Hi Chucker34,

I understand your situation. I used to leave my wife at home, with 3 kids and without a car every weekend of archery and rifle season. The woman is a saint because she still puts up with me. I know now that I wouldn't put her thru that anymore.
The outfitter usually gives priority to previous year hunters as far as bookings but doesn't take any until March. The license applications are available in May.
The first week usually books up right away but that isn't necessarily the best week every year. The second week still has a few openings now and the third week is wide open.
Take good care of the wife and kids and we will talk again later.