Get ready for six action-packed days in the heart of Virginia's wild country. This ain't your average walk in the woods - we're talkin' prime black bear territory with some of the best guides in the business. At Killer Outfitting, we've put together a package that'll have you glassing ridgelines by day and kicking back in comfort come nightfall. Whether you're a seasoned bear hunter or looking to tag your first bruin, our crew's got you covered from sunup to sundown.
Picture this: You're perched on a mountainside, scanning the valley below as the morning mist burns off. Your guide's got years of experience reading bear sign, and those hounds are itching to hit a hot track. We keep our groups small - just you and a couple other hunters - so you get plenty of one-on-one time with the pros. You'll be out there for six full days, giving you ample chances to connect with a Virginia black bear. And when the day's done? You're heading back to a warm bed and hot meal, no need to rough it unless you want to.
Virginia's got some of the most diverse bear habitat you'll find anywhere. One day you might be still-hunting through dense mountain laurel, the next you could be posting up over a food plot. Our guides know every nook and cranny of these hills, and they'll put you right where the bears are moving. We use a mix of spot-and-stalk and hound hunting, depending on the conditions. Those dogs are something else - watching them work a scent trail is worth the price of admission alone. Just make sure you've got your hiking legs ready, 'cause when those hounds strike, it's go time.
Black bears in Virginia are no joke. These bruins can tip the scales at over 500 pounds, though most mature boars run in the 250-350 pound range. Fall's prime time for bear hunting here, when they're packing on the pounds for winter. You'll find them chowing down on acorns, wild grapes, and whatever else they can get their paws on. Bears here are crafty - they've got a nose that puts a bloodhound to shame and ears like radar dishes. But that's what makes it so dang exciting when you finally get eyes on one. Nothing gets your heart thumping like a big black bear coming through the brush. And let me tell you, there's no better eating than a corn-fed Virginia bear. Backstrap from one of these mountain bruins? That's good eating right there.
Listen up, 'cause this is important. You need to come prepared if you want to make the most of this hunt. First off, make sure all your paperwork's in order - we're talking valid hunting license and bear tag. Weapon-wise, bring what you're comfortable with, but make sure it's got the oomph to put down a bear. If you're bowhunting, we recommend at least a 50-pound draw weight. Rifle hunters, think .30 caliber or larger. Don't skimp on the ammo - premium loads are worth every penny when you're looking at the business end of a big boar. Clothes-wise, layer up. Virginia weather can turn on a dime, so be ready for anything from t-shirt weather to a cold rain. Good boots are a must - we cover some rough country out here. Throw in some rain gear, a sharp knife for field dressing, and a cooler to get your meat home. Oh, and don't forget a headlamp - tracking a wounded bear in the dark is no time to be fumbling with your phone light.
There's something special about bear hunting in Virginia that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the challenge - these bears are smart, and they don't give themselves up easy. Could be the scenery - when the fall colors are popping, there's no prettier place to be. Or maybe it's the camaraderie around the lodge at night, swapping stories and strategy for the next day's hunt. Whatever it is, we've got hunters who've been with us for decades, and they'll tell you there's nothing quite like it. And let's be honest - the chance at a trophy-class bear and a freezer full of prime meat doesn't hurt either.
Now, I gotta level with you - Mother Nature calls the shots out here. If we get hit with nasty weather that puts our hunters, guides, or dogs at risk, we might have to delay things. Safety first, always. But don't you worry - we've been doing this long enough to know how to work around most curveballs the weather throws our way. And sometimes, a little rain is just what you need to get those bears moving. We'll keep you posted if anything looks dicey, but plan on being out there rain or shine.
After a long day in the woods, you need a place to recharge, and we've got you covered. Seven nights of comfy lodging come standard with this package. We're not talking five-star hotels here, but clean, warm, and dry goes a long way when you're dog-tired from chasing bears all day. And the food? Let's just say you won't go hungry. Breakfast to get you started, packed lunch for the field, and a hot dinner waiting when you get back. It's all included, so you can focus on the hunt, not where your next meal's coming from.
Alright, let's cut to the chase. If you're itching to get after some Virginia black bears, now's the time to pull the trigger on booking. This trip's got everything you need for a world-class bear hunt - experienced guides, prime territory, comfortable lodging, and some of the best bear hunting you'll find anywhere. Just remember, that deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're locked and loaded before you book. Give us a shout, and we'll get you set up for the bear hunt of a lifetime. Trust me, once you've felt the rush of a Virginia bear hunt, you'll be counting the days 'til you can come back and do it all over again.
Virginia's black bears are a sight to behold, typically weighing 100-300 pounds with males on the larger end. These elusive creatures prefer dense forest habitats, often found near berry patches or oak stands in the mountains and western parts of the state. Fall is prime time for bear hunting, as they're actively foraging to fatten up for winter. Hunters love the challenge of outsmarting these clever animals, not to mention the unique trophy and tasty meat they provide. Bears have an incredible sense of smell, so playing the wind is crucial. I always tell folks to set up downwind of likely travel routes and food sources. With patience and smart positioning, you might just get a shot at one of Virginia's most impressive game animals. Remember, a clean, ethical harvest is always the goal when pursuing these magnificent creatures.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5