ORIGINAL: wyomingtrapper
I'm not sure there is a sure fire way to discern a male from a female. Our regs state we can't shoot a female with cubs visible. I don't think young boar is going to look different than a sow. Your .243 is adequate for black bear within a couple of hundred yards. As in all things, be sure on shot placement. If your shooting long distances, like some areas out west, there will be less kinetic energy down range than with larger calibers. That could be key on a large bear...
Seems like their rules are close to the regs in most western states too.
This was right from the VA website:
One per license year, at least 100 pounds live weight or 75 pounds dressed weight (all internal organs removed). Females with cubs may not be harvested.
If I am not mistaking, it does not say anything about male or female, just weight requirements and the presence of cubs. If it has to be at least 100 lbs, they should be about that big before heading on their own anyway.
As far as determining the sex of a bear, I always look for a blocky head and big forearms. If the ears look like a donkey, don't shoot it because you will most likely be under the 100 lb mark. If the bear is alone with smallish ears, I would say don't hesitate to shoot......