I harvested my billy first week of October in 2020. Hair was long and thick. The end of September to the first week of October should be good for hair and weather. After that, good luck!
The Billy liked to play in his beds and was dirty.
Why Washington? Look at the harvest numbers by state. This article is old but still valid.
https://www.backcountrychronicles.com/elk-harvest-comparison-western-states/
Check out each states 2019 or 2020 elk harvest numbers.
Wolf numbers have increased in Washington the last couple of years...
Finally got back from elk hunting to add some information.
IDFG aged him at 9. Biggest base is 6". Longest horn is 9 7/16".
Rough gross green score is 49. We will see what he will go once he dries out.
I am extremely happy!