Rod and Gun Club Black Powder Shoot highlights the art of one shot

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In this file photo, Bernie Arruda is enveloped in a smoky blast after he fired at a deer target at an earlier Martha's Vineyard Rod and Gun Club black powder shoot. — File photo by Ralph Stewart

One the eve of the muzzleloader deer hunting season, which starts on Monday, December 15, the Martha’s Vineyard Rod & Gun Club will sponsor a Black Powder Shoot that will provide an opportunity for hunters and primitive weapons enthusiasts to test their skills amid a cloud of smoke.

There are two elements that distinguish the muzzleloader deer hunting season from the shotgun season. A hunter must use a firearm that loads from the muzzle, and he or she gets only one shot.

Competitive events include loading, shooting, and reloading for accuracy and points in two categories, scoped or traditional.

According to weaponry experts, a well-trained Colonial era soldier under the stress of combat could fire three rounds a minute for short periods. Because care in reloading was a major factor in accuracy, only the first round was completely reliable.

There is a small entry fee for the event. Competitors will vie for hams donated by Cronig’s Markets and other prizes. A trophy will be awarded to the winner and his name will be engraved on the Black Powder clubhouse perpetual plaque.

The shoot will be held Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm at the club range at the end of Third Street in Edgartown off the Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road. It is open to the public. Refreshments will be available. For more information, call Dick Carlson at 508-939-0909.

The muzzleloader season begins one half hour before sunrise Monday, Dec. 15, and ends one half hour after sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 31.