Wether to buy a bull or cow NR tag

What would you veteran elk hunters recommend to someone a NR who has never killed a elk when it comes to buying either a bull or cow tag ?

And i really think i would like to hunt the rut in Co. I have only been there one time and know very little about elk hunting. But to hunt the rut the way i understand it. I would either have to use a bow or ML ? Although i will have to check the regs on that one to be sure.
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