Trad Gang

This past winter I purchased a 1971 Fred Bear Super Kodiak from a fellow Trad Gang member. I have always admired the bear bows but never really thought they would shoot as good as some of my "custom" bows. Boy was I wrong. Its probably one of the best shooting bows I have ever owned. Its no wonder they started making them again. I like them so much I have a 64" Grayling Green Super Kodiak  on order from Three Rivers.  Has anyone else been bit by the Fred Bear Bug?

Yep. Back in 1981 with a Grayling Super Grizzly. I now own 2 Super Grizzlys - both Grayling manufacture, a Grayling Grizzly of zebra wood, a dual shelf Alaskan, a Grayling RH Kodiak Mag, a Grayling LH Kodiak Mag, and a Gainsville Super Mag 48. I doubt I'm done with Bears.

I bought a '61 Kodiak Mag this past winter and found it to be a great shooting bow.  It shoots well for me.  I have rotated to a heavier bow for deer, but will take it it again next spring for turkeys.  I loved carrying it and shooting it.

If you're near the NC Zoo let me know and maybe we can meet and shoot sometime  :)

Hey Bud I live in Burlington. Ashboro is not far at all! I would love to get together and shoot. Right now I'm hunting just about every free minute I get. I came close the past Saturday, but just couldn't close the deal. A fox came in and spooked everything.

Its had me for years. A 58 Alaskan was my first hunting bow in 79. Then a 71 Kodiak Magnum kept it going. I really like the Bears and the new ones are great too!

Lol is this gonna be the Bear answer to the Hill Bug thread haha

I wasn't bit by the bug as I'm an American longbow guy. BUT I loved my kodiak, my Montana, and I really realy really want to own a new 59 kodiak

Man I want to shoot a new 59. Has anyone shot the old vs the new? I bet the new strings make a big difference in speed and quietness.

I have a new to me 69 Super K heading my way soon,I can't wait to get it.They are one of the best looking bows bear made. My wife shoots a Kodiak Hunter,my son has a 64 Kodiak and my daughter shoots a 65 Grizzly.I would say we really love our Bear bows.

Got a used Alaskan in 1977 and a few years later a used Grizzly. Still have both bows and still hunt with the Grizzly. Have taken deer with both.

There are a lot of guys here that shoot and love the old Bear,like myself.
If you go to the collector forum,you'll know more.
The old Super Kodiaks are some of the best bows ever made,very quiet and forgiving.

I own 13 trad bows and all but 2 are Bears. In the not so distant past when I discovered Traditional archery, I did a lot of research and reading and decided that I was going to try a Bear bow out. Well I bid on a bow on the big auction site and won it. The bow that I won is a bear Super Grizz, I got to tell you I was hooked on it, It was just alittle heavy for me at first but I learned how to shoot and conditioned my body to handle the weight(55#)I still own said bow and shoot it regularly. You cant duplicate the feel of a Bear bow IMO.

OHH"
did I mention I am a Bear Bow Fan?
One more thing don't ever ever ever try a Greenstripe T/D, if you do there will be no hope for you.LOL

Gotta love Bear bows, I've owned several Grizzlies and my hunting bow this year is a 70's Super Grizzly. 50#@28" with some old cedars I restored to their former glory tipped with Razorheads. I'm currently working up some new cedars to match the SG's colors.

 (http://i1121.photobucket.com/albums/l502/MrDwood/DSCN3559_zpsc87611a7.jpg) (http://s1121.photobucket.com/user/MrDwood/media/DSCN3559_zpsc87611a7.jpg.html)

Seeing some fred bear pics made me want to make the switch in the first place to trad. Sot a buck last year with a 65' kodiak. Switched to pronghorn longbows, but now am wanting to go back to bears... So my pronghorn is in the classifieds and I just purchased a kmag. I haven't ever had a kmag but thought it would be a fun little bow! I also plan on picking up a kodiak hunter in the same age for a little poor mans collection of bear bows.

Wooddamon1... That pic is awesome!!! I want to make up some vintage looking bear arrows like that. Are those original or did you make them??

I bought a 69' Bear Grizzly a few years back out of a guys garage, it reminded me why I like archery and pointed me back toward traditional archery.  I'll never sell it even though it's too light to hunt with!

Even though I pretty much now only shoot my Howard Hill bows, occasionally I will pull out this '65 Tigercat that I've held on too. Was thinking of selling it and each time I pull it down, I change my mind. This bow doesn't have a stress line anywhere on it!

