Trad Gang
Main Boards => Trad History/Collecting => Topic started by: NW Jamie on June 18, 2009, 11:36:00 AM
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There was a post by Wade ( Bear Kodiak Specials - 1955-1967 - Identification ) on Kodiak Specials that gave so much information and insite on the KS, thank you for that post it really helped me understand the history. Now has there been anything in that order done for the Kodiak Hunter? I have a 69 and would like to know more about these bows, but when I research a lot of times there is a mention of Hunter but not Kodiak Hunter.
Thanks for a great forum and everyday I seem to learn how little I know, you guys do rock.
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Not sure Jamie but you can do a search and you never know what you might turn up. The KS thread was a great one as I have a KS right in that time frame so it helped me alot.
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Here is what I think I know about the Kodiak Hunter. Made from 1967 to 1976, The '67 model was a 58" bow with all other years going to the 60" model? I don't think the green futurewood models started til 1973? '67-'72 were 2 exotic hardwoods Shedua, Bubinga? I have owned 4 of em in the last year, but am without one at the moment. Hopefully more people will chime in on this one as there is alot of interest in the KH but not much to research on here. F.A.
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I suspect it was a marketing decision when Bear discontinued the Kodiak line in 1967 and created the Super Kodiak which became the flagship of the hunting bow line. I think the Kodiak Hunter was born as a lower cost alternative to the Super K but had fancier wood than the Grizzly and fed off of the famous Kodiak name. Remember money was tight back then and 15 or 20 bucks was a lot to us poor folks.
But this is all speculation on my part based on living in those times and being involved with archery and hunting. My first real hunting bow was a new 1967 Grizzly because I couldn't afford a KH or SK.
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I bought a new Kodiak Hunter at an archery shop in Great Falls, Montana, in 1972. It's a 50# model with the shedua/bubinga riser, grey glass, and stablilzer insert (standard by then). I gave $50 for it new and still have it.
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There were a few of the early ones made in Zebrawood. Ever seen one? I've seen two, but never owned one. Pretty rare bird. CKruse
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I've often wondered about the Zebrawood...if the KH was ever made utilizing it....Thanks Cameron for that bit of info. I'd love to have a '70-72
LH Kodiak Hunter in 40-45 lb....it's on my "want list". Bowdoc says the KH's are just about "bullet proof bows" using his words. He also offered an opinion that the KH's were offered because of the delamination problems they were having with the early Super Kodiaks.
Tom I.
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Here is 69 KH in Shedua wood ( I believe?) The glass is Forest Green.
(http://i899.photobucket.com/albums/ac197/NW_Bowman/KH69/DSCN0040-1.jpg)
I hope that I have the size right; just starting with the picture thing and it does not seem to be going that well.
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It would be nice if we could get a pic of all the different years of the Kodiak Hunter made.It would make a nice little identification guide.Here's a 67 1/2 58" 53#. (http://i683.photobucket.com/albums/vv192/DAVE1275/100_3667.jpg)
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That looks like mine Dave but mine has a stripe between the 2 wood types. Straight up and down three lines. Based on Raineman's great chart above it would be a 71 since it has the insert. Nice bow.
sam
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More pics please,very nice topic
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Mines a '70 with no insert, and the stripe. It's two different types of wood. It's 50#
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Another one of Bill Stewarts designs. I have a 58 " 58# that's a real sweetheart. Greg
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My serial number is KT32360. Does that sound about right. I'll take a pic and post. It's a nice looking bow
sam
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Sorry for the delay but here are pics of my Kodiak Hunter
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/Ssamac/BearKodiak003-1.jpg)
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/Ssamac/BearKodiak002-1.jpg)
(http://i290.photobucket.com/albums/ll279/Ssamac/BearKodiak001-1.jpg)
Sam
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I have a busy schedule for the next couple of weeks but as soon as there is some time I will set up a spreadsheet or database with what ever info is here and keep checking to get input from others that have KH. Thanks for the interest. If anyone would like to send me a photo and discription then I can include it as a form of identifing wood types and years if possible, me email is: nw.bowman.cox.net
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Here's '67 KH I just won on that other site. Still waiting for it to arrive. Serial# 7T101
EDIT: Turns out glass is a dark green, got it today.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y37/Talondale/Archery/KodiakHunter67.jpg)
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Here's a pic of my newly acquired LH KH....I'm calling it a 1970 model simply because it lacks the stabilizer insert...Hope I'm right.
(http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i156/win1885-1/KodiakHunter5.jpg)