A Letter to Fred Bear

[Ssamac]

Dear Mr.Bear,

Today I shot a 53 year old Bear Kodiak.
Steve, a collector of your bows, sold her to me. I want to thank you for putting such quality and workmanship into your product. I was cocerned that a 53 year old bow might be too old to shoot, or just not do very well. I strung it very carefully, and it did not make a sound. It seemed to bend into a smile once strung. I let it rest awhile, and every time I looked it kept smiling at me, so finally, unable to wait any longer, I had to take it outside and shoot it.

Before I go on, let me confess that I have never owned one of your bows, new or used. Not for any good reason, please understand. It just never happened that's all. When I picked the bow up it felt good in the hand. The grip was like no grip I had ever had- part longbow and part recurve. I drew it back slowly listening for the slightest cracking sound, but it drew smooth and even. I was concerned with shooting off that double shelf, but except for throwing some of my stiffer arrows to the left a bit, it was as if I had shot this bow for years. I released and with a solid twang it threw a 60# woodie right through my target at 20 yards. Lucky for the hillside behind it. Going to need more target for this Bear I can see. I shot at all my targets - maybe 200 arrows - on a fine spring afternoon. I shot from behind bushes, uphill and downhill, kneeling, reaching over tree limbs, even a couple from a stand. The arrows went right where I pointed them. with each arrow, the bow drew easier. It felt like I became part of history. It was like I was shaking hands with you, Mr.Bear. Like we were shooting some targets together, and you offered advice and encouragement with each arrow.

Steve and my friends here at the Trad Gang will help me get the bow tuned and the right arrows matched. I'll keep shooting - did I mention - I decided to call her "Fred" - and get better with her. This fall, Fred and I will take a deer.

Thank you, Fred Bear.

With the greatest respect,

Sam    

[johnnyrazorhead]

Nice way of expressing your gratitude to one of the finest bow companies ever and one of the sports finest gentlemen.Those Grayling bows really do have some magic in them as I'm sure alot of us here on tradgang will agree.Very nice.Fred will help guide your arrows home next fall.

[Ssamac]

I'm counting on it
thnaks

[kurtbel5]

Yea Sam I feel that way with all mine,its almost like I got to meet Papa Bear.
        Kurt

[Rick Enos]

Just about braught a tear to my eye.A very nice letter.I think most of us think along those lines.But very nice to see & feel your words.

[Ssamac]

Thanks Rick. I took Fred to a 3D shoot today. Had the only trad bow in sight. Shot the crap out of a lot newer wheel bows too. And I felt like Mr. Bear was giving me advice on each shot - especially the one I took at a rubber Caribou at 40 yards and hit it. I the butt but I hit it. Fred did well today.

sam