The Situational WoodsWalk is a team event, but not always. A team usually consists of 4 members. Because of its complexity, it is usually hosted by a club who do not participate, but instead play logistical roles such as timers, guides, or aggressors. Some large events will be run over 2 days with teams heading out on the trail every half hour. They are timed to last an hour. If your team hasn't reached the halfway point on the half hour, your scorer will quickly move you to that point and you will forfeit any score for unengaged targets.
One type of this event is called a Survival Weekend and is usually reserved for the most hardcore reenactors. Teams check in on Friday eve, receive their instructions, and head into the field where they function as independent patrols in hostile territory until the event ends on Sunday afternoon. These are often held in winter with whatever weather conditions happen to prevail. Patrols must cook, sleep and warm themselves while afield. They often include water crossings or canoe work.
Contrary to most events, the above are designed so that teams or team members are eliminated and no one finishes the event. Targets or stations are layed out and involve a time penalty. This penalty might involve losing a piece of your gear or being killed. The scorer will carry a bag which will contain the penalty incuured. By random draw, you choose your own fate. If you lose a piece of gear, you must rely on team members to help you continue. Thus it might be benefical to have members shooting the same caliber guns, having spare items in your haversack to replace the forfeited item, etc. If you are killed, your team will plunder your body for whatever they can use, and you will fall back and remain as an observer only.
A typical event will commence with teams registering, at which time they receive the scenario. For purposes of illustration, let's use this one. The year is 17XX. You are a group of woods runners allied with the French. While crossing the Ohio river, your canoes are swamped and all your food is lost. You swim to the north shore and must make your way to Fort DesChartres which is a 3 day journey. You immediatley know that you will have to hunt for food along the trail. Depending on the exact date given, you must also know who your allies or enemies are, as well as which Indian tribes are friendly or hostile.
When your team is called, you report for inspection. They go thru your gear and clothing to check for period correctness, not specifically French, but generally looking for anomilies. Points are deducted for any found. These usually consist of guys forgetting to take off their wrist watches, having car keys or modern coin in their pockets, or wearing modern long johns or underwear beneath your clothing.
Next, you proceed to a station where your team is asked a set of questions about the specific history of the period. The questions are asked round robin style, not by whomever knows the answer. Points are tallied and added to your score sheets.
Next, you are taken to the trail head. to begin. At this point, in any event, I always ask the question, " Are there any rules other than those given which we must know?" This prevents having the scorer make up rules should situations occur. If they haven't thought about it beforehand, then the team cannot be penalized for a perceive infraction. For instance, if you are not told that all shots are to be fired offhand, then you can use a rested position should it be required. If they don't specify that it's round ball only, then you can use shot if the target requires it. You need to use whatever will be to your advantage that they haven't thought of.
At the trailhead, the scenario starts. You have just swam the Ohio river and everything is wet. There are a couple of 5 gallons buckets full of water. You are required to submerge your powder horn in the water for 30 seconds. A properly prepared horn will have had the base plug sealed inside with beeswax and the plug will be tapered for a watertight fit. Also, holding the horn spout down will eliminate most water from entering the horn if its not prepared. You can simulate this with a soda bottle. If you hold it spout up, the water will rush inside, whereas holding the spout down will create an air block which holds the water out. Other scenarios might require you to fill your barrel with water, dumping it out, and then proceeding with a wet bore.
As we progress, I will add various instances you might encounter while on the trail and also talk about a small, one or two club event that is not as complicated.
