BOB BITNER: Another Giant of the Golden Era of Archery Passes Away

Bob Bitner 1939-2026. The first archer to shoot a perfect score in a major competition

Bob Bitner 1937-2026 — Archery Pioneer and Industry Veteran

Bob Bitner with his Root Target Master

Robert M. “Bob” Bitner was a legendary figure in American archery, celebrated for record-breaking performances, decades of competitive excellence, and a decades-long career in the archery industry.

Bob Bitner’s career was marked by extraordinary accomplishments:

He was introduced to archery at age 14 in the Scouts.

From 1957, starting at 20 years old, Bitner worked for major archery manufacturers including Root, Bear, PSE, Ben Pearson, and Hoyt

1958 NAA Target Nationals: Won the Senior  Division, breaking five records — Single York, Double York (by 100 points), 100-yard, 80-yard, and Grand Total. He was 21 years old.

1967: He was the first person to record a perfect 300 score in a major indoor tournament. As a member of The Root Team, he used Root/ Archery Research’s Golden Eagle bow. Bob Bitner scored the first perfect score at the Las Vegas Shoot using the Golden Eagle. He shot that perfect score on the first day while two other members of the Root Archery Team, Les "Jugger" Gervais and Bob Brewer, both using a Golden Eagle, shot perfect scores during the last days of the same tournament.  The first, second, and third perfect scores ever made were shot by members of the Root Archery Team during the same competition, using the Golden Eagle.

Bob Bitner on the Root Archery Team

In the 1980s, he opened Bitner Strings & Things, a specialty archery business.

He also worked with the U.S. Olympic team, including at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

In 2014, at the Archery Hall of Fame & Museum, he donated his bow and the target that scored the 300 to the AHOF Museum

He dedicated 65 years to the sport of archery through his work with youth programs and the NFAA.

Mr. Bitner donating his bow and target to the Archery Hall of fame. 2014

I never had the chance to meet Mr. Bitner; I will always regret that. I wrote to him when we were putting together our AHOF nomination for Ernie Root. His wife handled most of the communications, but Bob did autograph his photograph holding a Root Bow. As time moves forward, we will continue to lose these important members of the Golden Era of Archery. Let us remember their legacy each time we pick up our vintage bows. 

ERNIE ROOT IS INDUCTED INTO THE ARCHERY HALL OF FAME

ERNIE ROOT IS INDUCTED INTO THE ARCHERY HALL OF FAME

by Larry Vienneau

Ernie Root Induction Plaque, May 16, 2026

Ernie Root's commemorative 

panel inside the Archery Hall of Fame

Addressing the attendees at the AHOF awards dinner

Congratulating Rick Mansberger on 13 years of hard work

Larry Root is holding the Golden Eagle Bow, once owned by his
brother Ron. This gold-plated bow was donated to
The Archery Hall of Fame.

The two Larrys

Larry Root with Bill Franke, avid Root collector.

AHOF Inductees Ken Beck, Terry Wunderle, Diane Miller, and Jay Barrs

AHOF member Ann Butz, Grand Slam Champion, with her Root Golden Eagle Recurve.

Ann Marston's display at the AHOF

Glenn St. Charles' display at the AHOF

Ben Pearson's display at the AHOF

Fred Bear's display at the AHOF

Byron Fergerson's Display at AHOF

Earl Hoyt's Display at the AHOF

Diane Miller and Rick Mansburger with the Gold Golden Eagle Recurve

AHOF "Meet and Greet" dinner with 2024-25 Inductees to the Archery Hall of Fame.

 Terry Wunderle, Diane Miller, Jay Barrs, Ken Beck, Gary Bogner, and Ernie Root represented by Larry Rootand Hardy Ward (deceased) 

Diane Miller's recognition awards for her years of dedication to the AHOF

Examples of Ernie Root's Beautiful Target bows

On May 15-16, 2026, Ernie Root was finally inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame. Ernie Root’s vast contributions to archery have finally been recognized. He is the 103rd member of the AHOF. The two evening events were incredible. I met three Olympic Champions, three World Champions, and several bowhunting world record holders. I saw an incredible act of kindness during the auction. One of the AHOF members offered a set of arrows he built 40 years ago for auction. The bidding went ballistic and ended with 19,600 for a dozen 40-year-old arrows. The winner, Casey Brooks, posed with the arrows and promptly returned them to the Archery Hall of Fame. It was a $19,600 gift!!

