Summary of Live Wild with Remi Warren – Ep. 177 | Western Whitetails Part 1: Mountain Bucks

In episode 177 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," released on April 3, 2025, host Remi Warren explores the often underappreciated realm of western whitetail hunting, with a particular focus on mountain bucks. Drawing from his extensive experience as a professional guide and hunter, Remi provides listeners with a wealth of insights, strategies, and personal anecdotes designed to enhance their hunting prowess in rugged mountainous terrains.

Introduction to Western Whitetails

Remi opens the episode by addressing the common perception that big game hunting in the western United States predominantly revolves around species like elk, sheep, mule deer, and pronghorn. However, he emphasizes that whitetails are the most widely hunted big game animal in North America, yet they often fly under the radar in Western hunting discussions.

“But this week we're going to look at that often under looked at Western big game hunt... what I'm talking about is whitetails.”
([08:15])

He highlights that only two states in the lower 48—Nevada and California—do not support whitetail populations, underscoring the widespread availability of whitetail hunting opportunities across states like Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, and Washington.

Remi Warren's Personal Whitetail Hunting Experience

Remi shares his personal journey with whitetail hunting, revealing a shift in focus over recent years. While he still pursues mule deer, he has increasingly prioritized whitetails due to their robust populations and superior trophy quality in certain regions.

“I've been getting even diving a little bit more into lately, trying to find, you know, better bucks or going to new areas...”
([10:50])

He recounts holding multiple tags that allow him to hunt either mule deer or whitetails, ultimately choosing whitetails for the relative trophy quality and the unique challenges they present in the West.

Mountain Whitetails: Characteristics and Habitat

Delving deeper, Remi describes mountain whitetails as a distinct subset of the species that have adapted to high-altitude environments. These deer inhabit expansive mountain ranges, often residing above 6,000 feet, with some encounters at elevations exceeding 7,800 feet.

“What makes them tick, and how to employ strategies for this species in mountain terrain.”
([15:30])

Mountain whitetails thrive in areas with dense cover, such as north-facing slopes, riparian zones, and thick brush areas. Unlike their counterparts in more temperate regions, these deer navigate vast, rugged landscapes with lower population densities, making them both elusive and challenging targets.

Hunting Strategies for Mountain Bucks

Remi outlines several key strategies tailored to successfully hunting mountain whitetails:

1. Timing with the Rut

The rut, or breeding season, is a critical period for hunting mountain bucks. During this time, males are more active as they seek out females, increasing their movement and making them more predictable.

“One of my favorite ways to hunt whitetails is to hunt them in the mountains... trying to figure them out in these... zones.”
([25:00])

2. Scouting and Tracking

Effective scouting involves extensive tracking to identify doe pockets and travel routes. Remi emphasizes the importance of early season scouting to map out potential hunting areas.

“Once I start to find something... you just got to cover country, figure out where something is... and then once you find it...”
([35:45])

3. Calling and Rattling Techniques

Remi advocates for the use of rattling and calling to draw bucks within expansive mountain territories. He describes a sequence of rattling, grunting, and dough bleating to simulate the sounds of competing bucks and attract their attention.

“I'll throw out grunts. I'll throw out, you know... make it sound like two big bucks fighting...”
([50:10])

Personal Hunting Stories and Lessons Learned

Remi shares compelling hunting stories that illustrate both the triumphs and challenges of pursuing mountain whitetails:

Thanksgiving Hunt Success

One notable story recounts a Thanksgiving hunt where Remi overcame significant obstacles to successfully harvest a mature buck. After spotting the deer during a recent hunt and persisting through challenging terrain and unexpected setbacks, Remi ultimately succeeded, leading to a memorable holiday.

“I end up getting the buck down, getting it out, making it home or back to camp, and... we had an incredible Thanksgiving...”
([1:05:30])

Frustrations and Adaptability

Conversely, Remi discusses hunts that didn’t go as planned, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of hunting in low-density mountain areas. These experiences underscore the necessity of adaptability and perseverance.

“It's just one of those hunts where sometimes you work out, sometimes it doesn't.”
([1:15:20])

Comparison: Mountain Whitetails vs. Other Whitetail Habitats

Remi contrasts mountain whitetails with those found in more traditional habitats, such as farms or smaller, localized areas in the Midwest. He highlights the differences in movement patterns, habitat utilization, and hunting approaches required in expansive versus confined environments.

“It's taking that, say, a 300-acre farm... and scattering it out over thousands of acres...”
([1:25:40])

Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Wrapping up the episode, Remi reiterates the unique opportunities and rewards associated with western mountain whitetail hunting. He teases the next episode, which will explore river bottom bucks, presenting an alternative hunting environment with its own set of strategies and challenges.

“Next week dive into some strategies of what to look for in that river bottom type terrain...”
([1:55:00])

Conservation and Supporters

Before concluding, Remi acknowledges the support of Montana Knife Company and their contributions to conservation efforts through partnerships with organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF). He emphasizes the importance of conservation in sustaining hunting traditions and wildlife populations.

“What I love about them is they support conservation and habitat projects...”
([2:10:15])

Remi encourages listeners to engage with conservation initiatives, highlighting how the hunting community plays a pivotal role in wildlife preservation and habitat management.

Through engaging storytelling and practical advice, Remi Warren's episode on mountain whitetails offers a comprehensive guide for hunters looking to navigate the complexities of western whitetail hunting. Whether seasoned or novice, listeners are equipped with valuable strategies and inspired by Remi’s passion for the hunt and conservation.