Finally, the biologist suggested that sportsmen and the general public interested in learning more about the Old Dominion’s bear population and distribution consult the VDGIF’s Web site at www.dgif.virginia.gov. Search for “The Virginia Black Bear Management Plan.”

VIRGINIA BEAR HUNTERS
Dave Steffen is very complimentary of the Virginia Bear Hunters Association.

“The leaders of this group have been very good partners with the game department and are very good stewards of the resource,” he said. “The association is a very important part of the bear management process.”

Este Fisher, president of the Virginia Bear Hunters Association (VBHA), offers these comments.

“I believe that our Mission Statement on our home page describes what the VBHA is all about,” he said. “We are currently working in other areas to develop better hunter outreach programs and more youth involvement.”

The mission statement, explains Fisher, speaks of the need for the VBHA to preserve the pastime of hunting bears with sporting dogs and the need for bear hunters to practice “ethical hunting standards and practice fair chase and sportsman-like hunting.” The statement also speaks of its objective to “improve our relationship with the private landowner and eliminate trespassing issues.” Overall, the organization recognizes the need to build on its “working relationship with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the National Forest Service and the Virginia legislature.”

For more information on the VBHA, consult their Web site at www.virginiabearhunters.org. Or contact the organization at Virginia Bear Hunters Association, 5927 Paint Bank Rd., New Castle, VA 24127.