Im really wanting to try my hand at bear hunting but don't have the slightest idea where to start. I've heard they're in the national forest but i wouldn't even know where to start. Sent from my SM-G930P using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
Kinda of like hunting deer. Find signs like scratches on trees, scat/crap what ever you want to call it. Its tough in Virginia because you can't bait and they kinda wonder around. Acorn flats or other areas where food is abundant is your best bet. They like areas close to water, like creeks, rivers and lakes. They seem to wonder around from what I can tell. there is a pattern but just long. For example a bear might come through a area once every two weeks. It really all depends upon what food is around and what they can easily get too. Good luck.
Baiting here is illegal too, I put out a trophy mineral block for the deer the bears seem like it just as much Sent from my H1611 using Bowhunting.com Forums mobile app
I'm from central va and interested in bear hunting also. I have private land that I hear has bear on it. I just have no idea how to go about hunting them
All I will say it the great dismal swamp....or the very small bow only property next to it where I shot a few of my black bears!
Most I know just get lucky unless you are running dogs for bears which we don't do. They make incense type attractants that are legal and I think some are targeted for bear so you could try those. You could always bait a spot up until the cutoff with corn and get the bears used to the area. My brother did this and had a lot of bear activity but they quickly move on once you stop putting it out.
