I live Co and ranching for Wildlife elk is for resident only.
2nd/3rd rifle elk season offers OTC bull elk tag and most tags are for min 4pt on bull elk. We do have some units that are no antler pt restrictions other than antlers must be 5" long. I think it less than 30 game units.
First rifle and fourth rifle elk are 5 days long and unit I hunt you can draw either sex elk or cow tag 1st or fourth. Some unit you can draw bull tag or cow.
You want to hunt with your buddies you might want to consider if you put in for draw tags.
https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/P...oup-Hunts.aspx
Archery is from Sept 2-30 and ML is during archery same with first rifle bear tag. I drew first rifle bear during archery this year.
Outside fully guide hunt a drop camp might work even if you don't hunt Co.