Hey guys, I am hoping to gather some information on pursuing bears on national forest land in western Virginia. Has anyone been successful while hunting for bears? I have seen plenty of bears over the years during deer and turkey seasons and I would like to take a shot at a fair chase Virginia black bear. I am not looking for locations but rather tactics, habitat, food sources, preparation, and words of encouragement/discouragement. Any thoughts?

BT...I have seen quite a few bear over the years and have taken 5 ..I have passed up good shots the last couple of years....I would suggest bow season when there is a good White Oak crop....

Find the acorns, gum berries, etc. near thick heavy cover, and hunt a lot! If you spend time where bears are, you will see bears, and eventually you will get a shot. I live in Madison (east of Blue Ridge, but the mountains have TONS of bear) and hunt in western Rockingham. Bears love to eat, and they hate pressure. They can't see very well either, but they can really smell well. Good luck to you!

They seem to love nasty, rocky, laurely areas.