The Rocky Mountain National Rendezvous is a celebration of life on the western frontier during the early 1840s, patterned after the fur-trade rendezvous of that time. Many people spend a great deal of time, effort and money to have suitable pre-1840 clothing and gear, and travel many miles to enjoy the atmosphere of a "Living History" pre-1840 rendezvous. Please do not spoil it for them.

This list of rules has been assembled from camp and trade rules used for years at a great many rendezvous, large and small. The RMNR Chief’s Council recommends these rules be used by any RMNR Booshway, and be referred to as "RMNR Standard Rules". For example, a flyer might state "RMNR Standard Rules are in effect with the following exceptions…"

1. All visible clothing and gear must be pre-1840. (This applies to children as well as adults.)
2. Participants must be in suitable pre-1840 attire when entering camp.
3. No one except Booshways, staff and work party are allowed in until the first early set-up day unless given prior permission by the booshway.
4. Keep plastic water jugs and coolers covered at all times.  Maintain a pre-1840 camp.  Keep all modern containers out of sight ( pour your drinks into a mug). When hauling water or ice to your camp, or hauling trash out, keep non-period containers covered.
5. Vehicles will be allowed in camp for unloading before Opening ceremonies. Please move your vehicles out of camp as soon as possible. No vehicles allowed in Long Term except for emergencies until long term re-opens. Gate hours are 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.  until opening ceremonies.
6. Gate times for short term only are 8 A.M. to 10 A.M. and again 4 P.M. to 6 P.M. through the rendezvous. There is a two hour unloading and loading time. Move vehicles out of camp as soon as possible.
7. Park in the designated parking area. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas will be towed at owner’s expense.
8. Parents are legally and financially responsible for the actions of their children.
9. Zero tolerance for the use of illegal drugs or underage drinking.
10. Pets must be on a leash and under control at all times. Please keep your pets away from the team and wagon. (Do not take them with you to get ice).  Please clean up after your pets.
11. Cannons are allowed at the discretion of the Booshway .  Please check before you leave home.
12. No loaded firearms in camp, this means anything you put black powder in makes it a loaded firearm.
13. Place trash in designated area.  Bring your own trash bags.
14. No chain saws except for the work crew’s use pre start of rendezvous.
15. Do not cut live trees.
16. Rules for camp fires can vary from year to year depending on the site.  See site specific rules.
17. Campfires, candles, candle lanterns, and oil lamps must not be left unattended.
18. You must have a period container of water (at least 3 gallons) and a shovel near your campfire.
19. Coleman stoves are permitted but must be hidden inside a tent.
20. Please keep your camera covered when not in use.
21. No fighting, this includes domestic disturbances.
22. Field strip cigarette butts and put them in your bag then disposed them in your trash, not on the ground.
23. All Local, State, and Federal laws regarding sale or consumption of alcohol apply in camp.
24. Please do not disturb any structures of the property.  The landowner has allowed us the use of their property; leave no trace that we were even there.
25. These are some examples of things that should NOT be seen in camp:  modern sunglasses, T-shirts, plastic rain gear, bikini or halter tops, tennis shoes, shower  shoes, rubber soled shoes, sandals, logger boots, cowboy boots, (round-toes Wellingtons boots and high-button shoes are acceptable), bathing suits, blue jeans, dusters, cowboy hats, black powder cartridge rifles, black powder revolvers (except Paterson model), other “cowboy” attire such as gunfighter, gambler or dance hall outfits. No witches or pirates. Coleman or electric lanterns, flashlights, metal or plastic camp furniture. Etc.
26. RMNR is a primitive event therefore no motorized mobile devices will be allowed. Push wheel chairs are acceptable.
27. All horses, working animals and livestock must be camped in Horse camp.
28. Camp rules are in effect from first day of early rendezvous set-up though posted last date of rendezvous.

Failure to abide by these rules could result in you being asked to leave.

