I haven't read all of the responses; so, pardon me if I am redundant. To me, three things stuck out like a turd in a punchbowl.
1) After that elk moved, nobody took another range reading. Isn't that an important factor in long range shooting? It is in my book. Especially after a first shot miss. At that point, didn't it just become guesswork?
I noticed that too, and I'm surprised no one else commented on it. Even if you're OK with that shot, not getting a new reading after the elk moved would have to be considered unethical. Ten yards makes a difference at that range.
