National Congress of Old West Shootists

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MINUTES OF THE

31ST TERRITORIAL CONGRESS

OF

THE NATIONAL CONGRESS OF OLD WEST SHOOTISTS

Reardon Civic Center, Kansas City, Kansas

March 20, 2009

 

 

 

Marshall Scott called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was given

A special presentation of “petit fors” was made to George Warnick by representatives of the Ladies Tea

Marshal Scott read a letter of resignation from Senator James Boeke.

   It was moved and seconded (Dorian/Ersland) that the runner up in recent senate election, Jerry Barnes, be appointed to fulfill the remainder of Boeke’s term. Motion carried

 

Tom Snow was recognized as the provisional representative of the Phoenix Irregular Guard.

Roll call was taken:

Present: Senators; Brannon, Covert, Chenault, Fulcher, Irons, Scott, Tatham, Torrence, Warnick. Representatives; Burley (Western Iowa border Agents), Coop, (Great Lakes Freight & Mining Co.), Dorian, (Kansas Vigilance Committee), Ersland, (Hickory Hills Regulators), Lytle, (Blue River Regulators), Proctor, (Scarlet Mask Society), Spanton, (Wisconsin Old West Shootists).

             

 Present by Proxies: Senators: Bursovsky, Glenn, Hartwig, & Williams. Representatives: Abels (Phoenix Irregular Guard), Ellison, (Hat Creek Regulators), Howrey, (Wood River Horse Thieves), Smith, (Lonesome Pines Pistoleros)

 

Absent, without proxies: Senators: Thorpe. Representatives: Calloway, (Covered Bridge Shootists), Schultz  (Border regulators).

 

Marshal Scott called for nominations for new officers.  Motion was made, (Dorian/Coop) that the current officers be retained.  Motion carried.

Scott called for nominations to fill office of Secretary left vacant, as Bursovsky did not seek re-election.   Warnick nominated Pete Ersland, Coop 2nd Motion carried. Ersland elected.

 

Minutes of 30th Congress were approved as presented.

 

Banker Irons read his reports. The report was reviewed and pronounced sound by Financial reviewers: Jim Stephens (KY), Wayne Stevens (IA), Don Layton (IN).

 

Chenault moved and Covert 2nd that Bankers report be approved as read. Motion carried.

 

With assurances from Banker Irons that al requirements had been met, two new posses,  the Texas Ten Horns and the Hat Creek Regulators (resurrected posse) were approved.

 

Fulcher discussed the 2009 national shoot. 

 

New Business:

Item A: It was moved and seconded (Ersland, Dorian) to approve the guidelines for the Youth-Apprenticeship Program.  These are:

 1) Under 12 years of age

2) Parent/guardian must be an NCOWS member in good standing                                                          

3) To shoot, they must present an approved Hunter Safety Education Certificate from their state of residence and be approved by the Mentor and Range Safety Officer/Posse Marshal

 Apprentice-Youth Mentors: Will be selected by each participating Posse. These will be the members that will actually run the program at the posse level and work in combination with the parent/guardian to train and educate the Apprentice-Youth. They should be experienced members of NCOWS who are familiar with the NCOWS Bylaws, safety guidelines and their Posse’ range rules. They should also possess the ability to work with youth of this age and develop an effective training and Old West educational program for the individual Apprentice-Youth. They will additionally serve as members on the Apprentice-Youth Committee.

 Parent/Guardian: Must be a current NCOWS member. They will work in conjunction with the Mentor to allow their child to learn all aspects of the Apprentice-Youth Program. Their ongoing participation with the Apprentice-Youth and the Mentor is required throughout the program

 Posse: The participating posse leadership will work with the mentor to assist in the administration of the program. The Posse will be responsible to request a greenhorn/.22 specialty shoot or side match variance for all events (Posse level, Regional or National Shoot) involving the program.

Motion carried by voice vote with John Irons voting Nay.

Item B: It was moved and seconded (Dorian/ Proctor) to form a standing committee for the Youth-Apprenticeship Program.  Motion carried with Irons & Bursovsky (proxy) voting Nay.

