Great tag to have, my first choice also, but no luck. I accompanied a friend two years ago who had the early rifle desert unit tag. Saw lots of deer, but the does were all on high alert, difficult to stalk without being busted. He did not fill his tag due to work commitments and missed opportunities. He had some chances at nice bucks, would not take a 4-500 yard shot, and stalking was futile. Several campgrounds in the area, one near Winchester waste way, north side of I-90, mid point of the unit, near Dodson road, or Potholes state park, Sunrise resort in Moses Lake, or another one along the lake in Moses Lake. The rut tag is definitely the tag to have, helps keep the bucks distracted. As stated earlier A and C roads get most of the pressure. Dodson road and Adams road are also good access points into the unit. Lots of Russian olive brush and cattails for the deer to hide in, but also a lot of open sagebrush to glass and hike. Lots of sand, so hiking gets tiring, get in good shape, and you will enjoy the hunt. Several of my friends guide in this unit, one helped a client get a 180 buck in there last fall. I can get you info if you want.