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Taking my 72 Kmag out Sat. Morning,  quietest bow I own.  Little flustered right now my quiver broke in practice tonite, been shooting it all summer, two nights before opener and this!

I think pretty much everybody knows what a Montana looks like, though I love mine, but how many have seen a pristine 1968 zebrawood Grizzly?

  (http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h312/pjriss/DSC_0146.jpg)   (http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h312/pjriss/DSC_0136.jpg)

You know what's ironic about that bow? It's my birth year and I'm left handed but, shoot right handed!

Sure is a beauty though!   :thumbsup:

Wow that's a beauty! I have. A 69 tiger cat that is made out of Zebra wood. It looks a lot like that bow. I will see if I can get some pictures of it.

I love Bear bows own a few myself they shoot awesome.  In my opinion if it wasnt for Fred and his creations bow hunting would have never been what it is today weather you shoot trad or wheels.  Thanks Fred.

Started out with a Bear Bearcat and while I've shot lots of others now that I'm in my twilite years I've returned to the Bear bug again shooting my Bear T.D., cedar shafts tipped with Bear Razorheads!

I've always had it.. I've owned my share of custom bows, believe me...yet it seems Im always afield with a Kodiak or Bear Takedown...funny how that works

I'm bit too. I have an '89 Kodiak 55#, '75 Kodiak Hunter 43#, and '74 Black Bear in my poor man's collection. Looking for a Grizzly or a Polar for my next one or a Super Mag or a ....

My first trad bow was a Bear Tigercat.  Florida Lime owns it now.  Bought it for his daughter.  That zebra Grizzly is superb!

You guys are up to 2 pages now!  Only 993 to go!  :D

I'm a longbow guy, but make exception for Grayling Bears and T/D's in particular.

I had a bear black panther hunter I could shoot as well as my custom longbows!  I sold it and now I'm consider selling my custom bow and picking up a couple old bears off the classifieds.

I just got into traditional archery 2 months ago shot one of those other bows for 20 years.I picked up a Bear Polar 1962 to see if I would like shooting a recurve.  Well I just bought a Super Kodiak from nineworlds 9 and is this a bow shooter .I now own 2 Bear bows and love them ,this could turn out to be my next sickness.

QuoteOriginally posted by Bigjackfish:
I just got into traditional archery 2 months ago shot one of those other bows for 20 years.I picked up a Bear Polar 1962 to see if I would like shooting a recurve.  Well I just bought a Super Kodiak from nineworlds 9 and is this a bow shooter .I now own 2 Bear bows and love them ,this could turn out to be my next sickness.

Glad you like her big jack!!

I love the history of Fred Bear & his Grayling Bows, being a Michigan boy helps this fascination of Bear Bows made in Michigan.

I have a couple of Super mags & would like to take a deer with one this year.

Dan

I've been bitten two or three different times. Every time I buy one, I end up selling it off. I have a hard time with the grip. I looove the nostalgia though.

Yep, I've had a TD hunter from the early '90s, 2 '66 Kodiaks, a '58 Grizzly, a '54 Compass Kodiak, black Bear from the early '70s, and a '67 Kodiak Hunter. I also have my ca 1962 Bear Bowhunters Kit.

I'm looking at 160+ Bear Kodiaks, Custom Kodiak Take Downs, Kodiak Specials and Magnums. Bitten?? I'd say I've dabbled in Bear bows is all.... they all have strings but a guy can only shoot one at a time. Still hate to see them get dusty.

How about a Super Kodiak in Action!

(http://%20[url=http://s180.photobucket.com/user/chopncut/media/bow2_zpsd57f8d4f.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/bow2_zpsd57f8d4f.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

One more
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L-R

Super Mag 48 60#
Kodiak Magnum 50#
Kodiak Magnum 50#
Grizzly 43#
Super Grizzly 45#
Super Grizzly 50#
Dual Alaskan 30#

All are Grayling except the SM48


 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/101_1178.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/101_1178.jpg.html)

:eek:  Wow !  

Bud, I love the looks of that supermag !  Nice wood & 60# is a nice heavy one, most of the ones I find are 45#  

I you ever get the urge to let it go, let me know.

