If there is a lot of snow like the last three years, the elk will have migrated to the Quilomene. The few remaining elk will be eating hay put out by private landowners. You could hunt around the public land outside of Cle Elum, but the snow will be deep and only a few elk in the area. Then again, all you need is a couple cows. I think you should apply for this permit, it fits your time restraints and if you think positive, it might be a productive hunt.