I am a little different than most it seems. I see July and early August cows, in most areas, as nurseries. Especially if you have a lot of calves with spots. Except in resident herd locations these cows move up toward the bulls mid August. So while I wouldn't necessarily abandon this location I would certainly start looking for bulls. Just as I wouldn't stay put hunting wintering areas come early archery season.
They are not deer or bear. They are elk! Very different travel routines, nursing routines and rut behavior.
