Numbers of hunters is good for the sport in general, but when WA's elk numbers are tanking while other states are at or above capacity and increasing opportunities, you realize how bad the state really is.
I quit playing when I watched the tag numbers in the unit I like go from about a hundred to low single digits. No plan in place, no word from WDFW, complete lack of performance in any regard in their part, so I play elsewhere.
If you keep playing, WDFW just interprets that as keep on doing what they are doing, more applicants is a box on a spreadsheet in a powerpoint showing how well the operation is going. Sad but true, you know that stat is paraded around as evidence of their success.
Can't disagree with anything you are saying. I also play in other states and doubt I will ever hunt elk in WA again, but for the relatively low cost to try I will keep buying and applying, just never plan on going, honestly, some of the quality tags in this state have less odds than some of the oil tags or about the same and you should treat them as such.
So far, I have Montana and Colorado deer tags and hoping to add Wyoming for both deer and Antelope, so my slate is full, if I actually draw something in WA now, I might have a problem making it even work. But there is always a way. Good luck to you on your hunts.
