety rules apply. Any decision by the shooting chief, archery chief or knife & hawk regarding any aspects of ranges including scoring, conduct and safety is final. Eye and hearing protection is encouraged, and is mandatory for juniors (those under 16) and peewees on the firing line!

8) WEAPONS POLICY - Any violation threatens the safety and future of the entire rendezvous. ABSOLUTELY no modern firearms or weapons will be possessed, sold or traded anywhere on Rendezvous grounds including Tin-Tipi and ALL parking ares, by anyone, at anytime. Smoking and intoxicants are not allowed in or near the range. Violations will result in immediate removal from camp. Observe the range rules at all times. Absolutely no loaded, primed, or capped firearms anywhere in camp except on firing line at the range during supervised hours and on designated trails. If you have a problem with your firearm on the range, contact a Range Safety Officer or go to the shooting tent for assistance. DO NOT BRING IT BACK TO CAMP LOADED. Be prepared to prove that it is empty! No firing after dark.! !

9) FIGHTING AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE of any kind will not be tolerated! Violators will be turned over to the proper authorities. The sale, trade or barter of alcohol is prohibited in the PPR corporation bylaws. - Observe the drinking laws of the state.

10) THIEVERY AND/OR VANDALISM of any kind will not be tolerated. Violators will be removed from camp and turned over to the proper authorities. Parents—Please be aware of what your children are doing and if something new shows up in their possession that seems suspicious please take appropriate action. Better you than us.

11) POLICING OF REFUSE, especially cigarette butts, is up to you. Butts must be field stripped and thrown away. Do not litter at anytime and please leave your area the same way or better than you found it. Hooters are not for garbage, disposable diapers, feminine products, or trash disposal. There will be a container near the gate for trash disposal and recycling. Please do not abuse this courtesy.

12) FIRES must be contained and be attended at all times. A minimum of two (2) gallons of water in an open container MUST be kept within five (5) feet of the fire control. If you use a modern stove it must be kept concealed and/or out of site at all times. No cutting down live trees or brush. DO NOT bury partially burned wood or trash. Please properly drown all fires at the end of rendezvous. Return unused wood to the nearest station. Leave all fire pits open and marked upon departure for inspection by staff.

13) HANDICAP PARTICIPANT INFORMATION: You must have a valid handicapped sticker, tag or vehicle license to park in handicap parking. Handicap hooters will be located on traders row and one in the general primitive camping area. Please indicate on your pre-registration form that you will be camping in either Primitive, Short Stay, Tin-Tipi or on traders row so we can help with arrangements for you. Doctor’s documentation must be available. We ask that you adapt your special needs requirements to conform to the primitive atmosphere of PPR in all possible manners. There are no special medical services offered.

14) PRIMITIVE CAMP: Access to Primitive Camp by vehicles is allowed before Sunday at 5:00pm (before Opening Ceremonies) and after 6:00am Saturday (the day after Closing Ceremonies). All camps setting up during this time will have a 2 hour window to drive their vehicle(s) into camp, unload and then remove the vehicle(s) from camp. All other vehicle(s) in camp will have a one (1) hour window in camp. If you must break camp and leave between Sunday, at 5:00pm (after opening ceremonies) and Saturday, at 6:00am (before closing ceremonies) you must be prepared to walk-out with all of your belongings. If a stock wagon is available, their services may be available for hire to assist you in removing your camp - this service does not included loading and/or unloading. Otherwise, plan on camping in short stay. Excessive in/out vehicle travel into/out of camp will not be tolerated at any time. Please be considerate and plan ahead.

15) SHORT STAY AREA: There will be a limited camping area designated as short stay. All rules of primitive camp apply except that vehicles will be allowed in camp daily from 10:00am - Noon and 2:00-4:00pm for the sole purpose of loading or unloading a entire camp for late arrival or early departure. Gate hours will be strictly enforced. You must be in period dress and must load or unload within one (1) hour. You CANNOT drive into camp every day with supplies. Excessive in/out vehicle travel into/out of camp will not be tolerated at any time. - This area is designed for campers who cannot stay for the entire week but still desire a primitive encampment. Please be respectful OR stay in Modern Tin-Tipi camp.

