Jason, I just moved from Cape Carteret last year to here in Wilson. I know the Croatan well, particularly the Great Lake area. Problem is, once gun season comes in, the deer become completely nocturnal due to dog hunters (and I used to be one of 'em). I can point you to some exact coords. of some good places there, but you may as well give it up after gun season opens.
Magoo, I'm hunting a combination of fields, swamp, 10-yr old cutover, beaver pond...it's paradise for deer..I killed one every single time I went hunting year before last...with my rifle. :D
There ARE lots of deer on Coast Guard Rd., for sure.
Slayer, I sent you another PM - be sure your Inbox isn't full.