The Lost Fred Bear Interview

[@samstamos427]

Finding this gem of a film interview is a "hunter's dream", for as his voice came to life I could also hear the wind, water, and wildlife whisking along their way; the restless spirit forever roams! 🎼"In the wind, he's still alive!" 🎵 I hear "Fred Bear" -Uncle Ted. 🎸

[@jkruegs9568]

Mike! Got chills watching this. So glad you found it and put it here for all of us to enjoy. Fred put archery back on the map for sure.

[@redneckwithajeep5001]

This was filmed 10 years before I was born. Still amazes me when I see anything on what he did. We have all this fancy tech now yet every modern day archer has roots going back to what this man accomplished

[@daveyboy8907]

Good for you young man to be watching this and paying tribute to Fred,... Maybe we do still have hope..lol 👍

[@vincecommando7575]

Never loose that appreciation or respect for those that came long before you. Some of best historical figures have such a fountain of knowledge that you have to see to believe. Even the worst historical figures you can learn important lessons from. Knowledge is and forever will be power. You keep that in mind and take it to the bank.

[@dannybray2486]

I own a Bear bow that Fred Bear gave to my uncle who was a game warden in Colorado in 1960. It was a gift for my uncle helping Fred line up a place to deer hunt. I am very proud to own it.

[@acmund]

Awesome!

[@daveyboy8907]

Nice

[@commonjones6902]

Wanna sell it?

[@4wheelliving132]

did he sign it?

[@smithn.wesson495]

You are a very blessed and fortunate person. No doubt a real Fred Bear bow is worth thousands. Never, never, never sell it.

[@russellj.s.257]

And I'll join you on the big hunt before too long

[@ryanmoore9029]

Fred Bear was not only the inventor of modern archery. He is the reason we have archery hunting in Michigan!!!! He went to the Department of Conservation (DNR). About an archery season. D.O.C. Said if you can put an arrow through a 3/16 thick sheet of boiler plate steel. We'll think about it. After some thought,Fred thought about some hard wood to use. I believe it was red cedar? The right steel blade. The very first shot it went into the steel plate!!! Thank you Fred!!! THE MAN,THE MYTH,THE LEGEND!!!!

[@rabbithomesteading3797]

Never heard that and very cool!

[@rickyrichards7596]

At 65yrs; I still have and use my Ben Pearson 66" #40 lb recurve bow, bought it used in the 60's. I hunt Indian Style...`still hunt', finger tip shooter, with no sights! I can hit as good as the guys with compound bows, with sights and triggers! If memory serves...Sears sold sporting goods with Fred Bears name on them! I always loved to watch Fred make his shots!

[@MBlackford100]

Thanks Mike for sharing this interview, I have to say I am jealous.... What amazes the most about Fred Bear is that he always seemed very down to earth and concerned about passing his passion for hunting onto future generations.

[@htorres11]

Fascinating interview with a legendary bow hunter! The great ones are always humble!

[@thinkcivil1627]

I grew up in a hunting family, but it was always with a firearm. I thought I was an accomplished hunter, until I first went in the woods with a bow when I was about 20 years old, and I quickly found out that I knew nothing about the natural habits of deer. Fred is right about the different skills that are needed to consistently harvest a whitetail deer. You learn to appreciate the animals, and you are observing them in their natural setting. You experience other animals that you don't normally see. The way a fox jumps on a mouse. The slow lumbering porcupine, and all the other wildlife that you see simply living their lives. Age has caught up with me, but I will always have a lifetime of stories shared with my hunting partners.

[@wardenandriuk9448]

I started with a bow at 16 and never looked back. You learn the woods.

[@MV-gl5bg]

picked up my first traditional bow last year. aint hunted with my rifle since

[@gunsmith549]

Religious TV network showed Fred Bear hunting video's when they were not showing their preaching. I cut grass to buy a bow, I target shot and hunted. In a neighborhood loaded with drugs and drug dealers, that local TV station probably kept me out of drugs and jail.

[@lloydnielsen8035]

What a fantastic interview. Fred was a gentleman besides being a very successful bow hunter he was also a humble man. I wish I could have met him what a man!

