Yes, I TOTALLY feel the edge. After going 3 for 3 on elk tags in 3 different states since 2019 (bull elk at that), I returned in 2024 elkless after purchasing a ~$2,300 Wyoming special elk general tag. (Three years of preference points, don't come at me bro). The 300 extra tags they added to the West region apparently all dove into our unit during archery season. If I see another license plate tag from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, or Utah, I may stab you. No shit. And if you are the Washington guy we talked to at the trailhead, whom we TOLD YOU WHERE WE WERE GOING, and we called you in at 1:00PM the same day.. After you climbed 800ft of steep vert to us...Yeah, fk you.
But no. I never feel on edge while elk hunting. It is so relaxing and totally worth the sacrificial input. Can't wait throw a few grand in the ringer next year for a general tag!