NC is great to hunt.
I just came back from the Family farm over Christmas.
The licenses are reasonable and the game tags look like a shopping list.
Usually 5 to 6 deer. some may be antlered, antler less, or optional ( OOPS!)
In the past you were able to shoot up to 2 a day. I used to feed the Rugby team parties with a deer or two.
The deer are smaller than the deer in the North East but not by much. My 8 pointer a few years ago was every bit as big as the 8 pointer dad shot in NY in the 60's if not bigger.
Back to the licenses.
You can get a full season $180 or a 6 Day small or big game license. My small game this past trip with the water fowl stamp was $50. I think the 6 day Big game license is $80 + other things like Black bear. They run for 6 days on the calendar and your not allowed to hunt on Sunday. The full license will allow you to return for Turkey season in April.
As for your smoke pole it is welcome for the regular gun season. Hand guns and shotguns are also welcome. The handgun has to have a minimum power and barrel length. I think 357 and 5.5 inch and 6 inch for a .22.
As far as I can tell the Muzzle loader season is only open to residents as well as the bow season. You can use a bow in gun season as well (Double Check it may have changed from when I last tried) but you have to wear the orange that all deer hunters wear. And an orange Hat is mandatory!