Place of Manufacture Note – Using the medallions for dating bows is not an absolute rule with Bear bows, as sometimes the plant would just throw medallions in a bin and the bow maker would reach in and grab medallions which may have been from a year or two earlier. 50X# on the self side and a pewter medallion on the other side. Late 1972 started what was called the "Button Medallion". Bear Kodiak Hunter Recurve Bow RH 60 inch. This serial number works very well for dating Bear Bows from 1965-1969 when the first digit of the serial number … Built just for fun. Alaskan (recurve) 1966-1970 It came in both gold and chrome covered plastic. Most 1954 Kodiak II’s will be found with the large Standing Bear decal which replaced the small Running Bear decal in 1954. However, his private venture into the bow making business lasted only two years before he took a job in an appliance manufacturer as a model maker. Alaska brown bear hunting on Kodiak is a dream of big game hunters worldwide. Check the Model of the bow. $174.95. Mine has the stress cracks, and i have been shooting it for years with no problems. Nels made 4 basic styles of bows: The Grizzly, Kodiak and Polar longbow all have an aluminum limb lamination from 1949 to 1951. These replaced all coin medallions and continued into Florida production. It was positioned high up in the handle and was raised above the surface of the bow. loves heavy arrows. Firebird Hunter Bow, Archer World, November 1983 : Golden Eagle "Hunter Turbo" (1989) Bear Archery (1984) Super Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Pronghorn Hunter: York Archery (1985) Crazy bow. Meet the all-new 2021 flagship bow from Bear Archery – the Redemption EKO. $195.00. The #1 limbs were known as the Short Limbs, the #2 as the Medium Limbs, and the #3 as the Long Limbs. The Kodiak II’s of 1954 were made using two different woods for the riser, maple and walnut. Bow sales were now beginning to soar as new archers and bowhunters entered the sport in record numbers due in large part to the successful promotions of Fred Bear. Hunting a trophy Kodiak brown bear is one of the most rewarding hunts a hunter can ever experience. The first number stood for the year of manufacturing. The white overlays were made before the change to the red overlays. Prior to 1965, the serial numbers for all Bear bows were started over every month, making these bows almost impossible to date by serial number alone. that would be a 1964 Kodiak, by many accounts the best shooting model of all the Kodiaks. The holes will bring down the value to a collector. The later Grumleys also can be found in laminated woods as well as self-wood models. By this I mean that the face of the limb is wider and tapers down towards the back of the limb giving a cross-sectional view which appears as a trapezoid. In the three years of production, there were 400 “A” models made, 800 “B” models made, and only 300 “C” models. A very common question from beginning Bear bow collectors is how to determine the age of a bow. Upon Nels departure, Fred moved another employee by the name of Bob Meeker over to supervise the manufacturing of the new bow lines. So, a "5" at the beginning meant it was made in 1965, a "6" was made in 1966, a "7" in 1967, an "8" in 1968 and "9" at the beginning meant it was made in 1969. However, on the Polar, the aluminum is found both under a layer of maple and glass, and on the outside lamination. The coins were all flush with the wood until 1972. Even looking at the catalogs is not a sure way of dating a Bear bow, as sometimes the pictures were used for more than one year, even though there might have been changes in the woods used, or the colors available. This sight was factory installed in the sight window of the bow. Matching these various limbs with the different risers allowed the buyer to choose a bow length all the way from 56″ to 70″. The walnut bows were made only for the first 2-3 months of 1954, before being replaced by maple in mid-year. The "K" series of serial numbers … In this manner, the archer could mix and match riser styles with various length limbs to allow the bowhunter to pick the bow which best fit his or her desires. In fact, in one year alone (1975), Bear Archery made over 360,000 bows. These bows of 1949, 1950 and early 1951 can be recognized by the lamination of aluminum in the limbs. Beginning in 1955-56 Bear began using the silk-screened logo shown on the far right. This is a great recurve bow for hunters with enough experience to handle the 45+ lbs. All Bear bows had leather grips from those first Grumley’s in the late 30’s until 1959. KM 70-71 Bearcat and7 7/78 K mag KL 72-77 Black Bear and 70 Victor KN 70 Alaskan