Talkin' don't always mean ruttin'. Elk are very vocal. Not to doubt you, but it's just as possible someone got some new elk calls and decided to practice in the woods.
I mean, it's barely August. I envy you hearing that. All I can say is here in S.E. Wyoming, they are still "quiet" and don't usually get riled 'till the first part of Sept on on into October some times.