[@bowman321123]

A True Legend, I feel privileged to own one of his bows

[@tedsell1455]

Me to 🏹

[@vampcrush]

Me too

[@jasonnester9514]

What makes him a legend?

[@mossranchoutdoors7249]

@@jasonnester9514 what makes you an idiot?👌

[@swampbiologist]

My first "Real" bow was a Bear Black Bear one-piece 60" recurve pulling 45#@28"! I still have it and I'm 68!

[@vettedwarrior7054]

I have shot archery since i was 5 yrs old im 52 now, I have met Fred Bear more than 20 times in my life, In the 70's and 80s My parents shot professional archery My mother was a National Champion twice and won dozens of shoots, she shot for Jennings bows, My father shot for Bear and won dozens of awards as well . I have several photos of Fed Bear shaking my dad's hand and my Mom's He was a great guy always had time to listen to kids questions and give quick lessons , He used to present awards at some of the larger Shooting events. He was a Great guy he promoted Archery with integrity, Honesty and zeal.

[@jeffalden6769]

Man you have been blessed. I love watching fred talk and tell stories. You definitely have something here, not many can say they have met Fred. Let alone have it to look back on. Thanks for sharing this pearl.

[@ricklesquier3147]

I had the privilege of meeting Fred Bear at a mini film show he did around this time period. It was at a Archery/Shoe store called Boots and Bows at the Fort Gatlin shopping plaza in Orlando, FL. Fred showed a variety of his films including the grizzly bear hunt shown in your video and he told stories about each hunt. At the end of the event he had autographed photos and even signed my ProLine bow which I still have. I remember watching American Sportsman on TV and was always thrilled when Fred was on the show. He was a great inspiration to me and got me involved in archery at an early age ( 11 years o;d if memory serves). I still actively shoot a bow now at 65. I shoot in 3D competition and shoot a primitive stick bow shoot at our gun range. I have also been an bow hunter for many years. All thanks to the shows I saw of Fred Bear! Thanks for showing this interview! You made my day. I think I’ll go shoot my bow for a while now!

[@FuzzyPoppa90]

Because of Fred Bear, I walk down the trails again! He takes me back, takes me back where I belong!!!!!!!

[@woodsdog7849]

Thankful for this footage. Incredible.

[@rickmansberger4136]

I agree, during my encounters with Mr. Bear, it was always Mr. Bear. What an outstanding person and a man, a true gentleman. an honor to have know him and a treasure to have my own interview experience with Mr. Bear. Rick Mansberger

[@leooropeza1776]

Thank you for this production, I am a career military dude and a Hard Rocker, I can see why Mr. Nugent Loved this Great American Man. "Mr. Bear" is the reason I served, his Spirit is Free, like Mine. Please tell Mr. Nugent thanks for the great Rock & Roll that will never die...Native American & U.S. Marine

[@cherylhess4310]

He is a legend that will always be remembered

[@robhill3378]

This man was my idol as a 10 year in 1978 my father who was a very good Archer bought me a bear cub recurve 20 pound pull and I think by the following fall there wasn't a squirrel to be found in my neighborhood. Thanks for this video.

[@louisfini1977]

What type of File is the best to use on your broadhead?

[@johnberry2195]

Thank you so much! I'm smiling right along with you. When I was young my cousin and I took our bows to the woods and dreamed of someday meeting Fred Bear, "The Greatest of all time."

[@derrickian7008]

I am an avid tradition bow hunter, I just found a 1956 bear bow in an antique shop and I will be in the sticks this season using this work of art, love some. Fred Bear bows

[@vincecommando7575]

The legendary archer Fred Bear said it best "If some of our teenage thrill seekers really want to go out and get a thrill. Let them up into the north west and let them tangle with Grizzly Bear or Polar Bear or Brown Bear and get that effect that will cleanse the soul."

[@vincecommando7575]

@@TwoPyramid He was just an old man who enjoyed staying young at heart. Clint Eastwood is very similar to him. He says that he never let's the old man in. Meaning that he doesn't allow himself to act like an old man. It's way more fun to take as much pleasure as you can in life.

[@stuartosborne6687]

I have Bear Grizzly Fred Bear signed for me in 1987, just months before he passed away. What a fine gentleman and I'll always treasure that bow.

