Live Wild with Remi Warren - Episode 175 Summary: "Bear Necessities Pt. 3 - Baiting and Topography"

Introduction to Bear Baiting

In Episode 175 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," titled "Bear Necessities Pt. 3 - Baiting and Topography," Remi delves into the controversial and intricate topic of bear baiting. He aims to bridge the gap between novice and seasoned hunters by sharing his personal experiences, the challenges he faced, and the strategies he developed to master this hunting method.

Remi’s Initial Foray into Bear Baiting

Remi begins by recounting his first attempt at bear baiting during his early twenties. Lacking experience and adequate preparation, he and his hunting buddy, Brett, decided to bait bears using readily available rotting pork trimmings.

Remi Warren [05:30]: "We had zero knowledge of what bears would eat. We just thought, 'Oh, this stinks and it's going to be awesome.'"

Their lack of understanding led to significant obstacles:

• Bait Acquisition: Struggled to source appropriate bait, resorting to rotting meat from butcher leftovers.
• Logistical Challenges: Transporting and setting up 55-gallon drums filled with decomposing bait proved cumbersome and unpleasant.
• Site Selection: Chose a spot that lacked strategic value, making it difficult to attract bears effectively.
• Immediate Reactions: The overpowering smell of the bait caused both Remi and Brett to become physically ill, impeding their efforts.

Remi Warren [12:45]: "We were covered in this rotten stuff. Brett was puking, I was puking. It was just disgusting."

Despite their efforts, success was minimal. Only a handful of bears interacted with their bait, and much of their time was spent struggling with the setup rather than actively hunting.

Lessons Learned from the First Baiting Attempt

Reflecting on his initial experience, Remi identifies key missteps:

• Inadequate Research: Limited understanding of effective bait types and bear behavior.
• Poor Site Selection: Failure to consider topographical advantages that facilitate bear movement.
• Overreliance on Bait Volume: Belief that more bait equates to higher success, ignoring the importance of bait quality and placement.

Remi Warren [25:10]: "It was way more work than anything I’d done for bear hunting. It completely changed my thought on bear baiting."

Refining the Approach: The Second Attempt

Determined to overcome past failures, Remi revisits bear baiting with a more strategic mindset during the COVID-19 lockdown. Partnering with his friend Jeremy in Alaska, who had extensive success with baiting, Remi refined his tactics:

1. Strategic Site Selection Using Topography:

   • Natural Travel Corridors: Identifying pinch points and funnels where bear movement is naturally concentrated.
   • Flat Areas Surrounded by Drop-offs: Facilitating easy access and scent dispersion.

   Remi Warren [47:20]: "Understanding bear movement behavior taught me so much about strategy in the mountains."

2. Bait Optimization:

   • Sweet Attractants Over Rotting Meat: Utilizing mixtures like dog food, horse feed, molasses, and vanilla extract to appeal to bears' natural foraging instincts.
   • Minimal but Effective Bait: Maintaining enough bait to keep bears interested without overwhelming them.

3. Utilizing Technology and Scouting:

   • Mapping Software: Leveraging tools like Onyx GPS for precise site mapping and scouting.
   • Trail Cameras: Monitoring bear activity and adjusting strategies based on real-time data.

Remi Warren [58:05]: "If you can just be kind of a student of the wild, let nature teach you what it can, you're gonna be overall more successful as a hunter."

Success and Insights from the Second Baiting Experience

Implementing these refined strategies led to measurable success:

• Increased Bear Activity: Multiple bears began interacting with the bait sites, some within the first 24 hours.
• Behavioral Observations: Remi noted patterns such as bears coming at random times, possibly influenced by their rutting behaviors and dominance hierarchies.
• Strategic Bait Placement: Successful sites were those that aligned with natural bear travel routes and had the right combination of attractants.

Remi Warren [1:05:15]: "Within less than 24 hours, multiple bears came in. It was something to this topography and having the right kind of combination."

These experiences underscored the importance of understanding bear behavior and the environment. Remi learned that baiting is not merely about placing food but involves a comprehensive strategy that includes site selection, bait type, and ongoing maintenance.

Broader Hunting Strategies and Philosophies

Beyond bear baiting, Remi emphasizes the value of:

• Understanding Species Behavior: Deep knowledge of the hunted animal's habits and habitats enhances hunting success across all methods.
• Adaptability and Continuous Learning: Being open to experimenting with different techniques and learning from both successes and failures.
• Integration of Technology: Utilizing modern tools to augment traditional hunting skills for better precision and efficiency.

Remi Warren [1:15:40]: "Consistently successful hunters are consistently successful because they really understand what they're hunting."

Remi also touches on the importance of topographical analysis not just for baiting but for all forms of hunting. Recognizing natural movement patterns and terrain features can significantly increase the likelihood of encounters with game animals.

Conclusion and Takeaways

In "Bear Necessities Pt. 3 - Baiting and Topography," Remi Warren provides a candid and insightful look into the complexities of bear baiting. His journey from initial failure to eventual success highlights critical lessons:

1. Preparation and Research: Thoroughly understanding the species and effective baiting techniques is essential.
2. Strategic Site Selection: Leveraging topographical features to maximize bait effectiveness and bear movement.
3. Quality Over Quantity: Using the right kind of attractants in appropriate quantities is more effective than overwhelming bait setups.
4. Adaptability: Being willing to adjust strategies based on observations and technology insights leads to sustained hunting success.

Remi's experiences serve as a valuable guide for hunters looking to explore or refine their bear baiting techniques, emphasizing that success lies in the harmony of knowledge, strategy, and respect for the natural behaviors of wildlife.

Notable Quotes:

• Remi Warren [05:30]: "We had zero knowledge of what bears would eat. We just thought, 'Oh, this stinks and it's going to be awesome.'"
• Remi Warren [12:45]: "We were covered in this rotten stuff. Brett was puking, I was puking. It was just disgusting."
• Remi Warren [25:10]: "It was way more work than anything I’d done for bear hunting. It completely changed my thought on bear baiting."
• Remi Warren [47:20]: "Understanding bear movement behavior taught me so much about strategy in the mountains."
• Remi Warren [58:05]: "If you can just be kind of a student of the wild, let nature teach you what it can, you're gonna be overall more successful as a hunter."
• Remi Warren [1:05:15]: "Within less than 24 hours, multiple bears came in. It was something to this topography and having the right kind of combination."
• Remi Warren [1:15:40]: "Consistently successful hunters are consistently successful because they really understand what they're hunting."

Final Thoughts

Remi Warren's exploration of bear baiting in this episode underscores the intricate balance between preparation, knowledge, and adaptability in successful hunting. His narrative not only provides practical insights but also inspires hunters to approach their craft with a mindful and strategic mindset.