If all 4 guys bowhunt....I'd turn it into a bowhunt in ID or MT during the rut...

Otherwise a rifle hunt....I think CO is your only option for OTC rifle elk tags....

NM its possible to draw....as a party, your entire group is entered as 1 ticket, so if you guys are lucky and are drawn all 4 of you can be going somewhere great, there are no pref pts there, it would be a drive for you guys, you may consider applying as a party in NM for a great area....rifle....if you get lucky it could be a serious thrill!

It's only like 5 bucks to apply as well, less you're drawn....I think if I were you guys I'd put in for NM one of their best areas just as a "what if" possibility.