Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode: Ep. 154 | Cruising Buck Mule Deer Tactics
Release Date: November 7, 2024

Episode Overview

In Episode 154 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," host Remi Warren delves deep into the tactics for cruising big mule deer bucks during the rutting season. Drawing from his extensive experience as a professional guide and hunter, Remi shares insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes to help hunters enhance their success in the field.

Hunt Report: A Contrast Between Seasons

Remi begins the episode by reflecting on the previous hunting season, highlighting the unusual challenges faced:

"Last year I talked a lot about... it was like the weirdest year I've seen on record." [12:45]

He explains that despite securing mule deer tags, the lack of rutting action made finding mature bucks difficult. Instead, Remi primarily encountered younger, immature deer and saw an abundance of elk, which was unexpected given the abundance of elk tags. This poor rutting was attributed to a combination of a harsh winter and other environmental factors that adversely affected deer behavior and body condition.

Contrastingly, this year presents a more promising scenario:

"This year I said, I'm switching it up. I'm going, I'm putting a big focus on elk this year. And you know what I mean. I've been seeing some phenomenal mule deer bucks." [18:30]

The milder winter followed by a wet spring has significantly boosted antler growth, allowing bucks with good genetics to reach their full potential. Remi notes an increase in deer classified over 170 pounds, with some bucks even approaching or exceeding 200 pounds, indicating a robust population resurgence.

Understanding the Current Rutting Behavior

Remi attributes the improved deer behavior to several key factors:

1. Weather Conditions: The milder winter and adequate spring rainfall have enhanced food availability, leading to better body conditions for bucks.

2. Genetic Potential: Bucks with superior genetics have demonstrated remarkable antler growth, pushing their weight and stature to new heights.

3. Behavioral Shifts: Unlike the previous year, mature bucks are actively participating in the rut, moving out of cover to patrol and check on does.

"I've seen more big bucks this year than I have any other year in the past that I can think about maybe like 2005 or something." [25:10]

These factors combined have resulted in a more active and visible buck population, making the current hunting season particularly favorable for targeting mature bucks.

Strategies for Cruising Bucks

The core of the episode focuses on effective strategies for hunting during the cruising phase of the rut. Remi breaks down the rutting behavior into distinct stages, emphasizing the importance of understanding the cruising phase:

1. The Cruising Phase

During this phase, bucks are highly mobile, actively searching for pockets of does. This movement phase presents both opportunities and challenges:

• Opportunities: Bucks are moving into areas where they can encounter does, making them more visible and accessible.

• Challenges: Their constant movement can make it difficult to predict their exact location, requiring hunters to be strategic in their approach.

"The cruising phase is when bucks are really on the move and they're just continually checking pockets of does." [35:45]

2. Locating Live Bait: Pockets of Does

A central tactic discussed is the identification and utilization of "live bait," referring to pockets of does that attract bucks. By focusing on these areas, hunters can increase their chances of encountering mature bucks.

"Live bait is because it's a lot more likely that when you see that cruising buck, he's going to hang around for enough time for you to make a move." [42:10]

Steps to Locate Live Bait:

• Scouting: Identify areas with high concentrations of does, often near mineral pockets or reliable food sources.

• Monitoring: Observe buck movements in relation to these pockets, noting patterns and frequented routes.

• Strategic Positioning: Set up glassing advantages (high vantage points) near these pockets to maximize visibility and reaction time when a buck approaches.

3. Effective Glassing Techniques

Remi emphasizes the importance of having the right optics and glassing strategies to spot and identify bucks quickly:

• Wide-Viewport Optics: Utilizing high-powered binoculars (e.g., 18x56 Razor HDs) allows hunters to cover extensive areas and spot moving deer from a distance.

• Spotting Scopes: Essential for detailed observation once a potential buck is identified, helping to confirm age class and antler size.

"Understanding that like having the things ready for this time of year when they're cruising and being able to quickly identify what type of deer that is makes a big difference." [58:25]

4. Coordinated Hunting Teams

Remi advocates for using a team-based approach during the cruising phase:

• Split Duties: Team members can cover different pockets of does simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of observing buck movements.

• Communication: Sharing observations in real-time allows the team to adjust strategies dynamically, focusing on the most promising areas.

"We're all going to split up, and we're going to literally be looking for bucks, but we're also looking for pockets of does where there's some concentrations." [50:00]

Gear and Optics Recommendations

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to recommending essential gear, particularly optics, for successful cruising buck hunting:

1. Vortex Optics:

   • Razor HD Spotting Scopes: Praised for their clarity and range (e.g., 22-48x65), making them ideal for detailed buck identification.
   • Viper Series: Offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality, suitable for hunters seeking reliable performance.

2. Binos vs. Spotting Scopes:

   • Binoculars: Recommended as the primary workhorse for initial scouting due to their portability and ease of use.
   • Spotting Scopes: Essential for confirming details once a potential buck is spotted, allowing hunters to make informed decisions quickly.

"If somebody said, do I get binos or do I get a spotting scope? I'd say, probably put your money in your binos because you're going to utilize your binoculars more." [72:15]

Remi also highlights the importance of having a streamlined glassing setup to rapidly switch between wide-view binoculars and detailed spotting scopes, ensuring hunters can efficiently scan large areas and then focus on promising targets without delay.

Conclusion and Listener Engagement

Remi wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to share their hunting experiences and success stories. He emphasizes the community aspect of hunting and the value of shared knowledge in improving collective success.

"People saying, oh, this particular podcast was the reason I got this bull or this buck. And that... it makes it worth it for me to help share these stories and these tips and tactics while I'm out in the field." [95:30]

Additionally, Remi invites listeners to engage through social media and his website, offering opportunities for further interaction and support, including giveaways and featured stories on the blog.

Key Takeaways

• Seasonal Variations: Understanding how weather and environmental factors influence deer behavior is crucial for adapting hunting strategies.

• Cruising Phase Tactics: Focusing on the cruising phase during the rut, utilizing live bait (pockets of does), and employing effective glassing techniques can significantly improve the chances of encountering mature bucks.

• Gear Optimization: Investing in quality optics, such as Vortex’s Razor HD and Viper series, enhances a hunter’s ability to spot and identify target deer efficiently.

• Team Coordination: Employing a coordinated team approach during hunting expeditions increases coverage and the likelihood of successful hunts.

• Community Engagement: Sharing experiences and staying connected with the hunting community fosters collective growth and success.

Notable Quotes

• "I've seen more big bucks this year than I have any other year in the past that I can think about maybe like 2005 or something." — Remi Warren [25:10]

• "Live bait is because it's a lot more likely that when you see that cruising buck, he's going to hang around for enough time for you to make a move." — Remi Warren [42:10]

• "If somebody said, do I get binos or do I get a spotting scope? I'd say, probably put your money in your binos because you're going to utilize your binoculars more." — Remi Warren [72:15]

• "People saying, oh, this particular podcast was the reason I got this bull or this buck. And that... it makes it worth it for me to help share these stories and these tips and tactics while I'm out in the field." — Remi Warren [95:30]

Stay Connected:
For more tips, hunting stories, and gear recommendations, visit RemiWarren.com or follow Remi on Instagram @RemiWarren.