[@ReconScoutMedic]

Just an awesome presentation of a very personal interview . Thank you 🙏

[@miangler6313]

Every year for the last 10 or so years ive came back and watched this. Im so enamored by Mr Bear and whats hes done for bow hunting.

[@Stingray8854]

"...'cause in the wind he's still alive...Fred Bear, walk with me, down the trails again..." "Fred Bear" by Ted Nugent Long live Fred Bear

[@twigcreation]

Best interview I have ever seen. Thanks for sharing! I love Fred Bear.

[@ectosquid]

Crazy to think this interview is just 2 years after he chomped that poor crying child's head.

[@CampfireKodiak]

He signed a book for me when I was a boy growing up in Michigan. I think it was in the early 1980s. I treasure that book to this day. Yes, he told me whitetail deer are the hardest game to hunt but if turkeys could smell they would be the hardest. I live in Kodiak now and I treasure my 1973 Kodiak Hunter recurve given to me by my father which I shoot in my back yard.

[@brucebeaver6929]

True legend, great video. I enjoyed this alot. thanks for sharing with everyone

[@johnayris406]

Great job, Mike! I love watching this!

[@petehun7752]

RIP Mr Fred Bear

[@danamccauley5327]

I have the last picture ever signed by Fred Bear. It was made out to me and was acquired by a friend who owned the oldest Bear dealership in Pa. He went up there to hunt with Fred and got it for me. It is my most prized possession. I remember going to an elementary school and watching the video of Fred shooting his Brown bear and was hooked on archery and have been to this day. He was the true father of Modern day archery.

[@danmooney6015]

I met Fred Bear back in about late 77or early 78. Didn’t realize who I was talking to at first, it was at a taxidermy shop in Texas, he was having something mounted. Then the shop owner walked in and told me who he was. I was just getting into bow hunting and had just purchased a 60 lb bear compound bow. What a pleasure it was to meet this very humble and unassuming man.

[@rocklicker639]

What an awesome interview, thanks for sharing!!

[@hoosierdaddy2308]

Very cool man. I watched Ted Nugent talking about Fred the other day and I thought I'd look him up again. I used to watch his films back in the 80's as a young man when I started bow hunting and worked at a Bass Pro store that was bought by a local and called "Bass Masters" which had an archery shop and I setup bows, made arrows, etc.. and hunted and loved it.. Fred Bear was the reason I got into the sport.. Thanks for the old film. Very, very cool.. Again. Thanks From the woods of South Central Indiana. Tim

[@phillipdavis5241]

There where two great archers at the time, Fred Bear & Howard Hill. Mr Hill was a trick Archer, Mr Bear a hunter, both great with a bow

[@johnkendall6962]

Howard Hill was a great hunter too

[@FD7XGU8X]

Very good and inspiring. Thank you so much for the post! Great video

[@PeteKocefas1]

Great Interveiw and I am proud to say that according to Fred that I am still friends with the greatest bowhunter in the world, Ed Bilderback. I have been to Alaska twice to visit with him and he set me up on a bowhunt on Hawkins Island. We tried to get him to go with us but he said he was gonna stay home, then when we got back he said he wished he would have gone along......Happy Hunting

[@timberscot]

Thanks Mike! That was a very special moment. You are a lucky man.

[@Swampman4570]

I really love this video and Fred Bear.

[@paparomesoutdoors711]

This was amazing, a legend my favorite bows hands down this was something special to see ty

[@MarvinEvans-ph7zv]

I met Fred Bear in 1979. Had an autographed book until my friend" borrowed it years ago. Modeled a bear bow for sales as well. His book was incredible! Also got to see all his trophys before there was a museum. He lived on bivens arm here in gainesville fla before he died.

[@tomcierijr.1448]

God is good all the time, Thank you for Fred for getting me into Archery....Its in my blood...God Bless.....🏹🏹🏹

[@liltwool]

@runeshop Fred Bears my hero for ever!!! R.I.P Mr. Bear

[@aaronrider4051]

Fred was a Michigan guy for most of his life, but I'm proud to say he was born and raised here in south-central PA - also where he killed his first deer. Thank you, Mike Avery, for all of this.

