I have done the Muzzy hunt in that North Slope area several different years. Its the most beautiful time of year to be up there, and its about the only time of year to see the elk that appear to be thriving...
The deer, not so much. It is a mostly heavily timbered area that provides the animals with a lot of cover, making it hard to locate them. As the DWR indicated, the deer move over into Wyoming into areas that have little to no cover. The WY hunt in that area is probably pretty good. I just don't see the deer heard as being quite healthy enough...
Now, if they took those additional rifle tags OUT of the total rifle tags for that area, then I wouldn't mind the idea.
"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24