Beware the Big Three Bait!
The existence/availability of a tag doesn't always equate to overall quality. I'd spend some time reading the Montana Unlimited thread if you want a frame of reference.
I've spent well north of $3,000 before; and I regret it. In retrospect, I wish I'd set a cap of around $500 for application fees and maybe $1,500 (all-in/final) for tags.
Don't forget that Montana mountain livin' attracts those of modest means as well...
https://helenair.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/montana-historical-society-eyes-unabomber-cabin-after-d-c-museum/article_62aa0ff7-2b67-51bd-9611-6f4c1197233c.html
I kind of figured along these lines. Just seems a shame to gauge the state by one City, even if it might be the largest. Some areas (e.g. Salmon) struck me as some of the best in the U.S.
Many of the people I encountered in my travels seemed like some of the nicest I've ever met. Awful that...
For all the comments about Boise, do Idaho residents feel that this is widespread across the state? Or, is Boise just turning into the "wrong side of town"?