Item C: It was moved and seconded (Chenault/Covert) to amend Article V  Section 5.05 (shaded areas below are existing bylaw wording. Proposed changes are underlined (new) or crossed out(removed))  For purposes of a Territorial Congress, a quorum shall be not less than half of the full number of Territorial Senators and Representatives, proxies being counted for this purpose. All proxies must be announced at the start of the meeting.  Proxies may be general or specific in nature, and will be sent to the Marshal  or Secretary  no less than five (5) days  prior to the Territorial Congress. For the purpose of voting, a majority--unless otherwise specified--means a simple majority consisting of fifty-one percent (51%) of the total votes present and voting. Each member of the Board of Directors shall have one vote. The affirmative vote of the majority of the members of the Board present and voting shall authorize any action voted upon unless otherwise provided in these Articles.     Motion carried by roll call vote: 15 to 8 with 2 abstaining. 

Aye- Beechler, Bursovsky, Chenault, Covert, Dorian, Ellison, Ersland, Fulcher, Glenn, Hartwig, Mullins, Proctor, Scott, Smith, Spanton. Nay-Abels, Brannon, Coop, Irons, Lytle, Tatham, Torrence, Warnick. Abstain-Burley, Williams

Item D It was moved and seconded (Fulcher/ Ray) to add the 1876 Winchester replicas, made by Uberti and Chaparral Arms to the Approved List of firearms.  Passed unanimously

Item E: A motion was made and seconded (Snow/Fulcher) amend By-Law 10-1 shaded areas below are existing bylaw wording. Proposed changes are underlined (new) or crossed out (removed)) All NCOWS shooting classes, as established by By-Law, must be made available to all shooters at each National, Regional or Charter Posse Shoot. These classes shall be:

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Shootist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip

      Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Shootist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

     Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Duelist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip

     Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Duelist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved black powder substitute in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

     Men’s and Women’s Pistoleer: Shooters are restricted to the use of percussion revolvers, pre-1873 percussion or original/authentic reproductions of rimfire cartridge pocket pistols, exposed-hammer double-barrel shotguns (percussion or cartridge), and reproduction or original pre-1873 pistol-caliber repeating rifles (e.g. 1860 Henry, Spencer, 1866 Winchester, etc: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges. Pistols and revolvers must be shot one-handed. Pistoleer shooters will shoot the same course of fire as the other competitors except that in a stage requiring more than two shotgun rounds the Pistoleer shooter would not be required to shoot the extra rounds.

     Men’s and Women’s Seniors: Shall be open to those over age 60 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

     Men’s and Women’s Elder: Shall be open to those over the age of 70 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

     Boy’s and Girl’s Juniors: Shall be open to those age 12 to 17 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

     Men’s and Women’s Working Cowboy: Shooter uses one pistol and one pistol caliber rifle. Smokeless or Black Powder cartridges may be used. No gun carts are to be used at any time. Pistol may be fired with one or two hands.

      Men and Women’s Originals: Shooter uses two (2) guns, any combination of NCOWS approved firearms to complete the course of fire. Must have three (3) originals present to have the class. For complete rules and regulations see Appendix A at the back of the Tally Book.

     Men and Woman’s Range Detective: Shooter uses two (2) NCOWS approved revolvers and an NCOWS approved rifle  to complete the same course of fire as four (4) gun shooters. No shotgun is required. Shooter may use either smokeless or blackpowder and may shoot either shootist or duelist.

In addition to these classes, Chartered Clubs and special events may offer additional classes

Motion failed 4 to 21 after roll call vote. Aye - Abels, Beecher, Coop, Fulcher. (4) Nay - Brannon, Bursovsky, Chenault, Covert, Dorian, Ellison, Ersland, Glenn, Hartwig, Howrey, Irons, Lytle, Mullins, Proctor, Scott, Smith, Spanton, Tatham, Torrence, Warnick, Williams. (21) Abstain Burley.

 

Item F It was moved and seconded (Tatham, Dorian), to amend By-Law 10-1. The shaded areas below are existing bylaw wording. Proposed changes are underlined (new) or crossed out (removed)) All NCOWS shooting classes, as established by By-Law, must be made available to all shooters at each National, Regional or Charter Posse Shoot. These classes shall be:

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Shootist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip.

        Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Shootist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Duelist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip.

        Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Duelist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved black powder substitute in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

        Men’s and Women’s Pistoleer: Shooters are restricted to the use of percussion revolvers, pre-1873 percussion or original/authentic reproductions of rimfire cartridge pocket pistols, exposed-hammer double-barrel shotguns (percussion or cartridge), and reproduction or original pre-1873 pistol-caliber repeating rifles (e.g. 1860 Henry, Spencer, 1866 Winchester, etc: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges. Pistols and revolvers must be shot one-handed. Pistoleer shooters will shoot the same course of fire as the other competitors except that in a stage requiring more than two shotgun rounds the Pistoleer shooter would not be required to shoot the extra rounds.

        Men’s and Women’s Seniors: Shall be open to those over age 60 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Men’s and Women’s Elder: Shall be open to those over the age of 70 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Boy’s and Girl’s Juniors: Shall be open to those age 12 to 17 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Men’s and Women’s Working Cowboy: Shooter uses one pistol and one pistol caliber rifle. Smokeless or Black Powder cartridges may be used. No gun carts are to be used at any time. Pistol may be fired with one or two hands.

                       Men and Women’s Originals: Shooter uses two(2) guns, any combination of NCOWS approved firearms to complete the course of fire. Shooter must shoot revolver duelist style. There will be no revolver reloads for this class. Must have three(3) originals present to have the class. For complete rules and regulations see Appendix A at the back of the Tally Book.

In addition to these classes, Chartered Clubs and special events may offer additional classes so long as they adhere to the general outline of these By-Laws.

A motion to amend was made and seconded (Chenault/Fulcher) to read, “unless two revolvers are used” Amendment carried by roll call voteAye: Beechler, Chenault, Dorian, Ellison, Ersland, Fulcher, Proctor, Scott, Spanton, Tatham, Torrence. (11) Nay: Abels, Brannon, Covert, Irons, Lytle, Mullins, Smith, Warnick (8Abstain -Burley, Bursovsky, Coop, Glenn, Hartwig, Howery, Williams (7)

Main Motion (as amended) failed 5 to 16 after roll call vote.  Aye: Dorian, Ellison, Ersland, Tatham, Torrence (5). Nay: Abels, Brannon, Bursovsky, Chenault, Covert, Fulcher, Glenn, Hartwig, Howrey, Lytle, Mullins, Proctor, Smith, Spanton, Warnick, Williams. (16) Abstain -Beechler, Burley, Coop, Irons, Scott (5)

Item G:  It was moved and seconded (Torrance/Tatham) to amend By-Law 10-1 shaded areas below are existing bylaw wording. Proposed changes are underlined (new) or crossed out (removed)) All NCOWS shooting classes, as established by By-Law, must be made available to all shooters at each National, Regional or Charter Posse Shoot. These classes shall be:

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Shootist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip.

        Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Shootist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Duelist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip.

        Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Duelist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved black powder substitute in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

        Men’s and Women’s Pistoleer: Shooters are restricted to the use of percussion revolvers, pre-1873 percussion or original/authentic reproductions of rimfire cartridge pocket pistols, exposed-hammer double-barrel shotguns (percussion or cartridge), and reproduction or original pre-1873 pistol-caliber repeating rifles (e.g. 1860 Henry, Spencer, 1866 Winchester, etc: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges. Pistols and revolvers must be shot one-handed. Pistoleer shooters will shoot the same course of fire as the other competitors except that in a stage requiring more than two shotgun rounds the Pistoleer shooter would not be required to shoot the extra rounds.

        Men’s and Women’s Seniors: Shall be open to those over age 60 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Men’s and Women’s Elder: Shall be open to those over the age of 70 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

Boy’s and Girl’s Juniors: Shall be open to those age 12 to 17 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Men’s and Women’s Working Cowboy: Shooter uses one pistol and one pistol caliber rifle. Smokeless or Black Powder cartridges may be usedWorking Cowboy will be divided into the following separate divisions:

Men and Women’s Black Powder Shootist.