Yes my name is Dan & I have the Bear bug    :archer:

Bought my first Bear in 1958 in an Allen Park MI archery shop, rode my bike 5 miles. It was a used 1953 Polar LB $5.00. The shop owner gave me 1 arrow to shoot. A old archer in town help me make 6 arrows to hunt with. I shot rabbits and carp for two years before I killed my first deer 1960 near Glenni MI.

Still have that bow and it sits in a place of honor in my bow rack.

I shoot a "A" handle 56" TD now.

The only one I have is a old Grizzly I took as a trade, it was in bad shape so I refinished it & have shot the slobber out of it, love that little bow.

Would like to have anothor Bear tho, something a little bigger maybe.

How do the "New" Bears shoot compared to the "Old" bears? I sholapur get my 64" super Kodiak soon. Anybody shot them side by side?

Older is better, for me anyway.

'61 Grizzly
2 '61 K Mags
'65 Kodiak
'59 Alaskan
'57/'58 Kodiak
'56 kodiak
Early 50's Polar
'61 Polar
'62 Grizzly
'59 Grizzly
'63 Cub

I like em  :bigsmyl:

I was just informed by one of the resident experts that my Grizzly that I thought was a 1968 is in fact, a 1964. Thanks Trad Gang, that makes me like it even more!

QuoteOriginally posted by slayer1:
How do the "New" Bears shoot compared to the "Old" bears? I sholapur get my 64" super Kodiak soon. Anybody shot them side by side?

Ive wundered the same thing, which would be the better bow ??

Old school carftsmanship & attention to details or modern day presicion & techknowledgy ??

Paul. I was gonna tell you the same thing. They didnt make the Zebrawood grizzly in 1968. 64 and 65 only I believe. I have a mint condition 1964 Bear Grizzly Zebrawood that came from Al Reader's (RIP) collection.

It shoots GT 3555s very well!

I have a Mint 65 grizzly in zebra wood.  I never saw a 68 zebrawood.  Im sure they exist but are quite rare.

I will get a picture of my loved line up when I have time.

68 Tigercat
68 Grizzly
60 Kodiak
65 Grizzly

No doubt great bows.

Grizzly 45#
Black Bear 50#
A-Mag Takedown 45#
All 70's era I believe
TonyZ

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/100_8787.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/100_8787.jpg.html)

I like the zebrawood ones.

Me too Bud  :readit:    :thumbsup:  

  (http://i1135.photobucket.com/albums/m637/cjohntalk/Bow%20Pictures/1379374786.jpg) (http://s1135.photobucket.com/user/cjohntalk/media/Bow%20Pictures/1379374786.jpg.html)

Oh yes, afraid so.....

Anybody know if you can order all of the new bears without the quiver inserts?

I ordered and received an "A" handle riser without inserts.

Anybody know about inserts on the one piece bows?

I wrote Bear directly. They said no-go. Doesn't hurt to try to get one of their vendors to ask, like Big Jim.....maybe he has some influence with them.  ;)

May not be a hunter but my little girl just added another Bear to our collection. A Red Bear 15# fiberglass kids bow. Starting the addiction young!

I know if Big Jim told me to make a bow without inserts I'd do it! He's "big" Jim for a reason and I think he can outrun me too!

Yup it got me bad! Not just with bows either.

I love them.

70's Grizzly 45#
70's super grizzly 40#
70's grizzly 35# (my when I'm too old to pull a lot back bow)
2013 Grizzly 45#

Pic of my fathers '68 Grizzly (now mine)
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/lgcburns/100_2743.jpg)[/URL]
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/lgcburns/100_2741.jpg)[/URL]
Regret getting rid of this one
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/lgcburns/100_2750.jpg)[/URL]
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h52/lgcburns/100_2749.jpg)[/URL]

I really wish Bear would revive the '68, '69 Super Kodiak like they did the '59.  I think those years of the Super Kodiak were some of the sexiest best shooting bows ever made.  They wrecked them when they started making them out of that ugly Futurewood stuff in the 70's with red and blue stripes.  I think with today's improved materials you could make a really bomb proof look alike of the 68-69 that wouldn't develop stress cracks in the linen riser and the ever present stress lines in the limbs, but still keep the iconic rosewood horn caps and maple accent strip.  Brandon Stahl at RoseOak came about as close as I've seen with his Super Wildcat,  but he put a few of his own twists in it and he doesn't make it anymore.  I'd like to see one from Bear right out of the original forms, just with better materials.

