Black Bear
Advanced · Primarily western Virginia mountains (Blue Ridge, Alleghany, and Appalachian Plateau). Expanding into Piedmont counties. Highest densities in Augusta, Rockingham, Bath, and Highland counties.
Virginia has one of the largest black bear populations on the East Coast, estimated at over 20,000 animals. The bear population has been expanding eastward from its traditional mountain strongholds, now occupying much of the Piedmont. Virginia offers archery, muzzleloader, and firearms bear seasons, plus a hound-hunting tradition in certain counties. Bear hunting in Virginia provides a challenging and rewarding experience in some of the most scenic terrain in the Appalachians.
Seasons
Early Archery
Archery/Crossbow
Muzzleloader
Muzzleloader
General Firearms
Firearms
Hound-Hunting (select counties)
Firearms with hounds
Bag Limits
1 bear per license year. A bear damage stamp may allow an additional bear in certain counties. Check specific county regulations.
Tips
- • Focus on areas with abundant hard mast, especially white oak and red oak ridges, during the fall feeding frenzy.
- • Look for fresh sign: overturned rocks and logs, claw marks on beech trees, and scat loaded with acorns or berries.
- • Hunt travel corridors between bedding thickets and food sources during morning and late afternoon hours.
- • Hang stands overlooking oak flats on north-facing slopes where bears feed heavily before denning.
- • Be prepared for a physically demanding pack-out—a mature Virginia black bear can weigh 300-500 pounds.