ORIGINAL: TEmbry
ORIGINAL: early in
I don't see how anyone could put Fred Bear in the same sentence as any of the people that have been mentioned thus far. Fred bear was a "class act" and as self made as you can ever get! He developed his "own" products, marketed them,and sold them under "his name".Not someone else's name! He was a hunter's hunter, and his records reflect this.And a "bowhunter" at that.
Let's not dishoner this man and his accomplishmentsby comparing him,or putting him in the same catagory as these other hunters. Fred Bear's hunting career was full of first's. This can never be taken from him, and should NEVER be forgotten. He made this sport what it is today. He has more of my respect than all of these other guys put together!
Yea 100 yard shots on running animals with a recurve sure does constitute a "hunter's hunter"
[8D]
No doubt he did alot of firsts, but not without his precious guides. It isnt like Fred Bear went out on some great trek solo killing animals. He used guides, and did things that would have someone hung in the hunting community these days. Going into the wilderness, killing an animal, but only taking the cape and horns and leaving the carcass behind. Running shots, aim 8 ft above the animals back shots, you name it he tried it.
Sure, he accomplished great things and was most likely a great guy. But every great has a downside. I just dont understand how anyone could complain about how hunting is so commercialized these days but idolize Fred Bear, when he in a way, invented the commercialization of hunting. He was one of the firsts to film hunts for TV. He came out with hunting products and marketed them as well.
Think the way you will. That's your prerogative. But, Fred Bear started it all. That can't be argued, even by you!
Who hasn't hunted with a guide, filmed a hunt,or taken a less than ethical shot?For that, you want to make an effort at down playing his accomplishments? Get real!!