I hunt from the ground too.
Since you will be at ground level, they will be able to smell you and spot you more easily than in a tree stand. Be careful of sudden movements.
I'd advise to try to be downwind, on high ground, and not skylined. I don't know the OP's terrain in eastern NC, but on cooler/cold mornings, the deer will probably prefer the east side of a ridge because that's where the sun warms up first. You'll want to be up the ridge above the deer so they don't get your scent on the thermals.
Do be careful of sudden movements... I deal with this all the time. Anytime I can keep still and not spook the deer, I count that as a success.
At the least carry in a piece of burlap to make a quick blind.
Not a bad idea.
Getting made by a deer is no fun. Sitting at the bottom of a tree always seems like a good idea, until you try it. It leaves you way too exposed.
Actually, that's how I do... I'll sit or lean on a tree where I have decent back-cover. Nope, getting made's no fun. But it's a challenge to stay cool and keep still while the deer walk by.
There are also a lot of affordable "pop-up" blinds out on the market. They are light and many pack very easily.
I won't gripe about folks who use those, but I think I'd kinda feel closed in. Not having been inside one, I wonder how they limit the field of view.
I prefer to hunt on the ground.
I just like to have my boots on the ground.
That's me too. I don't like the feel of that tree swaying.
I sometimes use a camoflage net to hide any movements.
I've used white pine branches, freshly cut, woven into some hog wire.
Pay attention to your scent.
Try to stay downwind. If you're on the side of a ridge, try to be high enough that you'll be above the deer. I mentioned the thermals earlier.
My Daddy hunted the side of a mountain on one Georgia WMA years ago. He said he passed six or eight guys on his way up, got out of sight of the last one and sat down on a rock outcropping. He said he wasn't there 20 minutes when this forkhorn came trotting by from uphill and behind him from his right. Daddy shot that buck soon as he got where he wanted him. That buck came from uphill of those other guys... he could smell 'em because the thermals carried their scents up to him. So that buck came across above them, out of sight of the last one, but didn't know Daddy was out there on his left because he didn't smell him.
It is much safer hunting on the ground. I don't remember the exact numbers but some where around 80% of all hunting accidents here in Georgia are from hunters falling from trees.
That, according to the hunter safety class I was in, is the #1 hunting accident.
Walk around real quietly. Have a sling on your rifle, but don't use it. Carry your rifle in your hands, or when/if you get tired cradle it in your arms. This allows for quick shots and dramatically increases success/kills.
I don't recommend walking around. This is another one that sounds good till you try it. The deer pick up on movement as much as sound and walking around is easily detected.
My old Winchester .30-30 don't have a sling. I carry it hunting, not only for it's power and accuracy, but because it's lightweight.
Don't wear clothes that make unnatural sounds when pushed against foliage (Your clothing can't go "swisch or snap").
Yup.
Don't have anything in your pockets that make metallic sounds (like extra rounds).
Yup.
Be very quite. I often shoot a deer just after leaving my boat. Most people don't. Because they make a bunch of noise, slamming their skiff against the rocks, or in your case, car doors. Also, talking loudly with each other. You should whisper or not talk at all.
The crazy thing about this, while I agree on principle, is that I've occassionally had coughing fits and sneezing fits while watching a herd of does. Instead of spooking and running off, they just stood there and watched me and went back to grazing. I've also had deer come out and watch while the farrier was beating on his anvil to shape horseshoes. But I agree about a boat on rocks or car doors and such as that. Loud talking where the deer aren't used to hearing people talk at all... now that
would scare 'em off.