I love the '67 Bears (my birth year)!   So far I have a Super Kodiak, a Grizzly (Thanks Charlie!), a Super Kodiak, and a factory camo Super Kodiak.   If the good Lord allows, I hope to eventually acquire the rest of the line-up for 1967!   Maybe after Christmas...

up

I bought my Fred Bear Grizzly the December of 2007 when I was 14 or 15 years old. Since that time, I've been fortunate to kill 3 deer, one grey fox, and countless squirrels, rabbits, and a few little house sparrows. I'm still in the process of converting all the way to traditional archery (right now, public land - trad, private land - wheelie). I love watching the arrow fly right to where I want it though and a full convert is not far away.

Pic of a pic in an old book I bought yesterday.

   (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/101_1544.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/101_1544.jpg.html)

I'll play though I can't post pictures:

A 1970 56" Grizzly 53lb
& a Super mag also 53lb.

I got a Grouse with the Grizzly a week ago & it tasted good.    ;)

I almost forgot, a newer Super K 60" & 60lb, this one has become too heavy for me so I haven't shot it in a while.

Some pics of mag ads and articles regarding Bear...

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1567.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1567.jpg.html)

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1573.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1573.jpg.html)

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1574.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1574.jpg.html)

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1576.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1576.jpg.html)

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1577.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1577.jpg.html)

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1578.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1578.jpg.html)

 (http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f94/Equismith/Magazine%20Pics/101_1579.jpg) (http://s45.photobucket.com/user/Equismith/media/Magazine%20Pics/101_1579.jpg.html)

Going to go do some hunting with one of my 60 Kodiaks this afternoon

DDave

I'm also a zebrawood grizz fan

   (http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac64/tyler733-02/image_zps4e9648be.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/tyler733-02/media/image_zps4e9648be.jpg.html)


    (http://i886.photobucket.com/albums/ac64/tyler733-02/image_zpsf05e02c5.jpg) (http://s886.photobucket.com/user/tyler733-02/media/image_zpsf05e02c5.jpg.html)

That is 1960 Kodiak BTW...only have 4 of those

DDave

'64 Kodiak


   (http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/doug77/64Kodiak-Turkey.jpg) (http://s998.photobucket.com/user/doug77/media/64Kodiak-Turkey.jpg.html)

'59 Kodiak


 (http://i998.photobucket.com/albums/af104/doug77/IMG_0624.jpg) (http://s998.photobucket.com/user/doug77/media/IMG_0624.jpg.html)

ttt

Hey guys I got my new Bears this week! The 59er is sweet. Shoots awesome! It didn't like the string that came with the bow, but I will tell you guys about that later. I have not tuned the 64" grayling green SK yet. I will have some picture to post up this weekend! Trying to get 59 set up so I can hunt with it Saturday

I love the Super Kodiak's, I have a 1976 red stripe! Shoots great.

Just got me as well. I shot a 70's Kodiak Hunter when I was a teen. Sold it many years ago. I've been loosing interest shooting my compound so a few weeks ago I picked up and early 70's Bear Grizzly. I have it all ready to go, bought arrows etc. but I'm leaving it on the shelf until after deer season, then I hoping to hang up the compound and do all my bowhunting next fall with the recurve.

I figured I would post up a few pictures of my new bows. I actually killed a doe with the 59 on Saturday. I posted that story in another thread.
 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/IMG_24401_zps72f890c7.jpg)

One more panned out. Man I really love the way these bows shoot. I ordered a Silent But Deadly String for each one. I really hope it will quiet down the Super K. some. I shoots to good just to be a 3D bow. (It needs some blood on it)!
 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/IMG_24391_zps38a37898.jpg)

Here is the deer pic. In case you guys missed it in the other thread. That doe never knew what hit her. When I dropped the string the arrow looked like it was in slow motion - spinning perfectly!
 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/IMG_24361_zps79abe1ff.jpg)

Definitely a Bear fan here.

I've got 4 right now.

A '73 Grizzly that is 45#@28".  Unlike a lot of folks.  The Grizzly doesn't do a lot for me.

I also have a 2010 Super K.  It's 50#@28.  It's super smooth, and I really love the narrow handle.  It is my bowfishing bow, but I wouldn't think twice about doing any of my hunting with it.

