Posted: 12/21/2022 1:29:51 AM EDT
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Ready for a challenge of weather, endurance, and shooting after the season of sugar and sweets? Come join us in Central (ish) Missouri for hiking, hills, expensive toys and good company. There will be a standard APC hike starting at 9am on Saturday Jan 14th. Following the hike, we plan do a mini rifle class/course of fire at the conservation range thoughtfully put together by Norsk. On the Friday night proceeding the hike some of us will be camping and plan to do a mini night hike under NODs. I would highly recommend the night hiking even if you do not have nods. Having done several with naked eye, it both gives you an appreciation for the advantages of NODs and the capabilities of your own eyes. Event/Date/Time: Optional Camping / Friday Jan 13th / 4-5pm arrival Optional Night hike / Friday Jan 13th / TBD Main Hike / Saturday Jan 14th / 9am Range Time / Saturday Jan 14th / After the hike Location: Lead Mine Conservation Area Main Campground. This is a nice conservation area campground with plenty of room for vehicles, trailers, and car camping. No running water, but there are lavatory facilities available. https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/lead-mine-conservation-area APC standards we will be striving for: 6mi Ruck under 2 hours while carrying 35lbs + rifle or 45lbs and no rifle. Even if you do not think you can do the full APC weight or time, come anyway and enjoy get a work out in. If this date does not work for you, start planning for the upcoming dates: Feb 25th March 18th Ammo/Gear for the course of fire: [ ] Rifle+Sling [ ] 6 or more 30 round magazines * (Filled with exactly 30 rds) [ ] Helmet/PC (optional) [ ] Sidearm + Holster [ ] Sidearm spare mag pouch (optional) [ ] Ear/Eyepro [ ] Shooting Gloves [ ] Warming layers * The actual course of fire requires 3 mags, the goal is to have everyone run it twice. @Shootindave @Clutchdeath @speedball |
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Quoted: I'm in, but i'm gonna pm you some questions. Quoted: I'm in, but i'm gonna pm you some questions. Replied! Quoted: I will be there! Although I may sleep in the vehicle as I am experienced enough to know I can tent camp in January temps but I do not like it. Yikes The benefits of car camping vs backpacking! I will likely bring both my sleeping bags and may deploy an emergency blanket as a reflective tunnel above it. Especially if the weather is anywhere near what we have today. I do have a spare inflatable sleeping pad that greatly helps insulate you from the cold ground if anyone needs one who is planning on camping. @Giltweasel @kc215 @MaxxII I think I have @ mentioned everyone who expressed interest in the last thread. If anyone knows of someone I am missing, please mention or notify them. |
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Quoted: Thank you for the mention. I will not be there due to a scout campout. Curious about the long-arm carry. Is that possible in Lead Mine area? Will an alternative be necessary? We have had long guns carried there in the past without issue. It is a quite remote facility and I think we have only ever met anyone on the trail at most every other hike. Missouri allows open carry by default with the exceptions being specific prohibited areas. This area is used for multiple hunting seasons so nothing (that I have found) restricts open carry to only hunters. The area's regulations limit target shooting to just the on-site range. |
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Quoted: We have had long guns carried there in the past without issue. It is a quite remote facility and I think we have only ever met anyone on the trail at most every other hike. Missouri allows open carry by default with the exceptions being specific prohibited areas. This area is used for multiple hunting seasons so nothing (that I have found) restricts open carry to only hunters. The area's regulations limit target shooting to just the on-site range. Quoted: Quoted: Thank you for the mention. I will not be there due to a scout campout. Curious about the long-arm carry. Is that possible in Lead Mine area? Will an alternative be necessary? We have had long guns carried there in the past without issue. It is a quite remote facility and I think we have only ever met anyone on the trail at most every other hike. Missouri allows open carry by default with the exceptions being specific prohibited areas. This area is used for multiple hunting seasons so nothing (that I have found) restricts open carry to only hunters. The area's regulations limit target shooting to just the on-site range. I wonder if it is smart to have at least a small game hunting license? Not sure what MODC sees as hiking with a rifle and hiking with a rifle looking for squirrels without a permit. |
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Quoted: Any deer cop who stops a group of guys wearing full kit carrying rifles to ask them for a coyote license deserves a promotion ETA-I will be there, Subaru camping Quoted: Quoted: Coyotes are in season too. Having a small game license is a good idea. Any deer cop who stops a group of guys wearing full kit carrying rifles to ask them for a coyote license deserves a promotion ETA-I will be there, Subaru camping You're attributing to bravery what could easily be stupidity. Remember, we still have instructions on shampoo for a reason. ETA - I will most likely not be able to make the Jan 14th session. I just started a new gig and will be in the busy part of things right then. As I dont know exactly what the demand will be at that point, I would prefer not to commit and be a no show if things go sideways. I will keep an eye out for the next thread about the Feb 28th trip as things should be settled by then. |