I attempted to give Ernie Root the introduction he deserved, but my emotions got the best of me. Here is what I should have said:

Ernie Root began his bow-making career at American Archery in Chicago in the late 1940s. He left American Archery and started Root Archery in the early 1950s as a family business in suburban Chicago. After outgrowing a few smaller spaces, it moved out of the city, eventually settling in Big Rapids, MI.  In early 1960, Ernie Root began a collaboration with Shakespeare Archery while continuing to grow Root Archery. All of Shakespeare’s bows were based on bows made by Root Archery. Root Archery and Shakespeare Archery merged in 1969. Shakespeare continued without Ernie Root, which adversely affected quality and production. Ernie continued designing bows with the Root Archery Research Division. He later worked with Phil Grable and developed one of the most innovative and accurate bows of that era. Their Golden Eagle became the first bow to shoot a perfect score in a major competition and changed bow designs forever.

 We started the process in 2013 (see the letter here http://archeryhalloffame.com/We%20get%20Letters.html), and in 2022, we submitted Ernie Root’s nomination to the Archery Hall of Fame Committee. It has been a long road. I have written 64 posts on Ernie Root, written about every bow Ernie made for both Root and Shakespeare, owned dozens of Root and Shakespeare bows, and collaborated with Larry Root to write chapters in Rick Rappe's book Vintage Bows III. I have had help from some of the most knowledgeable people in the archery field. I have also made some good friends. So, in retrospect, 2013 was too early; I didn’t know enough. By 2022, I had formed the friendships that helped me learn more about Ernie Root and the Golden Age of Archery.

This would not be possible without the help of:

Lewis Kent for sharing his obsession, for his research, and for helping to write many of these posts.

Lawrence Root is the “Guru.” All knowledge flows from “Larry 1.” He has been unselfishly sharing his memories and experiences.  

A special thanks to Rick Mansberger for kicking Larry 1 and Larry 2 in the butt and helping us get this done.  

Thank you to Michael “Rick” Rappe, the author of Vintage Bows I, II, and III.

The Late George Stout, RIP.  You were an endless source of knowledge.

 “The Code Breakers”- Kerry Hardy, Peter Denley, David Ross, and John Murphy. They figured out the Shakespeare Serial Number system.

Thank you to everyone who shared knowledge, experience, and their bows:

Edward Campbell,  Stephan Tongi, Jeff  Freeman, Pole Spear, Thomas Goessman, Shayne Efaw, Joseph Spallone, Kerry Stout, Jacki Clauson, Joey Zoppa, Kevin Sperber, Lavi Niv, Jack Shanks, Bob Hargreaves, Jermy Leemgraven, Aaron Brill, Cody Connerley, Brett Parker, Cameron Root, Russ Otis, George Trefethen, RCG Cochron,  David Landis, Mike Shaw, Chris Miller, Josh Conway, Brian T. Swords, Brad Barclay, Jim Luby…….I am sure I am missing many!!

Thanks to the nearly 700,000 people who have visited the blog.

Special thanks to Diane Miller, Tom Nelson, and the Board of Directors of the Archery Hall of Fame.

 The Class of 2024-25 Archery Hall of Fame Inductees include Bowhunting Legend, Gary Bogne; Olympian, Hardy Ward, and Archery Innovator, Ernie Root; Jay Barrs, Diane Miller, Terry Wundwele, and Ken Beck, inducted into the Archery Hall of Fame on May 15-16, 2026

Archery Hall of Fame & Museum Inc., 1 Bass Pro Drive, Springfield, Missouri 65807

Archery Hall of Fame
& Museum, Inc.
P.O. Box 258
Corry, PA 16407

Phone:
1.814.392.8901

http://archeryhalloffame.com/

 

Why Collect Shakespeare and Root Bows?

