First day, mid week,or last day of the season,I have killed elk on all of them. If I am by myself,I usually go home as soon as I get the meat packed out.
If I am hunting with a partner,I stay until he tags out or the season closes. If warm I will figure out some way to get the meat in a local cooler or drive all the way home with it,get it in a cooler and return to camp.
I never stay in camp while the other hunter is out.I go out every morning with him, help with mules, bird dog, help any way I can,or hang around the stock to just enjoy the solitude.