If you can't request leave, try to plan a hunt around one of your 72 hour weekends if possible. If you're not tied down with family you should think about taking leave and hopping a flight to the northwest. Do they still allow you to hop military flights?

Yes, I can try for a 3 day or 4 day weekend. However certain areas are 3 day a week hunting only which leaves only Sat open, possibly Monday. There is also no Sunday hunting. We can take Hops but they are uncertain. I am trying to do the hunting in NC. I also am not a fan of baiting a bear and my understanding is that is the predominant method in the Northeast.

Sorry to hear about Sundays. I didn't realize NC practiced that. Having just saturday is going to be a damper. You should try to find someone to go with and plan on hunting Saturdays. Instead of bait, go with scents and possibly calling. It wouldn't hurt to speak with any guides who are close to you. You may not be able to take three days, but maybe due to your circumstances you can work something out for three or four saturdays. You could always travel on Friday after weekend dismissal, and lodge there friday night. You never know until you ask. I never heard of a business that turned away business.