Our Trading Post
Our primary merchandise focus is items hand crafted from leather, rawhide, and fur. Additionally, pre-1840’s Fur Trade Era re-enactment trade goods, fine animal furs, and other hand crafted, vintage and antique items that tend to fit into our merchandise focus.
If you’d like to visit our trading post in person we are open by appointment between Memorial Day weekend and September 15.
If you have any questions about any of our items or the ordering process you’re always welcome to give us a call or message us on Facebook by clicking here.
Whether calling to make an appointment or calling about the items on our site, please call after 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time.
406-295-7260
Featured Artists
After 30 years of enjoying and trading at Mountain Man Rendezvous we’ve met an incredible number of skilled crafters along the way, some of them have become regular contributors of items for sale in our trading post.
Tom & Nancy Oar
Tom and Nancy Oar have lived a rugged, wilderness-inspired life in the Yaak Valley since 1979.
Best known from the History Channel’s Mountain Men series, Tom, a former rodeo cowboy, and Nancy are skilled in traditional crafts like tanning hides and hand-sewing buckskin clothing, which they sell to fans of authentic frontier living.
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Tom and Nancy Oar’s journey to living off the grid in the Yaak Valley began in 1979 when they left their former lives behind for a more self-sufficient existence in the Montana wilderness. Prior to that, Tom had a successful career as a rodeo cowboy, even competing in the International Finals Rodeo eight times. Nancy, originally from Illinois, worked in logistics before joining Tom on this back-to-nature adventure.For over 17 years, the couple lived without electricity or running water, relying on their skills in trapping and crafting. Today, they continue to make a living by tanning game hides and crafting authentic buckskin items, such as moccasins, shirts, and pants. Tom’s technique, known as brain tanning, follows methods used by Native Americans more than two centuries ago. Each item is meticulously handcrafted, sewn without machines, and sold at rendezvous events and trading posts like Willow Bend.
Their dedication to preserving these traditional crafts, alongside their connection to nature, is showcased on Mountain Men, where fans follow their journey of living off the land and creating functional, historical items
Jess anders
Jess Anders, a Montana native, is passionate about preserving the Plains Indian tradition of hide painting.
As the author of The Book on Painting Hides – A Plains Indian Tradition, Jess shares his expertise through lectures and demonstrations, keeping this rich cultural heritage alive.
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Jess Anders, a Montana native, has devoted much of his life to mastering and preserving the Plains Indian tradition of hide painting. His deep appreciation for Native American cultural artifacts led him to author The Book on Painting Hides – A Plains Indian Tradition, which explores the intricate techniques passed down through generations.
Jess is a respected educator, regularly presenting lectures and live demonstrations at locations like the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, USDA, and the Lewis & Clark Travel Rest State Park in Montana.
Jess’s method involves painting hides the old way, using a stick to press natural pigments—such as red ochre and black iron oxide—into the hide. The pigments are ground into a fine powder, mixed with hot water and hide glue made from scraping the epidermis of deer, elk, or buffalo hides.
This careful and time-honored process, akin to tattooing the hide, reflects the skill and patience of Native American artisans, a legacy Jess is proud to continue and share with the world.
Johnny Watkins
Johnny Watkins is a diversely talented multimedia western artist who captures the spirit of the Mountain Man era and western heritage.
With a background in teaching art and a passion for mountain man rendezvous reenactments, his work is a tribute to history.
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Johnny Watkins is a versatile multimedia western artist specializing in depicting the rich historical heritage of the American West. From pencil, charcoal, and colored pencils to watercolor, oils, and sculpture, Johnny’s diverse skillset brings to life the rugged essence of the frontier.
A retired high school art teacher with 16 years of experience, Johnny combines his artistic expertise with his deep involvement in mountain man rendezvous reenactments, where he immerses himself in the traditions and craftsmanship of the fur trade era.
His works, including a striking sketch of Tom Oar from the History Channel's "Mountain Men," showcase his dedication to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the mountain man lifestyle.
connie Oar
An artist with decades of experience, Connie specializes in crafting unique items, including beaded knife sheaths, quilled bags, and reverse appliqué silk skirts. Her work reflects a lifetime of dedication to traditional techniques and will be available for purchase at Willow Bend Trading Post.
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With over 70 years of crafting experience, Connie began beadwork at the age of six, inspired by the intricate designs she admired at powwows near her childhood home in Wisconsin.
Over the years, she expanded her skills, mastering porcupine quillwork, sewing, spinning wool, and creating felt garments.
Her artistic repertoire includes beaded knife sheaths, quilled bags, barrettes, and quilled war shirts, alongside contemporary pieces like reverse appliqué silk skirts.
Each item she creates is a reflection of her passion for heritage craftsmanship and her commitment to time-honored techniques. Rather than taking custom orders, Connie prefers to craft what inspires her and make these one-of-a-kind creations available for purchase. Her work, characterized by meticulous detail and traditional artistry, will be listed on the Willow Bend Trading Post site.
