Most units and tags numbers have been in a heavy decline last 8 plus years no surprise
Have the elk herds been in a similar decline that matches the opportunity loss, or have tags been reduced for no reason?
per the game status report
https://wdfw.wa.gov/sites/default/files/publications/02474/wdfw02474.pdfPopulation monitoring indicates that the surveyed portion of the Mount St. Helens elk herd has
declined by approximately two-thirds over the past 15 years. While the Department’s objective
within the Mount St. Helens Elk Herd Plan did call for a reduction of approximately one-third, the
population is now significantly below that target. Accordingly, opportunities to harvest antlerless
elk have been significantly reduced in recent years. Additionally, estimates of calf:cow ratios
during this period suggest calf recruitment rates are at a level that should promote population
growth or stability. Despite reductions in antlerless hunting opportunities and apparently robust
calf recruitment, the population has not shown any indication of reversing its downward trend