The absurdity of WDFW draw system

[judojudd]

It's been a while since I made a gripe post in an online forum. Seems to be the right time to re-enter the fray.
I've lived in Washington state my whole life (born on the westside, residing currently on the eastside). I began putting in for a blue mountain big bull hunt draw while in college (8 years ago) and am now thoroughly frustrated by what lies in the years ahead of me. I began bowhunting elk on the westside 4 years ago and have been forced to put in for points each year since because I'm not that interested in hunting spikes and cows for 20 years so I can hunt a big bull for one.
Am I alone in my total frustration? This system seems asinine to me. Is there a logic guiding WDFW in punishing hunters who put in for draws on one side of the state while wanting to hunt the other for the regular season?
When my anger subsides I can think of 3 likely explanations for this absurdity:
1) WDFW believes that this option forces some amount of hunter distribution. Perhaps they believe that allowing a hunter to put in for an eastside special draw and hunting the westside after they are not drawn would push hunters to do that. Thus, massively overpopulating the westside where there are already a lot of hunters. This seems most logical and least devious.
2) WDFW believes that elk herds cannot tolerate greater hunting pressure that could possibly be caused by what I am proposing (below).
3) WDFW is run by a bunch of hippy, hairy-armpitted, tree-hugging women who loathe hunters and want to make their lives as miserable as possible. (I apologize, that was fun but a little offsides)
Perhaps my rant is the result of misinformation and I'm just another angry ignorant guy in the chorus of angry ignorant guys. If you have some helpful info to share, I'd be glad to hear it.
SO.....
Here's what seems like a helpful and reasonable solution to this problem that really could be beneficial for hunters and lawmakers alike.
1) Elk hunters are allowed to put in for whatever unit they wish for their special draw. If not drawn for your unit, you then have the option of hunting eastside or westside like everyone who doesn't put in for special draws.
2) This is a concession that I hate but feel like would be necessary in order to sell it to lawmakers: institute a drawing fee. So if you want to put in for a special draw, you pay a $50 fee (50 is an arbitrary number but knowing the government, it would probably be more). I'm sure the WDFW would love to increase their revenue. Perhaps they would view this as a logical option. And I for one would rather pay the extra fee to be put in for my dream hunt AND get to hunt my regular season haunts.
I know that this option (essentially) punishes those who enjoy hunting the eastside even with the antler limitations but I'm hard pressed to actually dig up someone who actually fits that profile. If that is you and you hate what I'm suggesting here, fire away. I realize I'm not drafting legislation here so your opinion is more than welcome.
I hunt the eastside for deer with my rifle because I like the wide open spaces. I hunt the westside for elk because it gives me a chance to kill a branch-antlered bull. My ideal would be to hunt branched bulls on the eastside (ahem...the draws I can't put in for anymore).
Am I alone here in my frustration? Is this a stupid proposal? What's your take?

[jackelope]

Someone had to post the annual "I hate Washington special permit system" thread. That's a good start.

I predict this thread goes for days.

[boneaddict]

pretty complex conversation for the time I have.....

Distribution would be a fair way to describe why they do it.   If you think the draw odds are bad now, could you imagine if all the westside folks applied as well.    I am sure the folks living in Dayton and such places would have a nice take on it. 

You really want to sacrifice and help draw odds, make it so you can either put in for OIL or deer and elk, NOT BOTH like Idaho does.

[boneaddict]

Someone had to post the annual "I hate Washington special permit system" thread. That's a good start.

I predict this thread goes for days.

Its early too.  Its usually after folks drop the dime for all the permit apps.

[JLS]

You really want to sacrifice and help draw odds, make it so you can either put in for OIL or deer and elk, NOT BOTH like Idaho does.

X infinity

[washelkhunter]

Increase fees! This guy probably works for the bureau. 

[jackelope]

Someone had to post the annual "I hate Washington special permit system" thread. That's a good start.

I predict this thread goes for days.

Its early too.  Its usually after folks drop the dime for all the permit apps.

I saw in Idaho someone is lobbying to institute a bonus point system there.



Here you go

[judojudd]

Washelkhunter, HA! I am the last person to want more fees. I'm also kind of stuck in this crappy situation. Just an idea and like I said, it could be a bad idea.

[snowpack]

Could go out and look for poachers, and start racking up the points.  I heard about a guy that caught three elk poachers on the eastside over a few years and got 30 points toward quality bull.   

[bobcat]

The other option would be to eliminate the general modern firearm elk season entirely. This would allow for a substantial increase in permits, and would therefore make drawing a permit much easier.

[boneaddict]

Want to really increase your odds, change OIL back to fronting your app.   $2500 a pop.   They hold onto it until June and issue a refund, all but $50 fee.   They get interest off of all of it.   Be serious or need not apply.   This letting everyone have a shot at 7 bucks a pop, you will be LUCKY if its OIL.

[fair-chase]

I saw in Idaho someone is lobbying to institute a bonus point system there.

 

Why does someone always want to go and screw up a good thing. I don't understand it.

[boneaddict]

Bonus and preference point systems are the WORST thing that ever came to a draw system

[bobcat]

Actually, on second thought, they would probably have to do away with archery and muzzleloader general seasons as well, not just modern.

This is what I would prefer. No more general season for elk, period.

[bobcat]

Bonus and preference point systems are the WORST thing that ever came to a draw system

I agree, but we're stuck with it now.