| Go
To Frank Addington's List Of Columns
Fred Bear Showed Me How
 "Fred
Bear Showed Me How." Simple slogan. If I were a betting man
I'd bet Dick Lattimer, Fred's Public Relations guru and right hand man
wrote that line. It's one of those timeless phrases to me. Afterall, Fred
was more than a legend, a hero, and friend. He was a pioneer who put steps
where few had had before.
No, I am not talking of grand adventures beyond civilization to all
ends of the earth, although clearly Fred did this. He really was one of
the first modern bowhunters to put tracks all over the world. However,
I am speaking of the way he "sold" archery. Not just Bear equipment, but
the sport of archery. Fred was a goodwill ambassador for our sport 24/7everywhere
he went.
Fred had a way of simply handing someone a bow--- man or lady, boy
or girl, and saying, "Here---try this..." Movie stars,
astronauts, and famous people as well as common folk too. Papa Bear had
a mission and that was to promote archery all over the world.
 
He was a giving person. With Fred I don't think it was ever just about
the money. My impression is that Fred loved the sport and those in it.
There were plenty of industries that paid better where Fred could have
made more money. Yet he stayed in archery and became the father of modern
day bowhunting. I've often called him the, "Babe Ruth of archery."
Today, I have tried to imitate Fred's lead. A few years ago I handed
West Virginia Governor Bob Wise a bow and said, "Here, try this."
He was hooked and today is still active in our sport.
My father once set up a bow for country music singer George Strait.
In August 2004 I did an archery show and was a surrogate speaker for President
Bush at a Bush-Cheney "Sportsman for Bush" event in Bend, Oregon. This
was a huge honor to see archery play a role in a national Presidential
campaign.
The National Archery in Schools program is another idea that Fred would
have embraced. Matt McPherson and Kevin Stay are leaders in our sport
with the best interest of archery in mind when they promote this program.
What a great idea!
If you want to get involved, it's simple. Volunteer to teach archery
at a local 4-H or scout camp. Help teach or host a bowhunter education
event. Work with your local archery club to get more members.
Introduce folks to the sport. Become a guest speaker a rotary meeting or
other luncheon.
Remember, this is our sport. It's a year round, family sport that all
of us can enjoy. It's not just about trophy game or 3-D championships,
it's about having a great time with others that share your love for the
sport.
There's plenty of time for trophies. The best trophy in my mind is
the first game a youngster or first time bowhunter bags. That means
our sport will continue to grow and be around for generations to come.
Our best days are ahead my friends. Get others involved! It's easy.
Afterall, Fred Bear showed us how!
Until next time, Shoot Straight,
Frank Addington, Jr.
www.frankaddingtonjr.com
Aspirinbuster@aol.com
BY THE WAY, DICK
LATTIMER HAS A NEW BOOK ON FRED BEAR! EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Aspirinbuster@aol.com
Shoot Straight,
Frank Addington, Jr.
www.frankaddingtonjr.com
Drop me a line at Aspirinbuster@aol.com
and I'll email you back.
.
SEND ME YOUR INDUSTRY NEWS, LATEST ADVENTURES, OR JUST A QUICK NOTE.
AMANDA AND I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! Email: Aspirinbuster@aol.com
Web Site: FrankAddingtonJr.com
Go
To Frank Addington's List Of Columns
Email: Aspirinbuster@aol.com
Web Site: FrankAddingtonJr.com |