These are some examples of things that should NOT be seen in camp: modern sunglasses; T-shirts; plastic rain gear; bikini or halter tops; Tennis shoes; shower shoes; sandals; logger boots; pack boots; cowboy boots (round-toed Wellington boots and high-button shoes are acceptable); bathing suits; blue jeans; dusters; cowboy hats; black powder cartridge rifles: black powder revolvers (except Paterson models): other "cowboy" attire such as gunfighter, gambler or dance hall outfits; Coleman or electric lanterns; flashlights; metal or plastic camp furniture, etc.

1. All trade goods must be Pre-1840!
2. The Booshway or the appointed Trade Chief and Committee has final authority over all disputes involving trade goods. The burden of proof is on the trader. Trade Committee decisions are final.
3. All furs and animal parts for sale must comply with local, State and Federal laws. The individual trader is responsible for the legality of his trade goods.
4. No plastic in sight. This includes blister packs, styrofoam, blanket wraps, gun parts, candy containers, etc.
5. No sticky tags.
6. No silver and turquoise mixed jewelry. Keep jewelry to the style of the era.
   Traders at their blanket
7. Books, magazines, patterns, original works of art and limited edition prints must pertain to the pre-1840 fur trade era.
8. All guns for sale must be pre-1840. No in-line or plastic stocked rifles.
9. All trading must be done in camp. No tailgate set-ups will be allowed in the parking area.
10. All trading must be done from pre-1840 structures, blanket traders must have a 4 point blanket only no side/back structures.

If you are unwilling or unable to abide by these simple rules, we suggest you find another rendezvous or a different sort of re-enactment activity.

1. SAFETY - The safety of competitors, range personnel, and spectators requires strict self discipline and the constant attention of everyone present to the careful handling of firearms at all times; on and off the firing line and when moving about the range area. Wherever such attention is lacking, it is the duty
   of range officers and other range personnel to enforce the range rules. It is the duty of all competitors to assist in such enforcement.
2. Under no circumstances shall firing commence or continue on a Range where an unsafe condition exists.
3. Alcoholic Beverages - Alcoholic beverages are strictly forbidden on the range.
4. Disorderly Conduct - Disorderly conduct or intoxication is strictly prohibited on the range and anyone guilty of same will be expelled from the range. Expelled competitors will be disqualified from the competition with forfeiture of all entry fees and awards.
5. Smoking - ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING FORWARD OF THE SPECTATOR AREA
6. Pan firings, caps and fouling shots are to be discharged down range after notifying the Range Officer.
7. Blowing down the Barrel is prohibited, except via an offset blow tube.
   Firearms must be pointed up or downrange at all times. ALL firearms are to be considered loaded.
8. Unloaded Firearms - Firearms will not be capped, primed or loaded until the command "COMMENCE LOADING AND FIRING" has been given. Firearms shall be capped and primed only when the shooter is on the firing line facing the target. All loaded chambers of a revolver must be capped prior to firing.
9. Loaded Firearms - A firearm that has a charge in the chamber, barrel or cylinder shall be considered loaded. All firearms are to be carried to and from the firing line with the muzzles in a vertical position. Once on the firing line, all loaded firearms shall be pointed in the direction of the targets at all times.
10. Cease Firing - Any person will immediately command "CEASE FIRING" if any incident occurs which indicates possible injury to some living thing should firing continue. In all other cases, the command will originate with the Chief Range Officer.
11. Clearing Misfires - The Range Officer must be notified immediately and before the clearing. "breaching" or "pulling" of a bore, barrel, projectile or charge may be attempted. Extreme caution must be used, including reasonable care to inform, but not disturb, neighboring shooters during the clearing of misfires. All clearing of misfires must be performed in such a manner that there is no danger to persons or property. Use of a CO2 discharger is permitted.
12. Policing Range - It is the duty of competitors to police the firing points after the completion of each match or stage. The Range Officer will supervise such policing and see that the firing points are kept clean.

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Photos: "Camera" Bob Woodall

Rocky Mountain National Rendezvous is not connected with the NMLRA in anyway.