I've been hunting deer/bear in Virginia for 20 years.... all these guys are totally on the mark. The 30-06 is all the gun you need... the 8mm-06 will work fine too!

I take either my 30-06 or 35 Whelen..... both are more than are necessary! Heck, I have a buddy that took a nice big bear (by Virginia standards) about 10 years ago with a 7X57 Mauser.

Good luck! Round about, where are you going?