Elk state/outitter recommendation

[Bricedelapp]

My father and I are planning ahead and looking into doing an elk hunt (bow or rifle) in 3-4 years or so as we are going after mule deer in Montana on our first out of state hunt next fall. We are kind of lost in all the options of outfitters and what state to choose from. Does having 3-4 years of applying for preference points in a certain state a better option then going to an over the counter state/high chance draw state? Looking for a place to take a nice size bull, we would prefer to be on private land, fair chase hunt as this would most likely be a one and done type of trip for us. Any input is greatly appreciated. We are very new to the elk hunting world and would like to hear from personal experiences as there’s tons of information on the internet! Thank you in advance!