and 70 Tigercat KR 70-77 Grizzly GR 78 K Mag KZ 70-76 Super K KT 70-76 K Hunter KH 77 K Hunter and 78 Black Bear Hunter KU 70-76 K Mag KS 70-78 Little Bear KD 73-76 Super Grizz KE 70 Polar KX 70-76 Super Mag KJ 70-72 Tartar KV 70-77 Victor Patriot I also have a damon howatt hunter, and a red wing hunter. Made almost impossible to shoot. Beginning in 1947, Bear Archery moved into a new plant in Grayling, Michigan. This 31” axle-to-axle bow hits the sweet spot for ultimate maneuverability and supreme accuracy making it the perfect choice for any tree stand, hunting blind, or spot and stalk scenario. Additionally you will find Grumley’s backed with sinew, rawhide, and various types of wood. Note – The serial numbers of all the Take-Downs begin with a letter which designates the riser style. a serial number located on the bow, removal of the bow's serial number will void all warranty. Here we have a list from all prefixes / VIN number and model codes including their model year … In the 1950's and early 60's, the serial numbers were started over every month every model. Bear Archery Recurve Bows. If the riser section of your K-II is very dark, then you have a walnut model. Physiologically, the Kodiak bear is very similar to the other brown bear subspecies, such as the mainland grizzly bear and the now-extinct California grizzly bear… But whatever the model,and whatever the wood or backing, the quality of the craftsmanship was simply unparalleled. Fred had been tinkering with take-apart and take-down bows of different styles for 30 years when in the mid-1960’s he began working on a new design that would require no tools for assembling/disassembling the limb and riser sections. C $141.05. In 1949 and 1950 Bear was using a bi-directional glass on their bows which looks somewhat like a basket weave pattern. The Kodiak bear, also known as the Kodiak brown bear, sometimes the "Alaskan brown bear", inhabits the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago in southwest Alaska. These bows were simply marked “Bear Archery” in a written form. The Bear Take-Down could be ordered in one of three different limb lengths. All Bear bows from 1953 until 1972 have the “1953 Canadian Patent” date on them. For this reason, you will find bows of a particular year with features of the previous year. ◦ Deerslayer (with brush nocks 3-4 inches long). For example, a serial amount of 5L212 would be a 1965 Bow. Black Bear 1972-1978 This 60" recreation of the classic Kodiak features a satin finish, leather grip, large profile leather strike plate, and a forgiving feather arrow rest. The first new bow model which was introduced in 1949 after Nels’ departure was the Grizzly. Some collectors place significance on the year of the manufacture of the take-down relative to the value of the bow. The small Running Bear decal on the left was used by Bear from 1948 until 1953, with the larger Standing Bear decal replacing it in mid-1953 and lasting until the 1955-56 model years. Victor 1972 Why the different means of signing the bows? Originally printed in Traditional Bowhunter, Oct/Nov 1997. Without a doubt this can be attributed to the influence of the man himself, Fred Bear and his immense popularity. And while we're into these good old days, how about the vast equipment choices we have today? 1965 Kodiaks start with 5, 1966 Kodiaks start with 6. More powerful than you’d expect based on the draw weight alone. These limbs can be found with both a white overlay in the limb tip, and with a red overlay. The large Standing Bear decal also had the words “Glass Powered” under the Standing Bear. The structural strength of this design was the main reason for it’s discontinuance, and many years later the bows that survive are too valuable as collectors items to risk breaking another. A good example would be the few known examples of the 1954 Kodiak II (Compass Kodiaks) with the small “Running Bear” decal which was actually discontinued in late1953. 1 bid. For example, a serial whole of 5L212 would be a 1965 Bow. Kodiak Black Bear Hunts Self-guided Black Bear Hunt /Fishing trip Dates: (May 1 - June 15), (Aug 1-Sept 30) Occupancy: Max 5 hunters (no mixed groups) Kodiak Black Bear Hunts | Alaska Ocean Pros Black bears are in good numbers on the Kenai Peninsula and can be seen anywhere, anytime. Michigan in 1968, this bow has walnut risers with dark green laminate and ivory colored fiberglass tips. I've had three KH's this '67, '70 and '71, with my limited knowledge and experience I don't think the the Kodiak Hunter was the best recurve Bear made by any stretch,,I do think they're nice bows. Note: Remember that the company was known as Bear Products until 1940, so the “Bear