Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren – Ep. 155 | Rifle Season Elk Tactics

Release Date: November 14, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 155 of Live Wild with Remi Warren, host Remi delves deep into the intricate world of rifle season elk hunting. Drawing from his extensive experience as a professional guide and hunter, Remi shares both personal anecdotes and strategic insights to enhance listeners' hunting success. This episode not only recounts a memorable elk hunt with his father but also unpacks effective tactics for spotting and anticipating elk movements during rifle seasons.

A Memorable Elk Hunt with His Father

Remi opens the episode by recounting a significant hunting expedition with his father, emphasizing the blend of tradition and role reversal that often occurs as hunters gain experience.

• Hunting Dynamics and Role Reversal

  Remi reflects, "You know, my dad used to take me elk hunting, and now the roles have reversed where I take my dad out hunting." (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

  This shift highlights the transfer of knowledge and the mutual respect developed through shared hunting experiences.

• The Hunt Breakdown

  The narrative details the preparation and execution of the hunt:

  • Initial Glassing Efforts: Remi describes a challenging night glassing session where he identifies potential bull elk, noting their distinctive blocky body shapes and color patterns indicative of bulls. (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

  • Strategic Positioning: Early morning, Remi and his father position themselves strategically to claim territory and capitalize on the elk's feeding and bedding patterns. This proactive approach aims to minimize competition with other hunters. (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

  • The Critical Shot: Despite meticulous planning, the first shot taken by Remi's father misses, leading to a tense pursuit. However, persistence pays off when a subsequent shot successfully brings down a six-point bull elk, marking a successful culmination of their efforts. (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

• Challenges Encountered

  The expedition wasn't without hurdles. Remi shares the difficulties faced during the pack-out phase, navigating through dense deadfall and dealing with heavy gear weight, which tested their physical limits. This segment serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of route planning and energy management during hunts. (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

Rifle Season Elk Hunting Tactics

Transitioning from personal anecdotes, Remi delves into the core of the episode—strategic tactics for rifle season elk hunting.

• Spotting and Anticipation Strategy

  Central to Remi's approach is the strategy of spotting elk in the morning to anticipate their evening movements, and conversely, spotting in the evening to plan for the morning. This method leverages elk behavioral patterns to position hunters advantageously.

  • Morning to Evening Play:

    Remi explains, "If I'm glassing in the morning and spot elk, I make a play for their evening movement based on where they were last seen." (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

    By understanding where elk feed and bed, hunters can predict their likely paths and set up ambush points accordingly.

  • Evening to Morning Play:

    Similarly, spotting elk in the evening allows hunters to anticipate their morning movements. However, Remi notes the increased uncertainty due to overnight variables. (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

• Glassing Techniques and Equipment

  Effective glassing is paramount. Remi emphasizes the use of high-quality optics to cover extensive areas:

  • Equipment Utilized:

    "I use my big binos on a tripod and my Razor 18x56s to maximize visibility across vast terrains." (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

    Additionally, using spotting scopes with camera capabilities allows hunters to review shots and improve accuracy.

  • Covering Terrain:

    Remi advises on selecting vantage points that offer comprehensive visibility without spooking the elk. This involves targeting seasonally active areas such as clearcuts, sparse timber zones, and high desert terrains with ample sage pockets.

• Understanding Elk Behavior

  A deep understanding of elk patterns is crucial:

  • Feeding and Bedding Cycles:

    Elk typically feed in higher areas during the evening and return to bedding areas in the morning, following thermal lines influenced by wind direction. Remi notes, "Elk move down in the evenings and back up in the mornings, following the thermal lines." (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

  • Wind Direction Considerations:

    Positioning based on wind direction ensures hunters remain undetected while maintaining shooting angles. Elk prefer to move into the wind for safety, making it a strategic factor in setting up ambush points.

• Patience and Adaptability

  Remi underscores the importance of patience and adaptability in hunting:

  • Data Utilization:

    "The more information you have from glassing, the better you can predict elk movements and set up successfully." (Timestamp: [XX:XX])

    Continuously monitoring and updating elk location data allows hunters to adjust their positions dynamically.

  • Handling Uncertainties:

    While patterns are often consistent, Remi acknowledges that elk can sometimes deviate due to various factors like predation or environmental changes. Flexibility in strategy ensures hunters remain effective even when elk behavior is unpredictable.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In wrapping up the episode, Remi reinforces the significance of strategic planning and experience in rifle season elk hunting. Key takeaways include:

• Strategic Glassing: Continuous monitoring of elk locations through effective glassing techniques is essential for anticipating movements and positioning.

• Behavioral Insights: Understanding elk feeding and bedding cycles, influenced by factors like wind direction, enhances predictive accuracy.

• Equipment Utilization: High-quality optics and adaptable equipment configurations improve visibility and shooting precision.

• Patience and Persistence: Successful hunts often require sustained patience and the ability to adapt strategies based on real-time observations.

Remi concludes by encouraging hunters to share their experiences and questions, fostering a community of learning and shared success. He also highlights upcoming content, including detailed hunts and contributions to Bugle magazine, further providing resources for eager hunters to refine their skills.

Notable Quotes:

• "If I'm glassing in the morning and spot elk, I make a play for their evening movement based on where they were last seen." – Remi Warren ([Timestamp: XX:XX])

• "The more information you have from glassing, the better you can predict elk movements and set up successfully." – Remi Warren ([Timestamp: XX:XX])

Additional Resources:

• Website: RemiWarren.com
• Social Media: Follow Remi on Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms for more hunting insights and updates.
• Partners: Mountain Tough and Yeti support the podcast, offering specialized gear and training for hunters.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the field, Episode 155 of Live Wild with Remi Warren provides invaluable strategies and inspiring stories to elevate your elk hunting endeavors.