| I really want to make it to 1 of these. I am doing prep hikes on the regular for a backpacking trip in New Mexico in July with the scout troop. I have a pretty deep background in cold weather camping and backpacking. Not normally with my rifle but I can figure that out. Do you guys just use normal 40-50 liter packs or do you guys use the military style? |
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Quoted: I really want to make it to 1 of these. I am doing prep hikes on the regular for a backpacking trip in New Mexico in July with the scout troop. I have a pretty deep background in cold weather camping and backpacking. Not normally with my rifle but I can figure that out. Do you guys just use normal 40-50 liter packs or do you guys use the military style? Some people hike with day packs or the military style day/assault packs with a lot of weight in them (often ammo, but sometimes actual steel weights). Personally, I prefer to use a hip belt when carrying that sort of weight so I usually carry my full size pack with all my backpacking gear and then supplement with ammo if I need extra weight. Hope you can make one! |
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Quoted: Thank you, I’ll see what I can do. I have pack setup for camping gear, clothing and food. Carrying ammo is gonna be a little different to distribute the weight. To keep the weight in the right place, I usually put my ammo in pmags and then put the pmags in one of these midway USA 8 magazine pouch things and that in the hydration pouch in my pack. It sounds rather complex, but it keeps the weighty pmags flat and tight against my back instead of floating around and bunching up at the bottom. I also like that having an 8 mag bandoleer is extremely practical for if you ever need to use your ammo. 
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Quoted: To keep the weight in the right place, I usually put my ammo in pmags and then put the pmags in one of these midway USA 8 magazine pouch things and that in the hydration pouch in my pack. It sounds rather complex, but it keeps the weighty pmags flat and tight against my back instead of floating around and bunching up at the bottom. I also like that having an 8 mag bandoleer is extremely practical for if you ever need to use your ammo. https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/alt1/488/488989.jpg?imwidth=680 Quoted: Quoted: Thank you, I’ll see what I can do. I have pack setup for camping gear, clothing and food. Carrying ammo is gonna be a little different to distribute the weight. To keep the weight in the right place, I usually put my ammo in pmags and then put the pmags in one of these midway USA 8 magazine pouch things and that in the hydration pouch in my pack. It sounds rather complex, but it keeps the weighty pmags flat and tight against my back instead of floating around and bunching up at the bottom. I also like that having an 8 mag bandoleer is extremely practical for if you ever need to use your ammo. https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/alt1/488/488989.jpg?imwidth=680 At the surplus shop I go to they always have a bunch of them for like 8 or 10 bucks. So that it another option. I also like heavier items close to the body if possible and high in the pack. |
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Quoted: Bump. Is there only one camping ground there? Or do we need to meet in a specific place? For folks coming friday, I am going to bring some HF radio stuff and see if we can schedule some comms windows with the Arfcom radio network. Dave I believe where we meet is called the main equine campground or something along those lines Edit to add-if you look at a map of the area there’s 1 privy toilet and that’s where the campground is. Arfcommers will be the ones who don’t have horse trailers 
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Quoted: I believe where we meet is called the main equine campground or something along those lines Edit to add-if you look at a map of the area there’s 1 privy toilet and that’s where the campground is. Arfcommers will be the ones who don’t have horse trailers Quoted: Quoted: Bump. Is there only one camping ground there? Or do we need to meet in a specific place? For folks coming friday, I am going to bring some HF radio stuff and see if we can schedule some comms windows with the Arfcom radio network. Dave I believe where we meet is called the main equine campground or something along those lines Edit to add-if you look at a map of the area there’s 1 privy toilet and that’s where the campground is. Arfcommers will be the ones who don’t have horse trailers Assuming I can link this correctly, here is a view of where we want to be in the main campground with the main roads leading up to it in Red. The entrance can be hard to find especially after dark. The entrance is on the north side of the east-west running highway YY (in orange). My GPS normally routes me through a private drive that connects to the campground road, but after the signs so it is not apparent where you are. There are lots of Mennonites in the area and it is likely you will encounter horse and buggies within a couple of miles of the area. Extra fun at night. 
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Quoted: Going to make it but will be after 5 most likely when we get there, do we need to pay for our own camp sites or have you reserved the group one? is water turned on or bring our own? thx It’s free to camp. Bring water, there’s none available. There is a hole you can poop in though |
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Right now we should have around 5 or 6 guys meeting up for camping and night hiking and another 5 or so Saturday morning. Im looking forward to seeing you all! We should have meals mostly covered. Im bringing a small propane stove and there are fire rings with grill grates. We should have chicken fajitas for supper, eggs and sausage for breakfast and hot dogs post hike. If you want to bring anything to help flesh out those meals then that would be great. Ie chips or fixings for the hot dogs. I may be cooking some of these meals so no guarantee that it turns out .
