I've got a sneaking suspicion they don't limit the tags, either -- even though they claim too. The reason I say that is I've never heard of anyone turned down, and they supposedly
The fees are rediculous as you say. If they did lower the NR fees to much lower levels or nationalize permit fees nationwide, I would like to see the quotas strictly enforced though. As for example in Colorado, say the either sex elk hunting permit was $50-$100. You can bet your bottom dollar the over-the-counter units would be absolutely more crowded! I know of many a hunter who won't pay almost $500 to hunt elk but would go if it was much lower.