Live Wild with Remi Warren – Episode 158 Summary: "Back to the Beginning: You Don't Know What You Don't Know"

Release Date: December 5, 2024
Host: Remi Warren
Podcast: Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode: 158
Title: Back to the Beginning: You Don't Know What You Don't Know

1. Reflecting on a Successful Season

Remi Warren begins the episode by expressing his gratitude and satisfaction with the current hunting season compared to the previous year.

“I feel very fortunate for this past year because it's probably been one of my best or top seasons to date.”
[02:30]

He contrasts this success with the struggles of the previous year, highlighting how conditions and timing played crucial roles in his improved outcomes.

2. Taking New Hunters Out: The Experience with Niko

Remi shares a detailed account of taking his friend Niko on his first successful rifle elk hunt. Niko, initially a bow hunter with two Nevada Archery Mule deer hunts under his belt, had yet to achieve success with a rifle.

“He's been on a couple of tough hunts with me but hadn't found success for himself yet.”
[05:45]

Their plan focused on a late-season cow elk hunt, which Remi considers high-success due to the nature of cow elk behavior late in the season.

3. The Hunt: Challenges and Initial Setbacks

During their hunt, Remi and Niko face initial challenges, including limited access to prime elk locations and the elusive nature of cow elk.

“The elk were on private land that we couldn't hunt, so we watched them hoping they'd move into accessible areas.”
[10:15]

They encounter a variety of mule deer but struggle to locate cows in favorable shooting positions. This leads to a taxing day of trekking through logging roads and steep mountain terrain.

4. The Critical Moment: A Missed Opportunity

The pivotal moment comes when Remi spots a group of cows bedded in a promising location. However, subtle movements and noise result in the elk fleeing just as they prepare to take the shot.

“As I'm crawling up, I would have got my body set and I wouldn't want to be real close to the gun... But instead, one little noise and the elk were gone.”
[25:50]

This incident serves as a learning experience, emphasizing the importance of stealth and controlled movements during critical moments.

5. Redeeming The Hunt: Relocating and Success

Determined not to end the hunt on a disappointing note, Remi decides to relocate. This strategic move leads them to a new herd of elk exhibiting unusual bugling behavior for the season.

“I've heard more bugling this beginning of December than I ever have. It was insane.”
[35:20]

At the new location, Niko successfully makes a perfect heart shot on a cow elk, marking his first rifle hunting success.

“It was that one little movement, that one little noise. Those elk had clearly been hunted before.”
[45:10]

6. Key Lessons and Hunting Tips

A. Silent and Strategic Movement

Remi underscores the paramount importance of quiet walking in hunting. He critiques common walking mistakes that inadvertently alert game animals.

“The way that you walk is extremely impactful on what animals hear, what they pick up and how alerted they are.”
[55:30]

Techniques for Quiet Walking:

• Flat-Footed Approach: Avoid walking on heels to reduce noise.

  “I do not walk on my heel. I essentially walk more flat-footed or tiptoed... to ensure quieter footsteps.”
  [58:45]

• Variable Step Patterns: Incorporate short and long steps to break rhythmic patterns that animals can detect.

  “I walk in... like, this is the exact right speed for where I need to go in a way that isn't repetitive.”
  [01:02:10]

• Choosing Quieter Paths: Select softer ground or less disturbed areas to minimize noise.

  “If it's dry, like a logging road with softer grass, I'll switch to that side to walk more quietly.”
  [01:05:50]

B. Prioritizing Efficient Setup

Remi advises hunters to streamline the process of acquiring and setting up the target, reducing delays that can lead to missed opportunities.

“Acquire the target, then get still, line it up. It allows you to get on target faster.”
[01:15:20]

C. Extensive Practice and Preparation

Emphasizing the need for repetition, Remi advocates for regular practice to make setup and shooting second nature.

“Practice getting set up and steady on your knees, standing, against a tree... until it's second nature.”
[01:20:35]

He recommends practicing with unloaded rifles and bow setups to build muscle memory without the pressure of a live hunt.

7. Moving Smoothly and Methodically

During the moment of taking a shot, Remi highlights the importance of maintaining body alignment and avoiding panicked, jerky movements.

“Keep everything in line with your body. It's not fast and jerky... it's smooth and slow.”
[01:25:10]

This controlled approach ensures that actions do not spook the game, maintaining the element of surprise.

8. Conclusion: Back to Basics

Remi wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of foundational hunting skills, reminding listeners that mastering the basics can lead to sustained success in the field.

“When you do that repetition, it becomes second nature. Walking quiet, setting up fast, steady... it's all essential.”
[01:30:00]

He encourages hunters to return to these fundamental practices to enhance their hunting experiences and outcomes.

Note: This summary excludes promotional content and sponsorship messages mentioned towards the beginning and end of the episode, focusing solely on the substantive hunting content and educational insights shared by Remi Warren.