This is a big year for the black bear in VA. There are record #'s of the bruins running around the commonwealth. You should not have a problem hunting in the GW or the TJ National Forests. Archery is 10/13-11/10, ML season is short and goes on 11/13-16. Rifle seasons change according to the county you live in. Good luck and don't forget your Nat'l Forest Stamp.