16) MODERN TIN-TIPI CAMPING: There will be a limited Modern tent and RV camp area. There will be NO trading of any kind in the modern camping area. All rules of safety and courtesy will apply. This area is outside the gate, so expect to walk to reach primitive camp. If a stock wagon is available, their services may be available for hire to assist you.

17) EMERGENCY assistance is available by seeking aid of a Dog Soldier, first-aid officer, or other staff member.

18) LOST AND FOUND will be at the Seminar Tent

19) INFRACTIONS of camp rules may result in eviction from the rendezvous and forfeiture of all fees.

20) All questions about these rules should be referred to the Head Dog Soldier.

21) The Booshway has the final word.

Archery Rules

Primitive

Bows:

• Made of natural materials using primitive construction methods (e.g. self-bow, sinew backed, horn). No laminated wood strip construction.

• No arrow rest.

• Natural string material (e.g. sinew, rawhide, plant material, linen)

• Linen or silk wrapped serving allowed.

• No arrow nock point on string.

Arrows:

• Shafts made of natural materials (e.g. wood, cane, shoots) using primitive construction methods.

• No dowels or turned shafts.

• Self-nocked.

• Feather fletching.

• Primitive barbless points (e.g. bone, stone, wood, metal trade points).

Pilgrim

Bows:

• Made of natural materials (e.g. self-bow, sinew backed, horn). No fiberglass construction allowed.

• No arrow rests allowed.

• Synthetic string material allowed (e.g. artificial sinew).

• Serving on string allowed.

• Arrow nock point on string allowed.

Arrows:

• Shafts made of natural materials (e.g., wood, cane, wood shoots, etc.} Turned wood or dowel shafts allowed.

• Self nocks or glue-on nocks of natural material (e.g. wood, horn). No plastic nocks.

• Feather fletching.

• Primitive barbless points (bone, stone, wood) metal trade points or field points.

Shooting and Firearm Rules

Shooting Categories: Men, Women, Juniors, and Cubs (Juniors and Cubs must be supervised by an adult on all ranges).

Range officers have the final say.

Direct questions about the range or equipment to the range officers.

• No smoking, alcohol or drugs on the range.

• Matches are conducted using traditional style firearms.

• No firearm shall be used if ruled unsafe by the Range Officer.

• Safety glasses and hearing protection are strongly recommended.

• Safety glasses and hearing protection is mandatory for those under 17 years old. There are limited loaner safety glasses and ear protection available at the shooting tent.

• No sighting aids may be worn or added to eyeglasses.

• Front and rear sights must be open and fixed.

• The “sealing” of adjustable sights with substances such as wax, lead or tape to render them “fixed” is permitted.

• Round Ball Only.

• No Greased Patches due to safety concerns. Water Based Only.

• No loading between stations, load only at station to be shot (No walking between stations with loaded firearm).

• Shot and Wads used in specified matches.

• Black Powder or approved Black Powder substitute only.

• Firearms will be carried with muzzle up for safety.

• No blowing down the barrel.

• Load from pouch and horn.

• A separate powder measure will be used to load your firearm.

Misfire or Malfunctions:

Extreme caution must be used when clearing a misfire. Stay on the firing line with the muzzle pointing down range. No loaded firearm shall be taken from the firing line back to camp. If the firearm malfunctions and is unloaded, notify the range officer. With approval and directions you may leave the range, fix the firearm, and then return to finish from where the firearm malfunctioned.

Trader & Food Vendor

Rules and General Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in participating at Pacific Primitive Rendezvous (PPR) as a trader or food vendor.

