Scout Bag by Bill Smith

by Joshua Shepherd

Blackpowder shooters can get by for some time with an average shooting bag, but eventually they’ll want to upgrade to the best. In the world of the longrifle culture, Kentucky’s own William Smith has established a reputation for fine craftsmanship that has set a benchmark in the field. At this year’s fundraising auction, CLA members will have the chance to bid on a distinctive Smith bag that’s sure to round out any hunting rig in fine style.

Smith’s work is characterized by clean lines and exquisite workmanship, resulting in some of the most popular shooting bags on the market. In terms of fine craftsmanship, this bag is no exception. The artist characterizes this pouch as a “scout hunting bag”, a smaller variant best suited to the frontier scouts who, by necessity, moved fast through the backcountry. The piece is crafted in a warm medium-brown leather and lined with deerskin. It also offers a pleasing contrast in textures. The front of the bag is made of woven hemp a frontier cash crop that helped forge early Kentucky dyed in walnut hulls. Both the front of the bag and its interior is fitted with an additional storage pocket, and all exposed edges are well protected by a roll of hand-sewn leather trim. The woven shoulder strap is also dyed in walnut hulls and is fully adjustable by means of a hand-forged iron buckle.

All in all, it’s a modestly sized bag that’s stoutly made; beautiful enough to hang by the fireside, but so robust that it will work equally well on the range or in the woods.

William “Bill” Smith can be contacted by email at wsmithbackpowder@windstream.net.