Products by Grumley” bows were obviously made before those marked “Bear Archery by Grumley”. Kodiak Magnum 52″ 1961-1977 For example, a serial number of 5L212 would be a 1965 Bow. To hunt Kodiak brown bears you need a valid Alaska hunting license, a Big Game Tag Record, a brown bear locking tag, and a registration and/or drawing permit for the area you plan to hunt. Without a doubt, Bear Archery Company has produced more traditional bows than all the other traditional bow companies combined. Grizzly Recurve 1958-1978 Another popular bow for collectors of Grayling manufactured bows is the Kodiak II of 1954. Beginning in 1938, Grumley bows bore the stamped mark of the maker, sometime in the early 1940’s, the stamp was broken and all bows after that date bore the written mark of their famous maker. Kodiak Special 1955-1967 Kodiak Brown Bear Permit Areas (GMU 8) Select a "permit hunt area" from the map or from the list of hunt areas below for information on harvest statistics, permit availability, guides, hunt numbers, area description, and a … 3,094 Posts. The “A” riser was the shortest, and the “C” the longest, with the “B” being in the middle. There were several other bowyers who made Bear wooden bows, mostly the lower line lemonwood models such as the Ranger. FRED BEAR KODIAK MAGNUM RECURVE BOW RIGHT HAND 40# GRAYLING 1973 TO 1975. A characteristic of Grumley bows is the trapezoidal limb cross section. The Serial Number: These bows usually have, what appears to be a hand inscription on one of the limbs that gives a serial number along with the length and pull weight of the bow. Bear didn't start using the date of manufacture in their serial numbers until 1965 i.e. As you can see there is no "M" even though it is a magnum. Sometimes showing the bow to a knowledgeable collector is the only sure way to get an accurate date of manufacture. Frequently Asked Questions. Nels left, even though Fred tried to convince him to stay with some handsome financial offers, and struck out on his own to make bows. 1. Tamerlane HC-300 1968-1972 The large Standing Bear decal was used until 1955 when it was replaced with the improved methods of silk-screening the identification on the bows. Known as Limb Style Number 1, Style Number 2, and Style Number 3. Brass coins were used in 1963-1970, and nickel-silver in 1971-72. There are many features and changes applied by Bear over the years which will help you in determining your bows model year. The Decals and Silkscreening The compass required a significant amount of wood to be removed from the riser in order to be inlaid, and as a result caused the riser sections on many of these bows to fail. This feature is a key element to bear hunting and allows you to watch the hunter from a distance without the need to worry about someone breaking off an arrow. The "K" series of serial numbers (for example Kz9672) were started in 1970. Then in early 1951, just as with the Grizzly, the new uni-directional glass was introduced but the aluminum lamination was still present. Tamerlane HC-30 1965-1967 Maintaining strong support and membership in these organizations is one very good way to keep a solid hold on the good old days. 6. This warranty problem caused a substantial strain on the companies finances, but Fred insisted that all bows be replaced if returned broken. Note – Although officially discontinued in 1972, several parts for these bows remained on the shelves at Bear, and a few “A” and “B” models were assembled in 1973 and 1974. We have some of the most liberal hunting seasons here in the U.S. and most bow seasons are during the most beautiful time of the year to be out in the fields. But all K-II’s are very collectible and highly sought after bows. Prior to 1965, the serial numbers for all Bear bows were started over every month, making these bows almost impossible to date by serial number alone. The 1951 Grizzly also began production with the aluminum lamination, but very early in 1951 the aluminum was dropped due to the high reported breakage problems. How About Serial Numbers for Dating? Well, when Nels first began making bows for Fred in 1938, he used a sort of branding iron to stamp into the wood his mark “Bear Products by Grumley”. Kodiak Recurve 1954-1966 If your all wood bow has a stamp which says “Bear Products” in some form, then it had to be before the early-mid forties. Below is a yearly production chart for the most popular Bear Bows. don’t shoot a Compass Kodiak! ◦ Type II bows will have serial numbers in the range of 2000 and up. Then why is the “C” the least valuable of the lot even though it is actually the rarest of the Take-Downs? Yet another way to help determine the age of your bow is to look