Package from Bearbowman

[Blackhawk]

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:  

[Ken Sorg]

Steve is one of the most down to earth guys I have ever talked to and dealt with and in the 2 phone conversations I've had with him, I have learned a ton. You almost feel like you have known him forever when you talk too him!!!!!!!
Sweet bow and I'm glad you finally got one!!!


I need some razorheads Bearbowman

[WidowEater]

excellent bow, excellent story, excellent TradGanger

[Steve in Canton]

Bought a woodchuck taper tool from Steve @ 4 years ago.  Since then I have bought a couple of strings from him. You will not find a better made string and a nicer person to deal with.

[Wudstix]

A man is as good as his word, if his word is no good neither is he.  

Glad to know there are folks out there like Steve and you Lon.

[redfish]

It seems I remember a post some time ago about him selling his collection (mostly Bear) to gather money for medical expenses. My impression was that he had been diagnosed with cancer and didn't have insurance.
I hope my memory is wrong.

[Hamish]

What a champion! Good on ya Steve its people like you that make this world a better place to live in.

[4runr]

Yep, Steve is a goodun. I met him at Atar last year, bought a string from him. I've seen him 4-5 times since then and he remembers my name, and treats me like an old friend.

[Two Arrows]

That right there says alot about a man's character. Nice job Steve, glad it worked out so well for you Lon.

[BowHuntingFool]

WOW, great people on here!

[Curtis Haden]

[Jim Ludy]

They don't get any better than Bearbowman Smith. He is quality bows and character. Sodbusterjim.

[JL]

I got the same kinda deal from Steve on a 66 a while back. Straight shooter and a good fella to deal with.

What do you think of the 64 Lon? Got to be one of the best/hardest shooting bow Bear ever put out. Love mine!!!

JL

[Blackhawk]

This 64 Kodiak is quite a nice bow. Steve said it sure liked 2114's, but since I did not have any, I tried 1916's and it shoots just great.

[Bowman0202]

Great to hear.  This has always been my experience in dealing with others on here, to mention a few, Dave Parr, George Stout, Gil Verway, Bob Burton and others.

[Falk]

Nice bow there! My last "pickup" is not to long ago but was at our customs - sure as hell  :(
Steve did everything he could to help me out of my misery. Have done trades with him at least since 2002 - and for sure he is a good guy