Some already said it but a good hunting partner is priceless.
As for gear - you will narrow it down after your first week in the mountains. First time I went I packed way too much. I will say - take care of your feet and find a pack that fits your frame.
Probably be doing more of a spot and stalk - I don’t have hounds, which would be nice. I’m definitely planning on going next season with the expectation of not killing one lol.
Yea I know it's a long shot. I do a lot of public land hunting but with my two kids coming to that age of being able to go out with their dad it's hard to do on public.
Western NC is great. Blowing Rock to Mt. Airy are great places. The bigger cities in the western part of the start are more far left (not sure if your in to that) but the rural areas outside of the cities are really nice.
Just looking for some input - I drew a Colorado tag as well as a general big game tag in Montana. The unit in Colorado was a new draw unit that had been OTC in prior years. Curious as to what others would have done if they had to pick between the two. Thanks.