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Quoted: Right now we should have around 5 or 6 guys meeting up for camping and night hiking and another 5 or so Saturday morning. Im looking forward to seeing you all! We should have meals mostly covered. Im bringing a small propane stove and there are fire rings with grill grates. We should have chicken fajitas for supper, eggs and sausage for breakfast and hot dogs post hike. If you want to bring anything to help flesh out those meals then that would be great. Ie chips or fixings for the hot dogs. I may be cooking some of these meals so no guarantee that it turns out .I am bringing another stove and some cooking stuff in case we need more cooking area. I got some water, chips, cliffs bars and beef jerky. Lol I have to run to Johnson County area for work and will head south around lunch. |
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Excellent outing planned by Flak-Magnet. That spot was perfect and better than any of the public use areas I have found closer to the KC area. Thanks again Norsk for the prep work on the course of fire at the range. Attached File |
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We are all indebted to Flak-Magnet and all his work organizing these events (and cooking for us!). I wouldn't have started coming to these if it weren't for him. You're welcome! I hope everyone found the range time useful and identified both gear and personal points of improvement.  See you all next time. |
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Hey guys I’m new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself, friends call me AJ. I recently moved to the STL area and I’m looking for a group of folks to go shooting, fishing, camping with and this thread caught my eye, what an awesome idea! A little about myself, married with 3 older kids, I was an army combat medic for 4 years, an emt for a few years, and I’ve been a journeyman Pipefitter/welder for the past 10 years. I love shooting, camping, fishing, and foraging for mushrooms and other edible plants. Anybody else live in the St. Louis/St Charles area? |
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Great hike, and great range time. Good food and fellowship as well. Really great to meet everyone new and see old friends, can't wait until the next one!!! Really Appreciate Flak-magnet and Norsk for their hospitality in planning the event as well. You guys are awesome ?? |
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Quoted: At the surplus shop I go to they always have a bunch of them for like 8 or 10 bucks. So that it another option. I also like heavier items close to the body if possible and high in the pack. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Thank you, I’ll see what I can do. I have pack setup for camping gear, clothing and food. Carrying ammo is gonna be a little different to distribute the weight. To keep the weight in the right place, I usually put my ammo in pmags and then put the pmags in one of these midway USA 8 magazine pouch things and that in the hydration pouch in my pack. It sounds rather complex, but it keeps the weighty pmags flat and tight against my back instead of floating around and bunching up at the bottom. I also like that having an 8 mag bandoleer is extremely practical for if you ever need to use your ammo. https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/alt1/488/488989.jpg?imwidth=680 At the surplus shop I go to they always have a bunch of them for like 8 or 10 bucks. So that it another option. I also like heavier items close to the body if possible and high in the pack. Mind sharing what surplus shop you like? I’m always looking for a good surplus store. |
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Quoted: Mind sharing what surplus shop you like? I’m always looking for a good surplus store. Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Thank you, I’ll see what I can do. I have pack setup for camping gear, clothing and food. Carrying ammo is gonna be a little different to distribute the weight. To keep the weight in the right place, I usually put my ammo in pmags and then put the pmags in one of these midway USA 8 magazine pouch things and that in the hydration pouch in my pack. It sounds rather complex, but it keeps the weighty pmags flat and tight against my back instead of floating around and bunching up at the bottom. I also like that having an 8 mag bandoleer is extremely practical for if you ever need to use your ammo. https://media.mwstatic.com/product-images/src/alt1/488/488989.jpg?imwidth=680 At the surplus shop I go to they always have a bunch of them for like 8 or 10 bucks. So that it another option. I also like heavier items close to the body if possible and high in the pack. Mind sharing what surplus shop you like? I’m always looking for a good surplus store. I go to the one in Ottawa, KS "Take It Outside". I only found it because it is close to the shooting range I go to. He seems to get a lot of good stuff. Otherwise the more local ones to me are Mickeys and Bosserts. |
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Quoted: I go to the one in Ottawa, KS "Take It Outside". I only found it because it is close to the shooting range I go to. He seems to get a lot of good stuff. Otherwise the more local ones to me are Mickeys and Bosserts. Right on. I've been to Bosserts and Mickeys, I'll run through Take it Outside when I'm in the area. Thanks! Decent surplus stores are hard to find anymore. |
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Thanks to everyone who came out! It is always a blast to hang out, camp and hike. I think this was the largest turn out so far which is even more impressive because only four out of 11 people had been to a MO hike before. Big shout out to @Norsk for planning and coordinating the range session, @MostlypeacefulPete for bringing lunch an everyone else who contributed food and supplies. and @ShootinDave for getting us on the air with the HF net. Hopefully we all learned some things. I know I learned that my standard hikers let my toes freeze pretty rapidly in twenty degree weather. If we would have been out for a week in those temps I dont think my toes would have lasted. Also Cardio is still #1 and I need more of it. |