Frank Scott (Bear's oldest employee, close friend, and curator of the Bear museum in Gainesville, once wrote me a letter stating that I could use Fred's name on any project I had under development (Happened to be a video at the time). Frank knew that Fred had taken a liking to me several years before he passed and that's all Frank needed to know . . . well, now you see what happens when more "knowledgeable" folks have taken over the helm in the sunshine state. Probably the same people who decided it was in the best interest of the public to sell part of Fred's legacy - the complete contents of his museum, to Bass Pro Shops. Many of Fred's trophies are currently scattered among the various Bass Pro stores and are, for the most part, being ignored by the people walking the cluttered isles. Much of the huge collection has been "in storage" at the BPS national headquarters in Springfield, MO. Rumor has it that the artifacts will eventually be displayed in an all-new and expanded Bear Museum there, however I'm not holding my breath on that one.
All of these developments are sad indeed. Fred was such an open and caring person, always very willing to share of himself. The Fred I knew would have been honored that guys are so interested in shooting the same feather shape that he preferred in the 60s - mid 80s. He most likely would have widened those arctic blue eyes of his, grabbed his suspenders, and had a good laugh at the prospect!
Personally, I don't see why someone can't offer both a chopper AND a pre-shaped feather burner ribbon calling both "Legacy Shields" or whatever, BUT adding a note that the shape is based upon one of Fred Bear's original feathers or feather designs. What would be wrong with that?? If someone steps up rest assured that I'll supply the drawing I made from one of the arrows Papa Bear gave me..
Topic: Fred Bear Feather Chopper (Read 687 times)
