If it only cost every one 45$ for a elk tag (thats what it cost me as a resident) i would assume thata large amout ofhunters in the country would be applying for the same elktags every year. If this was to happen, you would beLUCKY to draw your 45$ tag every thirty years (IMO). Paying the high prices gives you better odds of drawing a tag by keeping everyone in the country from applying for a tag. Hunting is a expensive lifestyle and you have to pay to play.