I've guided in 60 and 70 for elk. Rifle starts on sept 20. 60 used to open on the 10th. And hunted for myself in several other units. I'd say it depends. Even within the same area. Some camps I almost wouldn't go unless I could hunt the first week of rifle. Some camps do very well during the migration. But hunting late can be tough conditions. Some of the hard to draw premium tags in the NW are very late hunts and can be excellent.
I'd be a little more cautious about the outfitter saying timing doesn't matter. Some camps and especially private ranches it may not matter that much. I also guide on a private ranch and yeah weather can sure have an impact, but we do kill good bulls any part of the season.
But it dang sure matters in some.