Why do I collect Root / Shakespeare Archery? 

by Larry Vienneau

  rewritten 5/23/2026

• After all, many archery companies outlasted Root and Shakespeare Archery. 
• Many were founded long before Ernie Root and Shakespeare Archery. 
• Many have more interest among collectors.
• Many archery producers made more lasting technological contributions, so why this interest in Root / Shakespeare?  

WHY COLLECT ROOT /SHAKESPEARE BOWS?   

          

I was a child during the late 1950s and early 1960s. My summers were spent in the woods, making my own bow and arrows and chasing imaginary villains with my “lethal weapons.” My parents sent me off to camp, and I soon found I had a knack for archery. I had always struggled with school, so for me, recognizing my abilities with the bow helped my self-esteem immensely. Summer school camp was books in the morning, fishing, canoeing, and bows in the afternoon. I was handed a solid fiberglass bow and was told to shoot. I noticed the name “Shakespeare” and remembered something about a story of how archers helped win the crown of England. I struggled with school, but I was a bright kid. “Shoot the bow kid!” was the order barked at me. I shot and hit the target dead center. “Luck” was the barked reply. I repeated the shot exactly and the barking stopped. Later that summer I won my first trophy in an archery competition. It was my first feeling of achievement and self-worth. Archery would remain an important part of my life.

During my adolescent years, archery remained on the outskirts.  I finished art school and began my life as a starving artist. I learned to make bows again and started to literally put food on the table with them. After years of hard work, I was hired for my dream job of teaching art in Alaska. My love of archery was fully reawakened. I made longbows, recurves, and a few native-style bows. I shot competitions and amassed a small collection of trophies and medals.  I collected and refurbished vintage bows, but Shakespeare never crossed my path again until one long, late fall moose hunt. It was cold, as it often is in Alaska. I had been working a ridge near a slough that had lots of moose signs. It was late, and I was drained. I decided to head out before I lost the light. As I crisscrossed my trail, I spotted a glint of white near a large spruce stand. Upon close inspection, I realized it was a very old moose kill; there was a remnant of a moose skull. 

That was when I noticed Shakespeare. He was resting against a tree exactly where he had been placed forty or more years earlier. The hunter had placed the bow there while field dressing his moose, and while he made several trips to pack the meat. In his exhaustion, he left his bow, and it stood there for decades unmoved, waiting. It was aged and cracked from the relentless cold of Alaska’s winters. Proudly, the name of Shakespeare emerged from the mold and grime. It was a Parabow, and its draw weight was readable at 55#, enough power for a well-placed wooden arrow to take down a moose. I never got my moose that year, but I did have that bow. I knew it could never be shot again, but it became my first Shakespeare bow.

 I lost the bow years later in a car break-in; I also lost several others I stupidly left in my car. But that Shakespeare fiberglass bow was special. It stood unyielding for decades, waiting for me to come along. I started collecting again a few years ago and soon found a rekindled love for the Root / Shakespeare bow I had known as a child. So when I hear “Why collect Shakespeare? they aren’t worth much are they?” 

I shake my head and chuckle because I know that they are priceless. 

Early 1960s Shakespeare Parabows

AI images for entertainment purposes only  :) 

© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

All rights reserved.

Shakespeare TITAN MODEL X-15

Shakespeare Model X15 and TITAN X-15

by Larry Vienneau

The Titan X15 is one of the few Shakespeare bows to look very much like its predecessor, the X-15. From 1961-64 many of Shakespeare's bows were designated with “X” with a number. The X15 1961-64 did evolve quickly. The 1961-63 X15 was a walnut and maple laminated bow and was available in 63", 66", and 69". It was an "all-round" bow. The 63" was designed for hunting while the 66" and 69" were field and tournament bows. The 1964 bow was a 66" bow with a solid Bubinga riser, the 69" was now a special order 

1964 X15

·         66” and 69' special order”

·         Weight 30-45Lbs

·         2-inch limb

·         Bubinga riser

·         7-inch sight window

·         Nocks Bubinga and maple

·         7-inch brace height

·         White glass

·         LH special order

1963 X15

·         66” and 69”

·         Weight 30-45Lbs

·         2-inch limb

·         Maple and Walnut riser

·         7-inch sight window

·         Nock's walnut and maple

·         7-inch brace height

·         White glass

·         LH special order

1962-63 X15

·         63”, 66”, and 69”

·         66” and 69” Weight 35-50 Lbs. 63” 35- 55 lbs.

