By Al Raychard

           

           The history of black bears in Virginia is much the same as it is throughout the eastern United States. At the time of first settlement in the 1600s, bears are believed to have been abundant throughout the state. Due to extensive deforestation, burning, agriculture expansion, grazing, settlement and other human endeavors in the 1700s and 1800s, bears were pushed ever westward into remote mountain regions and the great swamps of the Southeast. Virginia covers some 39,594 square miles but by 1900, it is estimated the state was home to only 1,000 bears and were near extinction.

            Over the next several decades things started to change. In 1918 the creation of the George Washington National Forest, the Natural Bridge NF in 1933, Shenandoah National Park in 1935, the Jefferson NF in in 1936 and the creation of several state parks and state forests safeguarded vital habitat. In the mid-20^th century, agricultural land also reverted back to forest creating even more prime living space for bears. Starting in the 1950s extensive research programs including population dynamics, sex ratios, age structure, reproduction, survival rates and mortality factors, food habits, home range and denning, among others conducted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, as well has carefully managed hunting seasons have seen bear numbers and bear range increase dramatically.  Since 2001 the statewide bear population in Virginia has increased by about 9.5 percent annually. According to available recreational sightings, hunter harvests, road kills and DWR staff bears are now present or occur in at least 92 of Virginia’s 95 counties. Statewide Virginia’s bear population is currently estimated at 18,000- to 20,000, one of the largest in the East.

            When it comes to hunting Virginia was never as high on the destination list among non-resident bear hunters as other states. In 2019-2020 visiting hunters contributed about eight percent of the annual harvest but there are reasons to believe that percentage may increase in coming years. To help control rising bear numbers, hunting seasons have been extended by a few days, others by a week or so.  A new hunting season was added in western portions, long considered the black bear stronghold in the state and in 2017, a three-day early bear season was implemented in some counties in northern Virginia and on both sides of the Blue Ridge. In 2019 firearms hunting of black bears was expanded in the southside, southwest and portions of the east. In 2020-2021 Virginia hunters killed 469 bears, more than 13-percent of the total during the early three-day firearms seasons and 1,649 were killed during the firearms season, more than 47-percent of the total.

All this has provided increased hunting opportunity and hunters have responded in kind. Last year the number of non-resident hunting and bear licenses sold was up and the number of Sportsman Hunting and Fishing Licenses that allow residents to the take deer, bear or turkey increased to 37,392, three times the number sold in 2019-2020. As a result hunters killed 3,464 bears last year, two-percent lower than in 2019-2020 but the second highest on record and 24-percent higher than the previous five-year average.

            In general bear hunting in Virginia can be considered good throughout much of the state. In 2020-2021 hunters killed bears in 83 counties but year after year western counties produce that largest number to the annual harvest. The list varies by year but Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Botetourt, Nelson, Rockbridge and Rockingham are in the top ten. These counties, among others, offer not only prime bear habitat but offer lots of public land in the form of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Combined the forests cover over one million, six hundred thousand acres. With its steep heavily forested mountainsides, deep ravines and miles of backcountry hunting it, however, can be physically challenging so hunts should be well planned and hunters prepared. Unless hunting with dogs, the key to success is plenty of preseason scouting looking for natural foods and fresh sign.

Eastward from the Alleghenies and Blue Ridge the topography flattens to the Piedmont and coastal plain, much of the land is private but throughout these regions and state over 40 wildlife management areas covering over 200,000 acres and 26 state forests offering an additional 70,000 areas provide more hunting opportunity. Not all offer prime hunting for bear but a good many do. As it is in the more bear-rich western counties preseason scouting generally proves the key to success. Hunters should be aware hunting some of these properties calls for special permits along with the appropriate hunting licenses.

 

VIRGINIA PARTICULARS

Estimated Bear Population: 18,000-20,000

Areas Open to Bear Hunting: Bear hunting is legal statewide unless prohibited by local jurisdictions.

Spring Bear Season: No.

Fall Season/Dates: Yes. Archery- October 2-November 12 statewide*, Youth-October 9-10*, Muzzleloader-November 6-12* where muzzleloaders are allowed, Early Bear Season-September 27-29* in certain counties only, Firearms-Varies by county starting as early as October 1 and ending December 18 or January 1*.   

Legal Limit: One bear per license year.

Baiting Allowed: No

Dogs Allowed: Yes with certain limitations.

Legal Weapons: Archery gear, crossbows (crossbow permit may be required during some seasons), muzzleloaders unless prohibited by county, centerfire rifles and some handgun calibers.

License Fees: Resident Sportsman’s License-$100, Resident Hunt (age 16+)-$23, Resident Bear License-$21, Non-resident Hunting License (age 16+) $111, Non-resident 3-day Hunting License (age 16+)-$60, Non-resident Bear License-$151.

Contacts: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, 1-(804)367-1000, www.dwr.virginia.gov.

*2021 season dates may vary slightly.