All trade goods must represent articles available for western exploration in North America between 1700 and 1840, and displayed in keeping with the spirit of the rendezvous. All trade areas add to the whole rendezvous atmosphere. The items in a trade lodge or on a blanket must be original, handcrafted, authentic reproductions or adaptation of trade goods common in early North American commerce or trade.

If you are unsure about acceptable trade goods, please contact the Trade Chief located on the PPR web site for help, and take the time to research and document your trade goods. Bring your documentation with you so that it can be shared with the Trade Chief and their Trade Committee. The Trade Committee will make themselves known to all traders and will be on hand to help you locate your space. They will inspect all items for sale throughout the rendezvous.

Trader: A trader is any person/business who sets up a trade lodge or sets out a trade blanket with goods for sale, barter, or trade.

FullTraders: A full trader is a person/business who sets up an encampment that comprises of a stationary dwelling such as a trade lodge, tent, or awning of some sort.

Blanket Trader: A blanket trader must display their goods on the ground in a space not to exceed 110”x110” in size. Blanket traders erecting a shade/rain shelter, or putting out a blanket with merchandise, must completely remove all their setup each night or will be considered a Full Trader and the full trade fee will be collected. Trade medallions issued by the registrar of the rendezvous MUST be displayed.

Trade goods for sale must be displayed in period appropriate containers. Items that require modern packaging or containers (gun parts, solvent, toothbrushes, cassettes, CDs & DVDs , etc.) must be under canvas or paper cover with identification of the item on top. Books, patterns, paintings, etc., pertaining to the period must be displayed in an appropriate manner. Jewelry items need to be constructed of traditional materials that reflect the fur trade era and displayed appropriately.

The following are NOT allowed:

• No alcohol-based spirits meant for human consumption can be sold, traded, bartered, or passed through a donation bucket by a trader or non-trader.

• Knives will not be sold to anyone less than 18 years of age unless accompanied by an adult.

• Animal parts or protected species that do not conform to the laws of the states of Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Nevada, and California and the federal government shall not be sold. This includes illegal bird feathers and taxidermy animals.

• No modern candy (Snickers, Milky Way etc...) may be sold.

• “Tourist trash” iridescent feathers, wind chimes, crystal balls, dyed rabbit foot key chains for general swap meet stuff.

• Turquoise jewelry.

• Synthetic fabrics, yarns, Velcro, elastic, or Rayon (just because it is made with/from leather does not make an item acceptable).

• Nylon rope, or products made from it.

• Enamelware is not period correct but is rendezvous accepted for sale or trade in the following colors: white, gray, black and blue. Not acceptable, are red, green or any other color.

• Knives such as no non-period folding, fishing knives or boot knives, Pakistan type knives with unnatural handles, and Malaysian steel kris knives (wavy blades).

• Flags should be period correct by design and material.

• Bamboo bows, cap guns, cork guns, cross bows, rubber band guns, modern noise makers, bamboo flutes, train whistles, or ceramic bird whistles.

• PLASTIC ANYTHING: beaded bags, claws, elk teeth, talons, fingers, skulls, hatbands, charms, canteens, buttons, harmonicas, hair pipes, etc...

This is not an all-inclusive list. Some items will be judged on a case-by-case basis by the Trade Committee. Documentation of your trade goods is important, so remember to bring it.

There are many new attendees to PPR, and traders’ row can help guide them.

FOOD VENDORS:

• Stay in the pre-1840 time period. Encourage diners to bring their own period utensils and dishes to use.

• Paper containers only, no plastic or Styrofoam.

• Use period containers or cover modern containers for condiments.

• No plastic tablecloths.

• Cans and modern bottles must be kept out of sight. Beverages and food items must be put into a period container before leaving the food tent.

• Check the food handlers license requirements of the hosting state and comply with them.

• All food vendors are required to supply trash containers and are responsible for removing all their trash.

• FIRE EXTINGUISHERS are REQUIRED for cooking vendors and are suggested for all other traders along with a water bucket and shovel.

Thank you for having the desire to keep the pre-1840 spirit alive!