I have hunted this area every year, for many years and the deer numbers have plummeted and the ATV/roadhunter numbers have soared.
I usually backpack hunt a wilderness area and I see people riding ATVs around up in the wilderness every year. This past year there were 10 trucks in the parking area on opening day, and there would be only 2 or 3 normally, and two ATVS riding around my annual camp spot... They run the deer off and chase the elk onto private property. I have had poachers confront me on private property where I had permission to be but they didn't. They cut fences, trespass, leave trash and the USFS does nothing to stop them. In fact the USFS is entertaining the idea of opening even more public land up to OHV use and making certain campgrounds the exclusive domain of ATVS. The worst problem if you see a trespasser or poacher on ATV, they have NO lic tags or ID numbers, so even if you wanted to call in and report there is no way to identify these vehicles. "Just saw a guy in camo riding in the wilderness area on a green ATV"... That will certainly get them up off their butts and out on the road looking...
Used to be very good but, this year I did not even put in though I had max points.
West Beulah has less tags, fewer elk and deer, but more public land and East Beulah has more tags, more elk and more private property. This area needs to go to a better management practice, like 3points or better for bucks, no spike hunts or cow hunts for elk. And better enforcement of OHV rules.
Save your points and put in for one of the more limited draw tags and you will have a lot less competition and a much better hunt...
Just my two cents.
Stop Global Whining