Lastly, I have a '73 55#@28" and a '76 K-Mag that is 45#@28.  To me, the K-Mag is the Bear bow that really trips my trigger.  They just hit where I point them.  Normally, I don't like a high wrist grip, but the K-Mags just fit me.  I use the '76 for bringing myself back in line with form when I falter a bit.  The '73 is special to me.  Made my first trad kill with it, and will always keep that bow.
Not the "normal" first kill, but, I did it all on my own.  No one bowfishes around here, so I was my guide....LOL..

 (http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n15/ken613/Trad%20Kills/CranesnestCarp2012-05-20avatar.jpg) (http://s108.photobucket.com/user/ken613/media/Trad%20Kills/CranesnestCarp2012-05-20avatar.jpg.html)

Also, I seem to remember a thread about a bowhunt/get together for Bear aficionados....anyone know the status on that?

the Fred Bear bug bit me when I was in high school when my grandpa gave me his first hunting bow, a Bear Kodiak made in 66. Christmas of my Sr year of high school I took my first traditional deer with it, while using the original quiver he had with the bow and using Bear Razorheads.
 (http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i461/Wkcook/hunting/untitled2.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Wkcook/media/hunting/untitled2.jpg.html)
I have since acquired a 1973Bear Kodiak Magnum at a garage sale for $5 and have taken small game, pest and a rail with it. Turkeys and ducks have given me the slip though.
 (http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i461/Wkcook/archery/100_3527.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Wkcook/media/archery/100_3527.jpg.html)
 (http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i461/Wkcook/equipment/0620122313_zpsc7510b5b.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Wkcook/media/equipment/0620122313_zpsc7510b5b.jpg.html)

when I got my first tattoo I went with an arrow tipped with a Razorhead.
 (http://i1095.photobucket.com/albums/i461/Wkcook/256_511858100873_169_n.jpg) (http://s1095.photobucket.com/user/Wkcook/media/256_511858100873_169_n.jpg.html)

'58 Kodiak Special 70" 60#
'59 Kodiak 64" 49#
'60 Kodiak Special 66" 45#
'61 Kodiak 50#
'62 Kodiak Special 66" 40#
'64 Kodiak Special 69" 60#
'70 Type I Takedown 68" 45#

I think I actually have more fun restoring them than shooting them.  Something about getting an UGLY bow and bringing it back.  Today's custom bows are beautiful, but there is just something about the old Bears...  I have two bow racks, and the one with the Bears on it is center stage in the living room.  I don't shoot them as much as I do my Hills, but I sure get a lot more compliments on them when I do bring them out.

As far as collecting goes, I think there comes a point when you have to decide which direction to go.  I don't have enough money or space to say, "I collect Bear stuff".  I think I'm starting to lean towards, "I collect '59-62 Bear bows."  The pre-59's with maple risers don't do much for me, and in '63, they started going to a higher wrist grip and larger risers.  I just don't enjoy shooting them as much, actually bugs my wrist.  The '63 doglegs certainly are unique though...

So anything outside of the '59-62 range is finding a new home, and I'm on the hunt to fill the holes...  Top of the list is a '59-60 Alaskan, '61 Kodiak Special and '62 Grizzly.

To be honest, I'm not sure if there's a Bear bug, and I don't think it bites.  There's just a feeling you get holding a 50 year old bow and hearing it whisper to you.  Then you shoot it, and that's all it takes.

TTT I'd like to see this one keep going! Can't get enough of shooting my Kmag   :archer2:  Originally this was going to be backup bow, but now I think I'm going to hunt with just this bow.

Just picked up a Bear products bow yesterday. Topic in history and collecting. Very excited!

QuoteOriginally posted by Shane Reed:
The Bear Bug got me again! Bought one of Fred's personal bows that he made. It's actually the 13th bow he made and in the book "Fred Bear, The Biography of an Outdoorsman".  Fred signed this bow and gave to Bob Blevins in 1985; after Bob made him an Honorary Sheriff.

  (http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad215/mrgq4126/Fredsbowsigned2.jpg) (http://s937.photobucket.com/user/mrgq4126/media/Fredsbowsigned2.jpg.html)

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  (http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad215/mrgq4126/Fredsbow3letterblack-1.jpg) (http://s937.photobucket.com/user/mrgq4126/media/Fredsbow3letterblack-1.jpg.html)

  (http://i937.photobucket.com/albums/ad215/mrgq4126/117_4427.jpg) (http://s937.photobucket.com/user/mrgq4126/media/117_4427.jpg.html)  

I made the same discovery, bought a 1964 Bear Grizzly,,,,,best shooting bow I have ever owned by a long way !!!

