Episode Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren – Ep. 166 | Live From Sheep Show
Release Date: January 23, 2025
Host: Remi Warren
Podcast: Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode: 166 | Live From Sheep Show
In Episode 166 of Live Wild with Remi Warren, host Remi Warren participates in a live Q&A session from the Wild Sheep National Convention in Reno, Nevada. This episode delves into a range of hunting topics, providing listeners with expert advice, personal experiences, and practical tips. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions and insights shared during the live session.
1. Black Bear Hunting in California
A listener inquires about hunting black bears in California, seeking advice specific to the region's regulations and strategies.
Remi Warren emphasizes the importance of understanding local food sources:
"[04:20] Remi Warren: ...it's really figuring out the food sources and then, you know, and then the type of hunting that you're going to do."
He highlights that California offers some of the best black bear hunting opportunities, particularly in the spring season. Remi advises focusing on areas with abundant food sources such as manzanita berries, acorns, pine nuts, and water sources. He notes that water holes are often overlooked but serve as magnets for bears, especially during hot and dry periods.
Notable Quote:
"[04:20] Remi Warren: ...the same formula. It's like food first figure out where those crops are the strongest because those bears are going to go to the easiest place to get the most amount of food, most amount of calories."
2. Selecting Hunting Rifles and Calibers
A listener poses a hypothetical question about choosing only two hunting rifle calibers for all North American hunts.
Remi discusses versatile and reliable calibers:
"[07:22] Remi Warren: ...something tried and true, like a .300 Win Mag or .300 Weatherby and 6.5 Creedmoor."
He expresses a preference for the 6.5 Creedmoor due to its versatility and suitability for various big game. Remi also mentions the declining popularity of the .300 Short Mag but recommends sticking with proven calibers to avoid risks associated with newer, less established options.
Notable Quote:
"[07:25] Remi Warren: That's not fair. That's like saying what child's your favorite?"
3. Mule Deer Hunting in Utah
A listener seeks advice on targeting mule deer in Utah, particularly regarding units with fewer than 10 points to increase the odds of securing a decent mule deer.
Remi advises targeting less popular units with higher point allocations:
"[09:20] Remi Warren: ...most general units you can get with less than 10 points."
He cautions against revealing specific units to avoid frustrating listeners but suggests focusing on areas with lower hunter density and higher potential for trophy deer. Remi also recommends considering archery or muzzleloader seasons in these desirable units for better chances of success.
Notable Quote:
"[09:03] Listener: ...units with less than 10 points would have the best odds to get a decent mule deer in Utah."
4. Handling Heavy Timber During Elk Hunting in Colorado
A listener from Colorado discusses challenges with heavy timber areas where elk often avoid calls, asking for strategies to hunt effectively without relying on spot-and-stack.
Remi shares advanced hunting techniques:
"[11:20] Remi Warren: ...I commit to the calling and I go, okay, some elk are going to be quiet. Some elk aren't going to do whatever, but there's going to be an elk that somewhere makes some noise."
He emphasizes the importance of targeting bedding areas and travel routes, utilizing still hunting combined with light cow calls. Remi also highlights the effectiveness of moving cautiously, maintaining good wind positions, and using natural cover to approach elk discreetly.
Notable Quote:
"[11:20] Remi Warren: ... sometimes it's not always just aggressive bugling. A lot of the time, if I find sign in an area, I actually target the bedding areas of elk."
5. Tar and Chamois Hunting in New Zealand
A listener plans to hunt tar and chamois in New Zealand's South Island and seeks tips for navigating the rugged and steep terrain.
Remi provides specialized advice for mountainous hunting:
"[25:53] Remi Warren: ...understanding the animal that you're hunting. So, like, for the tar..."
He advises focusing on feeding areas and intercepting animals as they return from their bedding zones. Remi underscores the necessity of being in top physical condition, practicing shooting accuracy, and utilizing effective optic equipment for glassing dense scrub and rocky landscapes.
Notable Quote:
"[25:53] Remi Warren: ... it's just a game of watching them in the morning where they go up. So they're going to go, like, if you're chasing them in the morning, you're chasing them."
6. Elk Hunting Tips for Non-Residents
A listener from Colorado, residing in Nevada, looks for recommendations on alternative regions for elk hunting as non-resident tags become scarce.
Remi suggests diversifying hunt locations and leveraging tag reallocations:
"[29:19] Remi Warren: ... pick a few places that are like, similar, like whatever it is, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming or Idaho."
He encourages hunters to build points in multiple states and stay informed about tag return processes, enabling them to secure tags in less competitive areas. Remi also mentions the potential of private land access as a valuable but often underutilized resource.
Notable Quote:
"[29:19] Remi Warren: ... thinking about those things that maybe just are a little underserved or areas where maybe people aren't really as interested."
7. Final Q&A: Handling Spikes and Spotting Hunts
Listeners explore scenarios involving interacting with rutting bulls (spikes) and strategies to locate herds with active cows.
Remi discusses the balance between aggression and patience:
"[38:45] Remi Warren: ... finding that balance of setting up in the right place where they have to come in but also puts you at a disadvantage."
He advises being proactive in targeting dominant bulls while recognizing when to push past less desirable elk. Remi emphasizes the importance of maintaining favorable wind positions, utilizing varied calls, and understanding elk behavior within different terrains to maximize hunting success.
Notable Quote:
"[38:45] Remi Warren: ... like the surge of those other ones are probably looking for cows. And it is hard to say, too, because sometimes you get in an area where there's, like, few cows, and it's just smarter for those bulls to push the cows off."
8. Personal Story: A Humbling Hunting Experience
Towards the end of the session, a listener requests Remi to share a humbling hunting experience that contributed to his growth as a hunter.
Remi recounts a challenging mule deer hunt:
"[49:38] Remi Warren: ... I decided not to. I was going to wait for it to stand up, which actually was a good call, I guess, because I don't think the back of the head shot would have worked."
He narrates his pursuit of a record-sized mule deer in Nevada, detailing his strategic approach and the emotional impact of narrowly missing the animal. This experience taught him valuable lessons about bow hunting, the importance of practice, and the unpredictability of hunting wildlife.
Notable Quote:
"[49:38] Remi Warren: ... maybe I should have kept hunting that one buck, because I ended up trying to go back for a couple of years. And I didn't."
Conclusion
Episode 166 of Live Wild with Remi Warren offers a wealth of knowledge for hunters across various disciplines. From species-specific strategies to equipment recommendations and personal anecdotes, Remi provides actionable insights aimed at enhancing hunting success. His emphasis on preparation, understanding animal behavior, and adaptability serves as a valuable guide for both novice and seasoned hunters seeking to "Live Wild" effectively and ethically.
Featured Quote:
"[49:38] Remi Warren: ... it's like you just grind it out, you know, like that sucked, but makes you want to do it again."