·         2-inch limb

·         Maple and Walnut riser

·         7-inch sight window

·         Nock's walnut and maple

·         7-inch brace height

·         White glass

·         LH special order

1968 Titan X15

Shakespeare bows were designed by Ernie Root, his love of target archery and his talent as a competitive archer come through in this bow design. Root archery had been producing bows in the fifties and in the early 1960s; Ernie Root was hired as a consultant and designer by Shakespeare Archery. If you look at the Shakespeare Kaibab and Ocala, beside the Root Brush Master and Field Master, you will see bows of nearly identical design. By 1969 Ernie Root left Shakespeare and continued his Root Archery Company. He continued to perfect his Golden Eagle Take-down which was a staple in the hands of many professional archers of the 1960s, as well as his top-line target bow...Pendulus Supreme.

  

1970-71 TitanX15

Shakespeare's Archery and Ernie Root produced excellent competition and target bows. The Titan X 15 introduced in 1965, it is very similar to the Professional X10 but did not have a stabilizer or sights and is an outstanding mid-priced target bow. The Shakespeare family of target bows (Titan, Supreme, and Professional) was in response to the Bear Tamerlane, the 1967 riser is beautiful laminations of light Bubinga, Maple, and dark Brazilian Rosewood with multi-layered wood tip overlays. In 1967 The Supreme X16 was also introduced. It was the entry-level tournament bow and was 66-inch AMO but had many of the characters of the Titan and Professional.

In 1965 the bows were redesigned and renamed and often looked nothing like their predecessor. However, the X15 Titan is the exception.  The beautifully sculpted lines of the x-15 were incorporated and perfected in the X15 Titan.  Of the entire Shakespeare Archery Line, the Titan also saw the most radical yearly design changes; the 1968 model is the most striking example. At 66” & 68” AMO and 2-inch-wide limbs, it was designed for the target range and was well balanced, very stable, accurate, and a fast shooter. 

Titan X15 1965 -1971

1965-67, 1970-71 66” AMO

1968-69 68” AMO

Weights: 

1965-67 30-45 pounds, 

1968-69 30-40 pounds, 

1970-71 25-40 pounds

Riser:

1965-67 Bubinga and Imbuya,

1968- Rosewood and maple

1969- Bubinga, Seduha, Maple

1970-71 “Exotic” woods and “Space Age” Formica

Tip overlays

1965-67 Benge and maple wood

1968-71 Rosewood and maple

Limbs: 2 inch

Glass: White

 Arrow rest:

1965-68 vertical feathers, Arrow plate calf hair,

1969 Flipper rest

1970-71 adjustable plate and flipper rest

Brace Height: 8 ½ inch

Sight window: 71/2 inch

1968 insert added for M16 Stabilizer

  I posted on the Traditional Archery Forum a question about the bow that William Shatner was shooting in this 1967 photograph. http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/TF/lw/thread2.cfm?forum=23&threadid=254147&messages=79&CATEGORY=9
I got a lot of great suggestions but a few people suggested that he might be shooting a Shakespeare or Root bow. I went into my 1961 & 62 catalogs and it really looks like a 1961 Shakespeare X-15!!

 
UPDATE: 10/14/2024

In 2023, I bought a beautiful X15 66" left-hand, #44 for a great price on eBay. I had been looking for a lefty for years and was excited. It needed refinishing, but I took it out for testing. It shot well, but I believe the depth of the arrow was too shallow, which forced my arrows to veer to the right (I am lefty). I shot several sets of arrows to ensure the poor flight was not due to my arrows, and all of them went to the right. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to tweak the bow because we were selling our FL home and moving to CO. This week, I finally could rework the bow, adjust the shelf depth, and refinish the bow. IT IS INCREDIBLE. It may be my new target / 3D bow!!

my new 1964 X 15 66" #44, lefty.

Please add comments if you have additional information about this bow.

© Copyright, Larry Vienneau Jr.

All rights reserved.