John. Unfortunatly i did almost the same thing in Montana 4 seasons ago. I was slowly working my way off the point of a ridge when I spotted two bulls moving through the green timber about 200yds away. the second bull seemed to be the bigger one and I fired a shot as he moved between the tree's & lost him for a few seconds and then spotted him looking at me and quickly shot him again. Jumped and went out of sight. when I got over there I found him dead about 20 yards from where I shot him. I was sure I had hit him so I back trailed him about 75 yards only to find another dead elk! Both nice 6X6's. Tagged the bigger one field dressed them both. Called a warden and he accompanied me to the kill site & ended up fining me the minimum fine (135.00) and confiscated the head and antlers. Said he had so much meat that he couldn't take anymore. Gave me a tag for the meat. Both elk were shot with a 7mag and 175 NP.
Lefty C