for a coin type medallion in the riser. Of the bows which I have seen over the years, the only bowyers who I would put in the same class as Grumley would be James D. Easton of California and E.F. Pope of Texas. These “Grumley by Grumley” bows are marked with a simple stamped signature “Grumley” either on the limb or on the riser, and are very scarce and excellent collector items. Actually, more than year, the collector should be referring to Type. The “K” series of serial numbers (for example KZ9399) were started in 1970. However, in late 1948 Bear began using what later became known as the small “Running Bear” decal, and thus some bows built beginning in 1948 may have this decal instead of the written brand. Bearcat 1964-1971 Tamerlane 1962-1968 Note – Although introduced in August 1969, the Take Down model bow did not appear in the Bear catalogs until 1970. If you are not an Alaska resident, you also need proof that you will be guided by a registered guide, or a relative within the second degree of kindred . The sight window … (The 8 could be a 6). This new model bow was manufactured in 3 different riser lengths, which were known as the “A”, “B”, and “C” risers. Bear Super Magnum Mag Recurve bow 48" … The Ranger continues but all previous model names are dropped. $19.95 shipping. Temujin 1968-1970 Also known as the Compass Kodiak because of the small, round compass embedded into the riser section, this bow was another good idea which almost caused the company to go under. Another example would be the few known 1959 Kodiaks which don’t have a coin medallion which were supposed to be on all Kodiaks beginning in model year 1959. $20.40 shipping. The Grumley bow on the left is a Bush Bow, while the bow on the right is the Deerslayer model. There is no definite feature that differentiates the two except glass color and serial number and in my collection there is some overlap of both. First, the bows had quite a bit of handshock when shot, and as a result were not comfortable to shoot. These bows should not be used! Although with the relentless anti-hunters' threat, there is no doubt that bowhunting would cease to exist without the constant efforts of organizations like The Professional Bowhunters Society, The Pope and Young Club, The Wildlife Legislative Fund, The National Rifle Association and many other national and state organizations. Bear Archery Super Kodiak Review – Summary. Remember also that Bear would take special orders for bows during this time period, and the above models are only the “stock” models. Conversely, if the riser of your K-II is a light colored wood, then you have a maple model. The "K" series of serial numbers (for example KZ9399) were started in 1970. Even though bows were then largely the result of machine work, Bob came to be considered a fine bowyer in his own right. The Grizzly kept the leather grip until 1964. Nels left Bear in 1948 when Fred made the decision to begin mass production of bows at the new factory in Grayling. The small Running Bear decal was first used in 1948, and was replaced by the large Standing Bear decal in mid-1953. Yearly Production Chart For The Most Popular Grayling-Made Bear Bows, (Researched by and reprinted with the permission of Al Reader, North Haledon, NJ), Wood Handle Take-Down 1969-1972 Fred realized that he could not meet the demand which would come from these new recruits by making bows one at a time like Bear had been doing since it’s inception almost 15 years earlier so he came up with a new method of mass producing bows, finally allowing his company to meet this demand. These bows were available primarily in one piece design , but a few were made in 2 piece take-apart and some in 2 piece hinged models. The pride in his craftsmanship is demonstrated in that each and every bow which Nels made is either stamped or signed with his name, along with the words “Bear Products by Grumley” or “Bear Archery by Grumley”. ◦ Bush Bow (having brush nocks carved into the ends of the limbs about 1-2 inches long) This glass change apparently occurred around serial number 5000. Yamaha ATV / Quad Serial Prefix – Yamaha Model Codes 2000 - 2012 Every prefix from a Yamaha vehicle identification number (VIN number) refers to a model code. Again, Fred insisted that the warranty on these bows be honored and all returns were replaced with another bow. First, if your bow is all wood, meaning that there is no laminations of any kind, then your bow had to be made before the mass production beginning in 1949. I have a 1966, and love it. Now Bear Archery has brought this legendary recurve back, featuring all the power and performance bowhunters enjoyed in years past. The serial number is RU19481.