RIGHT NOW you can buy damn near 'turkey shoot' level cow elk tags in NM.
This would be my first choice. You can drive out during christmas break and see some amazing country, learn a little bit about elk and have a couple of coolers full of damn fine meat to take back home.

Where are you located in SW pa? I'm from Ligonier.

-Jon


Lifetime member: Backcountry Hunters and Anglers & Wild Sheep Foundation