[@mikerudolph2419]

Ted Nugent had great respect for Fred Bear, So much he wrote a Song about The Man. I wouldn’t doubt he’s been Hunting with Fred. Great Interview Mike. 👍❤️

[@PooMonkeyMan]

The fact that I haven’t seen a comment yet about Fred Bear having been a snap shooter amazes me. Snap shooting has been a taboo thing in some of the archery circles I’ve been in, yet one of archery’s greatest legends was indeed a snap shooter. There needs to be more material out there on how to snap shoot efficiently and effectively.

[@jimomalley1518]

Thank you Mr Bear of what you did for this great spot .

[@davidlafaber2269]

This is amazing, I bought my first bow in summer of 1985 (I was 15) It was a new Bear Polar LTD. My buddy bought one also, he was 6yrs older than me..was a bow hunter at the time, he was a big Ted Nugent fan. I Learned/practiced..religiously the basics of Archery all summer..by fall I was ready to deer hunt. Was getting into Nugent at the time..it all goes together. MAGICAL MEMORIES..Fred Bear (legend) & Ted was a great inspiration for many archers growing up. POSITIVE endeavors!

[@maxkingery3755]

My first real wood bow which I still have and shot 55 lb 58 inch Super Kodiak killed over 30 whitetails with it since 1968. I wish I could have talked to him just once it would have been a true honor to be in the presence of a true legend of a good man like Mr. Bear! I've got a Ben Pearson Big Ben Longbow so sweet and Ted's Whackmaster also and a few others. I'll shoot till I can't draw anymore.

[@mknight5159]

max kingery they made the super kodiak in 58inches?

[@davidbuurma9309]

I grew up watching Fred Bear.... thanks for that gift!

[@smithn.wesson495]

Regardless if you hunt deer with a bow, a handgun or a rifle Fred Bear single handedly changed deer hunting forever. I can remember when he left us back in 1988 (can't possibly be over 30 years already) and everything....and I mean EVERYTHING... Fred taught us still holds true today even with all of the unimaginable advancements in hunting technology since he passed a way 30 years ago. He was way ahead of his time. Take Fred's 10 Commandments of Hunting and memorize it.

[@chrisdion2612]

Cherish the item you have with the people that have been around to see and experience things in life. You never know when that wisdom gets pulled away by try calling. Men like Fred bear and Ben Pearson were and are pioneers of our sport. When real hunters take the field these guys are in our minds and this is the passion that we all strive for.

[@MarkMphonoman]

This is a Great video. Thanks for posting. Mark 👍

[@PeteMinniti]

He is truly the master archery great and my friend he inspired so many into archery and my 1st bow in1975 was a bear take down bow ! He is a great person !

[@shawnharper3440]

Bear bow owner, love this video! Thank you

[@johncombs4858]

I've owned four Bear recurve Bows since the mid 60s. When he went to the compound bow my wife bought me one for Christmas in the 70s. Fred and Howard Hill were the Icons of Archery in my opinion!

[@BBKlima]

WOW. This is awesome. Great video!

[@Jenluvsthenuge]

I give this a huge thumbs up!

[@BigT27295]

Awesome video Mike . Thanks

[@rodney304]

thanks for sharing!

[@Feller19]

I'm glad nobody notices Fred Bear is the name of a yellow bear in a indie game that came out after this.

[@duaneholcomb8408]

I was about 22 years old in 1985. I learned alot from Fred bear. Jack Oconner. And my grandfather who also was a big deer hunter.

[@kenadams3951]

Great man

[@joeinterrante7873]

Awesome, thank you

[@elijahmoore7692]

I was hoping to find a video of him explaining his form when he shoots or how the designs of his bows came to be.

[@millieatr]

Awesome Video I just did a wiki on My Bear basically just to find out when he passed away ....Well 2 things surprised me ...1 He didn't start bow hunting till he was 29 ...........2 He was born in Waynesboro Pa which has been my home since 1988 ...

