Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren – Ep. 173 | Bear Necessities Part 1: Targeting Water
Introduction
In Episode 173 of Live Wild with Remi Warren, host Remi Warren delves into the intricacies of bear hunting, focusing specifically on the tactical approach of targeting water sources. Released on March 6, 2025, this episode serves as the first part of a multi-week series aimed at equipping hunters with effective strategies for hunting bears, particularly black bears, during the spring season.
Understanding Bear Hunting: Challenges and Controversies
Remi opens the discussion by acknowledging the contentious nature of bear hunting. He addresses the varying perspectives within both the hunting community and the broader public:
“Bear hunting is probably not a more contentious topic than hunting bears... bears are absolutely edible.”
— Remi Warren [05:30]
He explains that misconceptions about bears, often influenced by popular media and cultural perceptions (e.g., teddy bears), contribute to debates surrounding bear hunting. Despite the controversy, Remi emphasizes the importance of bear management for ecological balance:
“I really enjoy hunting bears... but I also think that their populations need to be managed.”
— Remi Warren [20:15]
Seasonality in Bear Hunting: Spring vs. Fall
Remi differentiates between spring and fall bear hunting, highlighting the distinct behaviors and challenges each season presents:
- Spring Hunting: Focuses on "emerging bears" that have just come out of hibernation and are actively feeding to replenish their energy reserves.
- Fall Hunting: Targets "gorging bears" preparing for winter by accumulating fat reserves.
He notes that while the upcoming discussions center on spring tactics, many strategies are adaptable to fall hunting as well.
“In the spring season, we're focusing on emerging bears... in the fall, we focus on gorging bears.”
— Remi Warren [15:45]
Targeting Water Sources: A Primary Tactic
The core strategy discussed in this episode is targeting water sources to locate bears. Remi explains that water serves multiple purposes for bears, especially in hotter weather:
- Hydration: Bears require constant water intake.
- Cooling Down: Bears utilize water to wallow and regulate their body temperature.
“When it gets hot out, bears will utilize water in a few different ways. They'll drink water... they'll take a swim in it and essentially wallow.”
— Remi Warren [35:20]
Habitat and Terrain Considerations
Remi emphasizes the importance of understanding the habitat and terrain when targeting water sources:
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Mountain West/Rocky Mountain Terrain: Abundant water sources like creeks and isolated waterholes (elk wallows) are prime locations.
“If it's legal to utilize trail cameras, it's an awesome advantage to know... if not, look for tracks around those wallows.”
— Remi Warren [38:10] -
Drier/Arid Regions: Water sources become scarce, making each waterhole critical for bear survival. In these areas, creeks often support better vegetation, providing both cover and food.
“In drier country, concentrating on creek bottoms can be the recipe for success.”
— Remi Warren [50:05]
Hunting Strategies Around Water Sources
Remi outlines three primary hunting strategies centered on water sources:
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Still Hunting:
- Moving through timbered areas while glassing for bears near waterholes.
- Example: “I move through the timbered areas, glassing and looking... trying to catch something.”
— Remi Warren [60:40]
-
Ambush Hunting:
- Setting up near water sources and waiting for bears to approach.
- Best suited for arid regions where bears are likely to frequent limited water spots.
- Example: “Ambush is really good in those more arid places where they're tied to that water source.”
— Remi Warren [65:15]
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Glassing Techniques:
- Using optics to scan large water sources and their fringes for bear activity.
- Effective in both mountainous and open prairie terrains.
- Example: “I can just glass up and down the fringes of that and just sit back and watch.”
— Remi Warren [72:30]
Timing and Time of Day
Timing plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of targeting water sources:
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Midday to Afternoon (Spring/Early Fall): Optimal when bears seek to cool off, especially in hotter climates.
“Between 11 and 4 PM sometimes it can be frustrating... but it's about targeting those hot periods.”
— Remi Warren [80:25] -
Early Morning and Evening:
- In more arid regions, bears are likely to visit water sources during cooler parts of the day.
- Example: “In areas where water is scarce, I focus on seeps during the early and late hours.”
— Remi Warren [85:00]
Remi also discusses the physical and mental toll of extended hunting hours, advising hunters to balance their time effectively to avoid burnout.
Utilizing Trail Cameras and Signage
Trail cameras are highlighted as invaluable tools for monitoring bear activity around water sources:
“I've set out trail cameras just to kind of know... what's going on when I'm not here.”
— Remi Warren [45:50]
He recommends placing cameras near isolated waterholes to gather data on bear movements and behaviors, enhancing the hunter’s ability to predict bear locations.
Practical Insights and Personal Experiences
Remi shares anecdotes from his hunting experiences to illustrate the effectiveness of targeting water sources:
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Example of an Effective Water Spot:
“There's this one spot where it kind of benches off and there's a like an old logging road... on hot days I catch a ton of bears in there.”
— Remi Warren [90:10] -
Challenges with Ambush Hunting:
“I had a buddy... he went to sit by the water and a bear just did this... scared him as much as he scared the bear.”
— Remi Warren [110:35]
Conclusion and Upcoming Topics
Remi wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of targeting water sources in bear hunting and previews the next episode, which will focus on advanced glassing techniques:
“Next week we're going to do a deep dive into glassing techniques for bears.”
— Remi Warren [135:00]
He encourages hunters to apply the discussed tactics to enhance their bear hunting endeavors, whether in spring or fall seasons.
Final Thoughts
Episode 173 of Live Wild with Remi Warren offers a comprehensive exploration of bear hunting strategies centered around targeting water sources. Remi’s emphasis on understanding bear behavior, habitat, and effective use of technology like trail cameras provides invaluable insights for both novice and seasoned hunters. By focusing on water sources, hunters can significantly increase their chances of locating and successfully harvesting bears, contributing to balanced wildlife management and conservation efforts.