To some extent, the elk don't hang with the cattle like the deer do. But I agree with some of the others, that it may be more of the vehicle travel, and atv's from moving the cattle in that probably ran the elk off. They'll probably be back in a week or so. Elk are a lot more flighty than deer. Also remember that the rut is coming on strong right now. Elk will be changing areas and on the move right now. If you were watching a bunch of bulls, chances are they have moved on anyway looking for some ass.