With your eyes, not a gun. The Cataloochee Valley, just along the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is host to a heard of elk that was reintroduced into the area and is thriving. It is common for visitors to the area to spot a few. Go out and see if you can find any. If you don't, you can at least get in a good hike.
Sample the local beers in Asheville's South Slope Brewing District. Some of our favorites include Eurisko, Burial, and Green Man. And don't be afraid to venture outside of South Slope for a brewery visit. There are a few a little closer to Maggie Valley as well including Bearwaters right down the road. Saturdays on South Slope can be busy though, so expect crowds on that day.