Any recent attacks near you ?
The ecos have taken over the BLM / USFS...so sheep grazing and cattle grazing allotments have been vacated all over.
Ha! And DOW. I have more than a few unfilled tags because I never cheat. About done with that crap. I know sever REALLY good hunters who grew up here. They all say a public land tag is a suckers bet any more.
Many places elk is bigger money than cattle. Being polite won't get you permission, you have to get your checkbook out.
At least my unfilled tags help pay them for "game damage".