New Mexico Elk odds range from bad to decent I'd think, you'd have to look into an area/season etc...

if you get yourself an outfitter, they have their own drawing, and much better odds typically.

Put in as a party, so all of you draw or none of you..., less you wanna tag along and your buddy does as well if only 1 of you draw. I'm not sure, but if 2 or 3 of your choices are drawn before they goto the next applicant, then I'd put in for a great unit, followed by a lesser quality/higher draw odds unit...