Omaha, Nebraska
2722 1/2 South 20th Street
Omaha, NE 68108
Our muzzle loading organization was founded by a handful of individuals in 1975. From the start, we have been a family organization fully involved in shooting blackpowder guns and pursuing and practicing the daily skills utilized by our forefathers in the early days of our country.
The term "buck skinner" is a modern term given to those individuals who choose to duplicate the weaponry, dress, camping methods and lifestyle of the early American scouts, hunters, explorers and mountain men. Buck skinning is an interest that is usually picked up by those who have been involved in blackpowder shooting for a while, although some choose to do so immediately.
Though the majority of us prefer to own and shoot traditional black powder rifle and pistols, anyone shooting black powder (or substitute) is welcome to join us. If you have an in-line rifle, you might get some good natured ribbing about your plastic rifle, but you are more than welcome to shoot with us.
Prior to 1989, Eastern Platte Muzzleloaders sub-leased property from another club before acquiring a lease for our club. Our club has developed a beautiful area about 30 minutes south of Omaha, just 4 miles south of Murray, Nebraska.
Our primitive wilderness facility holds a 54 position muzzle loading range for both fun and serious competition. There are 25, 50 and 100 yard shooting lines for both rifle and pistol, as well as smoothbore guns shooting patched round balls. Our shooting range is called "Thunder Valley", the reason for the name becoming evident when the shooting starts. There is also a place to practice with a bow, or to throw a knife or tomahawk.
There are around 26 acres suitable for primitive camping and activities associated with rendezvous of yesteryear. Our grounds are a beautiful place to go shooting and camping for the weekend with the family with plenty of firewood available. The area is also suited for nature hikes. You may consider taking a camera along as the area is home to a wide variety of wildlife including songbirds, raccoons, deer, pheasant, quail, turkey, blue herons, squirrels, beaver, coyote and other creatures.
There is NO HUNTING OF ANY KIND on the club property.
As members, we police the property ourselves. We also will mount occasional work parties to provide maintenance as required.
At present, our club holds four large club invitationals as fundraisers each year. These are; a Winter Meat Shoot in February, a Spring Shoot around May, a Fall Shoot in October and our annual EPM gun show and trade fair in November in Omaha. A complete list of club activities is available here. These activities help defray the expenses for our club along with annual dues paid by members. Our membership dues are family dues. The membership includes the entire immediate family and any children under 19 years of age. Each family membership comes with two votes at all club business meetings, one for Dad and one for Mom.