Men and Women’s Black Powder Duelist

Men and Women’s Smokeless Shootist

Men and Women’s Smokeless Duelist                                                                                              No gun carts are to be used at any time. Pistol may be fired with one or two hands.

                       Men and Women’s Originals: Shooter uses two (2) guns, any combination of NCOWS approved firearms to complete the course of fire. Must have three (3) originals present to have the class. For complete rules and regulations see Appendix A at the back of the Tally Book.

In addition to these classes, Chartered Clubs and special events may offer additional classes so long as they adhere to the general outline of these By-Laws

Motion failed 4 to 21 after roll call vote.  Aye: Beechler, Spanton, Tatham, Torrence. (4) Nay: Brannon, Bursovsky, Chenault, Coop, Covert, Dorian, Ellison, Ersland, Fulcher, Glenn, Hartwig, Howery, Irons, Lytle, Mullins, Proctor, Scott, Smith, Warnick, Williams. (21) Abstain-Burley.

 

Item H:  It was moved and seconded (Covert/Brannon) to amend By-Law 10-1 shaded areas below are existing bylaw wording. Proposed changes are underlined (new) or crossed out (removed)) All NCOWS shooting classes, as established by By-Law, must be made available to all shooters at each National, Regional or Charter Posse Shoot. These classes shall be:

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Shootist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip.

        Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Shootist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and may fire handguns using a two-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

        Men’s and Women’s Smokeless Duelist: Shooters may shoot smokeless powder and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip.

        Men’s and Women’s Blackpowder Duelist: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved black powder substitute in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges, and must fire handguns using a one-handed grip. Shotguns may NOT include any model of pump shotgun.

        Men’s and Women’s Pistoleer: Shooters are restricted to the use of percussion revolvers, pre-1873 percussion or original/authentic reproductions of rimfire cartridge pocket pistols, exposed-hammer double-barrel shotguns (percussion or cartridge), and reproduction or original pre-1873 pistol-caliber repeating rifles (e.g. 1860 Henry, Spencer, 1866 Winchester, etc: Shooters must shoot blackpowder or approved blackpowder substitute powder in all firearms except those chambered for rimfire cartridges. Pistols and revolvers must be shot one-handed. Pistoleer shooters will shoot the same course of fire as the other competitors except that in a stage requiring more than two shotgun rounds the Pistoleer shooter would not be required to shoot the extra rounds.

        Men’s and Women’s Seniors: Shall be open to those over age 60 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Men’s and Women’s Elder: Shall be open to those over the age of 70 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Boy’s and Girl’s Juniors: Shall be open to those age 12 to 17 only, may use any of the above shooting styles.

        Men’s and Women’s Working Cowboy: Shooter uses one pistol and one pistol caliber rifle. Smokeless or Black Powder cartridges may be used. Class will be split into the following categories

Traditional(Blackpowder Duelist)

Open (all other combinations of powder  and hold)

 No gun carts are to be used at any time. Pistol may be fired with one or two hands.

                       Men and Women’s Originals: Shooter uses two (2) guns, any combination of NCOWS approved firearms to complete the course of fire. Must have three (3) originals present to have the class. For complete rules and regulations see Appendix A at the back of the Tally Book.

In addition to these classes, Chartered Clubs and special events may offer additional classes so long as they adhere to the general outline of these By-Laws.  

Motion Failed  8 to 15 with 3 abstentions after a roll call vote.  Aye: Brannon, Covert, Dorian, Ellison, Proctor, Spanton, Tatham, Torrence.  Nay: Abels, Beechler, Bursovsky, Chenault, Coop, Ersland, Fulcher, Glenn, Hartwig, Irons, Lytle, Mullins, Smith, Warnick, Williams, Abstain -Burley, Howrey, Scott

Item I: It was moved and seconded (Coop/Dorian) to add to the Disapproved List of firearms the following: 1: Beretta Renegade (a 1873 Winchester replica) Motion carried  unanimously 

Item J: It was moved and seconded (Covert/Torrance) to add to the Approved List of firearms, the following: 1: Reproduction Peabody Rifle made by Providence Tool Company.  Motion carried unanimously 

