I live close to the desert unit, and accompanied a friend, two years ago, who had the tag. We saw several 25-26" bucks, but he could not get closer than 500 yards, in the open sage country. He did not fill his tag, another friend who was with us, ended up shooting a 20" buck. This hunt was during the early rifle season. The bucks were not yet in the heavy rut, which made it difficult to close the distance. I have also hunted the Entiat unit, and have seen some monsters killed during the rut. I have 16 bonus points, and apply for Entiat, first choice, and Desert late hunt, second choice. I know both of these units are capable of producing 30" bucks, because I have seen pictures and mounts from both. As many others have stated, bucks of this size, are hard to find in this state, even with a special permit.