(http://i60.tinypic.com/j5knxv.jpg)

QuoteOriginally posted by LongStick64:
I made the same discovery, bought a 1964 Bear Grizzly,,,,,best shooting bow I have ever owned by a long way !!!

That's a beautiful riser. A zebra wood Bear is definitely on my wish list.   :thumbsup:

That is fantastic wood right there.

The bug bit me at age 15 in 1966 watching Fred Bear on the  American Sportsman .  In 67 I bought a 45# Grizzly and killed my first deer.  SETI Jed to Howard Hill bows in the 80's but stilly have several Bear bows including that first Grizzly that I'll pass onto my grandchildren.

 (http://i1370.photobucket.com/albums/ag252/caputo_art/bccaa4ab6b7c5f24259a8ec758d40eb3_zps0a2466b4.jpg) (http://s1370.photobucket.com/user/caputo_art/media/bccaa4ab6b7c5f24259a8ec758d40eb3_zps0a2466b4.jpg.html)

Lots of great Bears guys. I just got this one.
(http://i.imgur.com/viGXSSZ.jpg)

I was lucky and just got a 67 1/2 Kodiak,the one they call the black beauty.

Just got into archery as a whole this past month. First bow I bought was a 67&1/2 Super Kodiak at 65#s. It is truly an awesome bow and I've been shooting her just about every day. As it has been said before, there's just something about shooting a 46+ year old bow.

Just got into archery as a whole this past month. First bow I bought was a 67&1/2 Super Kodiak at 65#s. It is truly an awesome bow and I've been shooting her just about every day. As it has been said before, there's just something about shooting a 46+ year old bow.

Hey Alex , glad to see you here on trad gang . It was great shooting with ya last month on hope to see you at the shoot on the 25th. Alex's bow is stunning!!!

Ps
Let me know if you want me to bring a lighter bow in for ya to shoot too

Hey Brian, ya good to be here, this place is great. Good people and good information. Thanks for the kind words in regards to the bow. I sent you a PM as well.

These videos are a tour of Bear's new Kodiak line. I thought they'd fit in here. Hope you don't mind Rick.    :archer2:  
 

QuoteOriginally posted by Alexander Traditional:
I just figured I would put these two videos on this thread instead of starting a new one.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNJi5vDUBgo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlp9QfitBs8    

Really enjoyed the videos..........would love to see one of the new 59 Kodiaks and a takedown in zebrawood  :)

QuoteOriginally posted by cmh:
Really enjoyed the videos..........would love to see one of the new 59 Kodiaks and a takedown in zebrawood   :)  

Well, discovered last night that Bear made a takedown supreme in 2007-2008 with a zebrawood/rosewood riser and zebrawood limbs...... Gonna have to find one.

My 2013 '59 Kodiak is an outstanding bow and a testament to Fred Bear's bow design knowledge.

Just got my new TBM in the mail and it is devoted to Fred Bear and Bear Archery and has a very interesting interview with Neil Byce III who is production manager for Bear Archery. I have had the pleasure of meeting Neil and he is a real gentleman and the main reason Bear Archery is making such a huge come-back in the traditional bow field.  His dad was Fred's last personal bowyer and designer.  Neil III grew up in Bear Archery and has some interesting stories.  Bear has made me more of a recurve shooter than I have been in years. I purchased three Bear recurves in the last year--the Kodiak (59 reintro), a Super Kodiak, and recently got a new TD.   :D

Man I love my 59 Kodiak Replica. Its one of the finest re-curves I have ever shot. I like it so good I am thinking about buying another on just to have a back up.

Here is another picture of the buck I took with my 59 last season.
 (//%5Burl=http://s180.photobucket.com/user/chopncut/media/31E4189A-BEC1-404E-B26D-26827F7F13FC-9039-000007F10761890C_zps792cc797.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/31E4189A-BEC1-404E-B26D-26827F7F13FC-9039-000007F10761890C_zps792cc797.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

Fred Bear Tigercat

 (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/coon1_zpsd79050b9.jpg) (http://s180.photobucket.com/user/chopncut/media/coon1_zpsd79050b9.jpg.html)

59 in action
(//%5Burl=http://s180.photobucket.com/user/chopncut/media/IMG_24221_zpsd6cfc041.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/IMG_24221_zpsd6cfc041.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

I hunted a large part of last season with a 1970 Bear Grizzly 56" & 53lbs. Didn't get an Elk or deer although I passed on a deer & a picture perfect broadside with the head down & foreleg forward. She was just too far for my comfort zone @ 40yds. I'd love the same shot offered @ 20yds!!! I did get a nice Grouse with it though.

