Hunters considering California's Zone X-2, particularly between X2 and X5a, should be aware of recent changes regarding access on private timber company lands, where gate access and trespass permits have become less accommodating. While the unit offers high harvest statistics and diverse terrain, particularly in the northern sections with healthier deer habitat around Blue Mountain, the region remains challenging with its dry, rocky prairie and sparse deer sightings, despite ample water sources. The absence of significant deer signs and tracks suggests that while notable bucks exist, a successful hunt might demand considerable mobility and exploration, as well as timing that aligns with later seasonal migrations. For those willing to invest the points and effort in exploring areas like Willow Creek and Lost River, hunting in X-2 can offer a rewarding high-desert experience, notwithstanding the potential access difficulties and the necessity of strategic scouting.