[@cjmolnar6145]

The Legend

[@alexcika9906]

I cant believe how Humble Mr.Bear is , Wow this guy in my opinion is a Real Man , you are very very lucky to interview this Legend , i would put it up there with interviewing Paul McCartney , Mick Jagger , John Lennon , Jim Brown , Dale Earnhardt ...you get what i mean haha

[@joshuaccombs7130]

Yeah that was a great find man

[@theplantprodigy2010]

My grandpa and great grandpa were close friends with him, and my great grandfather was one of his top employees.

[@casualobserver77]

The best to ever do it. Fred Bear = LEGEND

[@ozoffroader]

What a man!!

[@thinkaboutiteh9343]

Most boys will be taught with a rifle, how to track and keep yourself fed but when you become a man and learn the Mystical Flight of the Arrow everything takes a very emotional turn. Thank you Fred Bear

[@dougg5707]

Many people idolize folks like Fred Bear but don't consider the real history of the man, how he got into the archery business and why he became a celebrity simply to promote that business and it's success. It started out as a simple means of marketing his product that he didn't really have any qualifications at all to develop the way he had . Without much thanks or media mention given to knowledgeable people and the wisdom they shared with him. It's become quite a folk tale. But Fred Bear didn't even pick up a bow until he was 27 years old after he had met the founder of wing archery and shot one of his bows and learned about the success of the wing archery company. Fred Bear become more of a celebrity than a Bowman. And he didn't make many bows at all before the design and manufacturing of Bear bows was outsourced. And he capitalized on his marketing savvy and his celebrity world wide. This video has a lot of language in it that clearly shows how naive consumers are. I've shot the best Bear bows out there and I've shot the best Wing bows out there past and present. They're both very nice instruments however nothing compares to a handmade tool built by the person who designed it. A wing archery bow is no less than fantastic really symbol of American craftsmanship. The wing name was sold when times got tough shit happens. But the man still makes bows with his son right here on American soil, for the American Hunter.

[@jeffray3143]

I love the jacket ..got one just like it..makes the hike very enjoyable to the stand.rip my friend

[@daveware4117]

The guy sounds super humble. I like that

[@lynngardner1603]

Wow! What a great story. My first bow was a Bear Kodiak Magnum. Wish I had it today.

[@jamesmeyers6982]

Awesome video 👍

[@erikschoff2272]

My family didn't hunt or fish. I was 36 before I picked up a bow. I love going out with the prospect of even seeing a deer. I haven't got one yet but I'm going to plan the perfect hunting trip soon.

[@michaelmaixner4922]

I have a 1954 fred bear kodiak II compass recurve bow that still shoots to this day

[@jeffrowson8974]

God bless fred.hes gone.im in my way out.you new kids dont know what you missed in life.the old ways are gone.you dident even get too see the old farms in operation.good luck world.goodbye.be good kids and fly the us flag for me.

[@tonymaurice4157]

Amazing 👍

[@Technos_Offical]

His name is a name of a well known video game character now too

[@larrymcclaren5960]

Mister Bear is great right terms would have like to meet him

[@kevinwiley1085]

I was seven in 1985 and now because of Fred I hunt with a recurve using traditional gear

[@smash8818]

Bought my first recurve at Kmart around 12 yrs old . Match arrows with my big brother and his Jennings ( sights and all )

[@markpiekaczpiekacz912]

I am a bow hunter still to this day. Because of this man.

[@troyottosen8722]

Mike, you ever check out his vids from Kodiak Alaska???

[@phillipstahl3957]

You could have just played the interview for us to enjoy, but no it's all about you. Gotta keep everything for yourself. Thanks Mr Selfish

[@MikeAveryOutdoors]

Yep, that’s me…. Mr Selfish. Haha.

[@buzzzz1964]

Awesome vid, Thanks.

[@manuela.8676]

I'm not a hunter, I don't eat meat, I have Fred's book and it's great. I love archery.

[@nite_hawk3167]

The man is a true legend

[@JamesKlukas-lu7xd]

What's missing in modern times is the humility of guys like Fred Bear...I With too many " hunters " after the shot behavior is any thing but humble ; in fact it can be downright disgusting....we can't allow these inexperienced thrill addicts degrade hunting ethics...

[@thevagabonarrow3239]

Much respect to Mr. Bear🏹

[@gleamtarrest6310]

I had one of His recurve bows back in the day.