This year I traded a newer SuperK that was just too heavy for me for a Green Kodiak Hunter & a Ben Pearson, I'm going to hunt with my new (to me) Hunter this year along with my Howard Hill LB.

I started in the mid 60s with a Bear bow & am getting back to liking them. They are good bows. I agree with others the Grizzly is a better bow than given credit.     ;)

Here's a grey fox I killed last season with my 1971 Super Kodiak. This bow was made the same year I was born!
(//%5Burl=http://s180.photobucket.com/user/chopncut/media/IMG_2361_zps4199294a.jpg.html%5D%20%5Bimg%5Dhttp://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x29/chopncut/IMG_2361_zps4199294a.jpg)[/url] [/IMG]

I've gathered up piles of Bear equipment thru the years.

I love it

 (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/stuff001.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/stuff001.jpg.html)

DD

QuoteOriginally posted by TRAP:
I've gathered up piles of Bear equipment thru the years.

That's a killer photo.    :thumbsup:

Very nice TRAP.

The pic was taken as a small joke for a thread several years ago. I don't really have piles of Bear Archery tackle lying around.  

My small collection adorns the family room and is displayed respectfully.

Wow I enjoy looking at all the nice "Bear" photos.
I can't do pictures, but enjoy looking.
Thanks all!

Trap, however displayed, you have a 'nice pile of junk' there.
Shick

Got my first turkey two days ago with my "reintro" 59 Kodiak.  Also have 2 Kodiak Hunters '67, '70 and 1969 "Black Beauty" Super Kodiak. Good as any other bows.

QuoteOriginally posted by TRAP:
I've gathered up piles of Bear equipment thru the years.

I love it

  (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/stuff001.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/stuff001.jpg.html)

DD

Wow!!!!!!! That's impressive  ;)

Like the MSW a lot!

 (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/collection002.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/collection002.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/KSD014.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/KSD014.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/Holcombsand61Kodiak014.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/Holcombsand61Kodiak014.jpg.html)

 (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/books014.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/books014.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/deerracks005.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/deerracks005.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/Kmags042.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/Kmags042.jpg.html)

 (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/59MSWKodiakandsurewoods068.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/59MSWKodiakandsurewoods068.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/Northwoodsand60Kodiak021.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/Northwoodsand60Kodiak021.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/57KodiakWhiteGlass094-1.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/57KodiakWhiteGlass094-1.jpg.html)

 (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/003-1.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/003-1.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/KodiakString007.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/KodiakString007.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/goldletterring034.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/goldletterring034.jpg.html)

 (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/StCharlesQuiver1961008.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/StCharlesQuiver1961008.jpg.html)   (http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa277/DUCK_TRAP/Arrows008.jpg) (http://s198.photobucket.com/user/DUCK_TRAP/media/Arrows008.jpg.html)

That feather rest is neat! I like the arrow displays using old quivers too.    :thumbsup:

My collection is small compared to many but I'm proud of it and happy to be the caretaker of it while I'm here.  

I shoot most of the bows I own and I've hunted with many of them.  They are a testament to Fred Bear's commitment to quality and forward thinking.

DD

Some great pics. Good reason to be proud.

Trap,  wow those are some nice Bear items.

Is the bow on the bottom picture a Double shelf Kodiak?

I have a Replica of the Compass Bear with dual shelves made by Tim Meigs for Whispering Wind several years ago. It's a great bow, though not really a Bear, it's a replica & I think pretty authentic, made by a very good bowyer Tim Meigs.

Did you all get your new copy of TBM?  Old Fred was cool.

It's a great issue! Lots of Bear stuff in this one.

Frank V,  Actually, the 3 lowest bows on the rack are dual shelf bows.  1954, 1955 and 1956 Kodiaks

i bought a 66" bear alaskan brandy new in the early 60's
- one of the best recurve bows i'd ever owned.  wish i had it today.

QuoteOriginally posted by TRAP:
Frank V,  Actually, the 3 lowest bows on the rack are dual shelf bows.  1954, 1955 and 1956 Kodiaks

Wow, thanks for sharing Trap you really have some nice Bear  gear.
I started with a Bear in the early 60s & am kind of getting back into liking them.

