I am new to bear hunting too and have done some homework. NC has some of the biggest bears in the states. That is due to so many bear sanctuaries here.It is illegal to bait bear in NC. I would suggest getting the NC Wildlife Commisions book of regulations, its free at any sporting goods stores. In the back you will see each county listed with the number of bears taken. That will give you a good idea of bear populations in each county. I have discoved that more bear were taken on game lands than on private lands.Thatsgood news for us guys on a budget. Good luck.