Fred Bear, the man who many describe the father of archery has done more for archery than any other man I can think of.
His list of accomplishments will likely never be achieved by another hunter.
Bear Archery has more about this man that made archery and bowhunting what it is today. After you read this article, be sure to check out the video below as Fred hunts Polar Bear.
Fred Bear was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, on March 5, 1902. He left the family farm at age 21 to pursue opportunities in Detroit’s growing auto industry. A documentary on the bow hunting adventures of Art Young ignited a fire in Fred’s imagination. Soon he was learning to craft his own bows, arrows, and bowstrings under the tutelage of Young himself.
In 1933, Fred joined a partnership that produced advertising materials for the automobile industry. During off hours, he crafted archery equipment for a growing circle of friends who appreciated his workmanship. Within six years, the archery business demanded Fred’s fulltime attention and he launched Bear Archery Company.
Archery was a life-long passion. Fred was instrumental in promoting a bow-hunting season in Michigan (1936). An expert marksman, he won the state’s target archery championship in 1934, 1937 and 1939. He was a regular on the sports show circuit, inspiring experienced bowmen and novices alike with his natural shooting skills.
In 1942, Fred and Detroit Free Press Editor Jack Van Coevering journeyed to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to produce the first of several films featuring Fred’s bow-hunting exploits in the wild. These films, along with features in outdoor magazines and Fred’s grassroots kinship with other bow hunters, fueled an interest in the sport and in Bear Archery products. Fred was instantly recognizable for his distinctively weathered face and trademark felt Borsalino hat.
