While I was out of town this weekend, the postman attempted delivery of an insured package and left a notice for pickup. I knew I had not purchased another bow, but my wife remembered a gift for friends she had ordered and asked me to pick it up this morning.
The postman brought out a well-wrapped package that was unusually long...or about the size of one piece recurve. It was addressed to me and I noticed it came from West Virginia and was sent from Steve Smith, a name I could not immediately recall. My brain was getting overworked as I drove home, trying to recall what the heck was in the package.
For several months, I've had a want ad in the classifieds looking for a nice 1964 Bear Kodiak, but the right one never came along. What a shock when I opened the package and unwrapped a beautiful 45# Kodiak I had been seeking.. It was all original and in outstanding shape with the finest wood I could have hoped for.
Attached to the box was a letter from the sender, known on tradgang as "Bearbowman", stating what he wanted for the bow and if I wanted it, just send him a check (which I did that afternoon).
Just earlier today, I was reading on the other trad site about how people were getting ripped off by crooked dealers. Fortunately, thieves like that are the exception and not the rule.
It's people like Steve "Bearbowman" Smith, honest folks with a love for this sport and its fine tradition and heritage, that make trad archery and this site really great. Thanks again, Steve!
Here's a couple pics of the bow: