Reddit mentions of Lewis Original Bright Eyes Blister PK 50/PK

alright, so i've hunted Falls Lake before. its a great spot for early duck season and its surprisingly pretty good for deer as well.

you sound like you're ready. maybe, just looking for a little encouragement. but i think you have an idea of what the 'ideal plan of attack' would be for you.

i'm guessing this area was chosen for convenience since its not too far from Durham. if you end up not liking where your hunting, for whatever reason (too much hunting pressure, unfriendly people, general inconvenience, or no luck), then look down at Jordan Lake. i've known some people to have luck down there as well.

i've hunted the Beaver Dam Lake portion of Falls so i cant really give specifics to a spot, or trail, or anything.

but, as you mentioned you like hiking, i think you will need to get out there and find a few oak trees. if you can find an oak ridge, then you have hit a hunting location. what i like to do is to follow a deer trail and look for acorns. white oaks being the best, red oaks being the most common but still great. you can tell the difference by the acorns, but also by the leaves and bark of the tree.

in these hardwoods, this will be the most consistent hunting area.

after you find your oak ridge, look for the ideal tree to set your climber in nearby. you will not want to be right in the mix, but maybe along one of the trails leading to the oaks allowing yourself a quartering away shot. the key for bow hunting is to remain hidden enough to let a deer walk very, very close so do not pick a place too exposed, nor clear too much cover.

once you have picked your tree, go up in the climber and sit the stand, make sure you'll have a shot, like the view and are comfortable there.

bring along some bright eyes to mark the trail from the parking lot to the tree. try to make the trail one that leaves the oaks and deer trails undisturbed. and even with the bright eyes marking your way in and out, walk this trail a few times to familiarize yourself with it.

well, i hope this helps. probably not the most specific advice but i think you'll do fine if you can find an oak tree or two that is dropping acorns. key with public lands, especially in the raleigh/durham area, is getting on stand early. its pretty competitive to be in the best spot so if your hunting the AM, which i find to be better for hardwoods, get on stand an hour before shooting time. for PM hunts, go after lunch and nap but you probably wont see much until sundown.

let me know if i can help with anything else. good luck this season.