It's a complex situation that is primarily led by elk distribution and access to critters as well as political interference in wildlife management. In some instances, objectives are lower than what is actually carrying capacity and in other instances, the objectives are probably right on. We've also been dealing with significant challenges regarding climate, changing landowners patterns, privatization of elk and a few things I'm positive someone else will weigh in on.
Legally, FWP has to manage at or below objective. While we can argue about whether those objectives are too low or too high (depending on where you are), you can't argue with the law. You also have to take in to account climate changes affecting elk distribution, especially during the late season when most of the elk harvest traditionally occurred. Add in to that the political machinations of people who want to use elk as a weapon to advance their own agendas regarding a variety of issues, and it makes it even harder to manage elk like a native, valued wildlife species instead of a commodity or pest.
