"Manage the predators and unregulated trophy hunting and we'll all be able to hunt elk in the foothills and mountains without having to wait 20 years for a draw. The elk aren't all moving to private land in the agricultural areas for the view."
100% agree with this.
The predators are out of control in most 300's WMU's and West. Why our government and wildlife managers refuse to address it is mindboggling?
I haven't hunted the Ya Ha area before but I have heard from a few hunters(especially bowhunters) about the certain group that show up a week or two before the draw elk rifle hunters arrive and take many elk out of there. Pretty frustrating for a licensed hunter who has waited years to pull the tag......
Good luck with your hunt OP, hopefully it's all you were expecting...