Item K: A motion to amend By-Law 1-3 shaded areas below are existing bylaw wording. Proposed changes are underlined (new) or crossed out(removed))  Charter Club Membership. Charter Clubs will be known as Posses.  Any organization or shooting club wishing to become a Posse of the National Congress of Old West Shootists may apply for Charter Membership, which shall be granted when that organization has satisfied the Territorial Congress that it adheres to and will abide by the purpose, goals, rules and regulations of the National Congress of Old West Shootists in the conduct of National Congress of Old West Shootists-sanctioned activities.  All Posse events shall be sanctioned events and shall adhere to all bylaws and regulations.  Any posse wishing to vary from the rules and regulations must petition the Executive Committee for a specific waiver for that event. Said petition shall include detailed statements of need and justification for the waiver. Each Posse shall be free to set its own standards of membership within the limits set by the National Congress of Old West Shootists.  New Posses will pay a $35.00 Charter Fee. Posse Charters are renewable on an annual (1 January - 31 December) basis. The yearly renewal fee is $35.00. Renewal forms, including a current Posse membership list with NCOWS Membership numbers and list of officers shall be returned submitted to the National office by 1 January of each year. At least fifty per cent (50%) of the members and 100% of the officers of any Posse must be active, dues-paying members of the National Congress of Old West Shootists.  After their first year and thereafter Posses must maintain a minimum membership of five (5) members to remain an active posse and must maintain a minimum of twelve (12) members to receive insurance benefits. (See also By-Law 9). Posses may be reimbursed up to one hundred dollars ($100) per year for their advertising of NCOWS Posse events. This reimbursement can be for media ads or for table rental at gun shows where the Posse promotes NCOWS.  Receipts for such paid advertising can be submitted to the NCOWS Banker.  All Posses must carry a minimum of $1000,000 liability insurance policy, said insurance policy must carry NCOWS as an additional insured.  In cases where a Posse is sharing insurance with another organization, both NCOWS and the NCOWS Posse must be carried as an addition insured. And  Posses must provide copies of such insurance policies to the NCOWS Banker and Secretary whether they are participating in the insurance reimbursement or not.  Posses not meeting these requirements shall not have their representative recognized at the next Territorial Congress Meeting. Posses shall have 30 days after written notice to meet these requirements or face having their Posse Charter revoked.   Motion withdrawn.

Item L: A motion was made and seconded (Covert, Snow) to amend By-Law 9: Insurance 

9-1. All posses shall be required to maintain liability insurance coverage as provided by this by-law these by-laws and to the level established by NCOWS.

9-4. NCOWS will reimburse Posses for at least the basic minimum charge for such liability insurance if they have and maintain 100% NCOWS membership.  Posses with less than 100% NCOWS membership will be reimbursed at one-half the current rate.

 9-5  For Posses that share insurance with another organization, NCOWS will reimburse Posses for the basic charges incurred for adding NCOWS and the NCOWS Posse as additional insured to the insurance policy if they have and maintain 100% NCOWS membership.  Posses with less than 100% NCOWS membership would be reimbursed for one-half those charges.

Shaded text is existing by-law wording. Struck-out text is to be removed. Underlined text is to be added. Motion withdrawn.

 

 Item M: A motion was made and seconded (Lytle/Chenault) to purge the 1866 and 1873 rifles in .32 H&R Magnum from the approved list. The rifles were never manufactured by Uberti (or anyone else) and the project was abandoned by them due to problems with feeding     Motion carried unanimously 

 Item N: Discussion of the summer Congress Meeting.  It was determined that this should be left to the Executive. Committee's discretion as to whether it would be needed or not and, if so, to set a date and place. The Congress also agreed that it would be acceptable to address individual issues and actions via e-mail notification and balloting if necessary

 Item O: Discussion of the 2010 Convention. Motion was made and seconded (Covert/Fulcher) that the convention return to Reardon Civic Center in Kansas City Kansas. Motion carried unanimously.

 Item P: Discussion of the 2010 National Shoot.  It was decided by unanimous vote to again have the shoot at the Westside Sportsmen’s Club in Evansville, Indiana.  The site of the ‘08 & ‘09 National shoots

 Item Q A motion to adjourn was made and seconded (Tatham, Dorian) Motion carried unanimously.  The meeting was adjourned