CS, what area of w. nc are you located? We can still shoot 4 bucks in the east b/c of all the dog hunters lobbying for it. No daily bag limit this year either. Still have to buy the extra doe tags, 2 for $10 though. Good luck hunting this year. Sorry to hear about the accident. I've hit 2 deer in the last 2 years. They're everywhere at night.
As for the elk in Mt Rogers, that would be a good place to see them. Every time we hike there, it brings back memories of Co. Beautiful scenery and setting.