I keep looking at custom bows and then I see post like this one and it makes me want to just keep adding Bears..... Impressive collection!!!

I used to talk with Sterling Harrell when he'd come up for the Great Lakes Longbow shoots in Marshall, Michigan (in the early years). A great guy and quite a "Southern Gentleman"! Horserod

Trap heck of a display!

The Bear bug has kind of bitten me too. I started with a Kodiak Hunter in the early 60s. I foolishly traded it & got out of archery for several years. Then I got back in. I shot Fox longbows, a very nice Norm Johnson Blacktail elite, & more fox longbows, then a Howard Hill longbow. Now I've become more interested in the bows I started with. Last year I hunted with a Bear Grizzly & Howard Hill longbow.

This year I traded for a green Bear Kodiak Hunter & this year my Howard Hill is going to have to share my time with the Kodiak Hunter.     :saywhat:  

   :campfire:      :archer:

I just picked up my first Bear Super K I'm told its a 71 vintage. 40# @ 28. A little light on the draw weight but sure am enjoying shooting it. I think Im hooked! I let a 40# Kodiak hunter go a few years ago, wished I had kept it. Always wanted a Super K and now I got one. Dont think it will be my last.  :)

I just bought a custom Kodiak takedown I've always wanted one.finally. Joe

The Sportsman's Channel uploaded their Fred Bear special about a month ago. It's definitely worth watching if you haven't already.  :archer2:  

http://vimeo.com/91749603

Got back into traditional shooting and hunting 20 plus years ago using my dad's Bear Alaskan, 62" 45# @ 28".  Not sure how old it is exactly, he's had it for as long as I can remember, I'm 46 now so it's been around for awhile.  I'm very fortunate to have it hanging on my bow rack with the rest of my herd.  I was also very fortunate to pick up a like new '67 Kodiak Magnum last weekend in a trade, haven't shot it yet but planning on it this weekend.

5 years ago I could not find them original 59 Kodiak to buy so I ordered two reproductions..!!! Ed Holcomb makes a beautiful copy that are real performers..!! Then I bought a 1967 1/2  super Kodiak, the first year model super Kodiak! They are stellar performers and super stable...... Bear Archery knew theirstuff .... I am proud  to own a Grayling classic....!!!

I don't think this is drifting the thread, anyone who is interested in Bear bows should get the DVD set offered by 3-Rivers & others. There are a great many of Freds hunts in there & some interesting interviews about Bear Archery.
  I watch my set several times a year.

So what about the string that comes with the new '59. Weren't you going to say something about why you went to another string?

Not many folks buying/trying the new bows?

very cool TRAP!!!

Woodduck, I acquired three new Bear recurves in the past 12 months! And I basically have been a Hill style longbow guy for many years now. I really like what they are doing--especially since they changed the finish in the last year or so.  None of my new Bears have developed the stretch lines across the back of the limbs that the Cheyenne I had developed in only about three weeks--it was made about 2011-12 I think.  The strings that came with them are what I use.  They seem fine to me but it would be nice if whoever makes them would taper the strands out so they don't all end abruptly below the loops. All of a sudden the string drops to half the diameter of the loop.  Not a functional issue but cosmetically not real attractive.  I give Bear a big thumbs up on their traditional line.

Now Trap...when are you going to start making those awesome feather...brush-rest styled, strikeplate rests like you have displayed here...???? Love that...!!!

call Steve "bearbowman" Smith and get one of his 59' Kodiak accent strings.......AWESOME..!!! Just google Bearbowman bow strings.....owned 5 now......great stuff...

That dual shelf Kodiak laying on the hay bales with the vintage Bear quiver in Trap's pic is to die for! Look at the tiny tips and sleek lines of that bow, what a looker   :thumbsup:

That bow that Trap shows on the bale of hay is a beautiful bow.

Tim Meigs built several a few years back with a compass in the grip, I was lucky enough to get one & it's a great shooter & a lot of fun. Not a Bear, but built by one of the great old bowyers.

The "hay bale" bow is a 1955 Kodiak I picked up on the big auction site for $85.00.  A little sandpaper, some veg tanned leather and a bottle of tru oil resurrected a classic.

The narrow limb tips make the 55 one of the best shooters Bear Archery ever made.

DD