You are NOT seriously considering buying an elk or buffalo tag are you?
Just check with G&F to see how many of these critters have been taken in the past on regularly scheduled "hunts."
Its a joke.
I'be been hunting on the Kaibab since the 70's, guiding up there since the 80's and have seen three elk! They were all bulls, saw 'em while on a spring turkey hunt. So yes, there is a few there--very few-- sure not enough to warrant buyng a tag for. Now if they made the elk tags $11 like a lion tag (which you'll never use either) then fine, I'd make that donation.
But $181 for a buffalo for residents and $838 for NR's is crazy.
We used to hunt buffalo up there before G&F got into the guiding business this year under the guise of population management hunts, and were very successful on hunts on the eastside. Never saw or killed a buff on the west, however.
Bottom line, if you want to make a cash donation to G&F, that's fine, but don't waste your time buying/looking for elk or buffalo. You have a pretty good deer tag, and 10 days to hunt.
Concentrate on finding youself something besides a fat forkie and have a good time!
You want to hunt for elk, apply in units south of the Big Ditch!
Don Martin
Arizona Wildlife Outfitters