I agree with NCdeerhunter. While I no longer live in Boone, NC I was so blessed to go to school there for 4 1/2 years. The deer woods was a great place to study for tests at Appalachian State University. While a lot of public land is available around the area me and my buddies were able to make friends with the friendly mountain folk there and gained access to great deer hunting that way. Most people in the area are very quick to offer you to come and "hunt behind the house" in exchange for great conversation and a little companionship. Trout fishing is also great in the mountains of NC. Stocked waters are not allowed to be posted in NC so just find a bridge and get in the creek and you can wade as long and far as your heart desires. No one will give you a difficult time as you wade through their property. The stocking program in NC is top notch. Not only do they stock fish in the 8-10 inch range but also a good amount of trophy fish can also be had. One April me and 2 of my roommates each landed stocked rainbow trout 21 inches in size, enough to double over our ultralight poles to the max. If you want to experience a great weekend go to Boone for a weekend in the fall and catch a Mountaineer football game and do some deer hunting or go in April or May and limit out on some trout once or twice, the whole time enjoying the best down to earth people in the country and some amazing scenery.