Live Wild with Remi Warren: Episode 181 Summary

Title: Open Country Tactics Part 2
Host: Remi Warren
Release Date: May 1, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 181 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," host Remi delves deeper into open country hunting strategies, building upon the stalking techniques discussed in the previous episode. This installment focuses on tactics where the hunter leverages knowledge of animal behavior and terrain to allow the animals to approach, enhancing the chances of a successful hunt.

A. The Axis Deer Birthday Hunt

Remi opens the episode by sharing a personal anecdote about hunting Axis deer on his 40th birthday. This story serves as a practical illustration of the open country tactics he will discuss.

• Early Morning Setup: Remi and his brother split up to cover a vast, open area. Remi emphasizes the challenges of sparse cover, noting, "The area was super open, which can be a good thing and a bad thing" (05:30).

• Tracking and Observation: As Remi moves toward the feeding area, he encounters initial signs of deer activity, including tracks and droppings. He remarks, "I was just moving towards where they were feeding through this large section of open" (12:45).

• Strategic Positioning: Remi identifies a trail with abundant sign and positions himself downwind to minimize scent detection. He states, "I find a spot that allows me some kind of cover while the animal does most of the traveling" (18:10).

• Action and Outcome: After setting up his camera and patiently waiting, a large group of bucks approaches. Although his first shot misses due to timing ("The buck wasn't even close to there at 30 yards by the time that shot broke" 35:20), Remi successfully harvests another buck later, highlighting the effectiveness of his strategy.

B. Core Open Country Tactics

Remi transitions from his personal story to a detailed exploration of open country hunting strategies, emphasizing the importance of allowing animals to do most of the movement.

1. Knowledge of Animal Routes

   • Understanding established paths is crucial. Remi explains, "Having a knowledge of their routes, the sign that's on the ground, and picking a location" (42:15) are key components.
   • He highlights the significance of scouting and recognizing high-traffic trails through consistent sign observation.

2. Utilizing Sign and Track

   • Remi underscores the importance of reading the ground to identify active trails. "They probably do this every day in some ways... similar trails" (22:50) reflects his reliance on daily patterns.

3. Dynamic Positioning and Adjustment

   • Effective hunters must be flexible. Remi advises, "I continually scan the horizon... adjust my tactic based on how they're moving" (50:30).
   • This involves moving laterally along preferred routes to anticipate animal paths and optimize shooting lanes.

4. Waiting for the Right Moment

   • Patience is vital. Remi notes, "Letting them work the distance... allows me to pick out and target the right buck" (38:55).
   • By positioning strategically, hunters can wait for animals to enter optimal shooting positions naturally.

C. Application Across Various Hunts

Remi extends the discussed tactics to different game species and environments, demonstrating versatility.

1. Pronghorn Hunting

   • In expansive sage flats, Remi employs similar strategies, locating natural corridors where pronghorns traverse frequently. "Spot and stock pronghorn hunting is... so it can be so challenging" (1:15:00).

2. Elk Hunting: Shadowing the Herd

   • Referencing previous discussions, Remi emphasizes "shadowing the herd" by continually moving and adjusting to herd movements, increasing the likelihood of a successful encounter.

3. Mule Deer Hunting

   • Remi highlights the complexity of mule deer behavior, stating, "A big, mature mule deer buck is one of the hardest things... it's never the same" (1:25:40).
   • He advocates for deep familiarity with specific units, leveraging consistent patterns to set up effective ambushes.

4. International Applications

   • Techniques are adaptable to other regions and species, such as rusa deer in New Zealand and Australia or water buffalo, where open terrains prevail.

D. Essential Tips and Final Insights

Remi concludes the episode with actionable advice for hunters:

• Diversify Tactics: "Always having the ability to recall different tactics for different situations" (1:40:25) is essential for adapting to varying hunting scenarios.

• Scouting and Patience: Emphasizing the blend of scouting and patience, Remi advises hunters to "take time during the hunt to be patient and really learn the way that the animals move."

• Gear and Preparation: Although briefly touched upon earlier in ads, Remi reiterates the importance of proper gear, such as clean optics, to enhance hunting effectiveness.

• Continuous Learning: Remi encourages hunters to apply these strategies in the field, adapt based on observations, and continually refine their approach through experience.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Hunter Flexibility:

  "It's a combination of stalking strategy and, you know, still hunting... it's a fun kind of cat and mouse game" (1:10:55).

• On Mule Deer Behavior:

  "Mule deer might do the same general thing, but it's never the same... and that's what makes mule deer so difficult" (1:26:30).

• On Open Country Challenges:

  "In this open country, it could be very difficult to sneak in... finding that right amount of patience" (1:30:10).

• On Hunting Success:

  "It's extremely effective as well on elk... it's a very effective tactic in that western open country" (1:35:45).

Conclusion

Episode 181 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren" offers a comprehensive dive into open country hunting tactics, enriched by Remi's personal experiences and deep understanding of animal behavior. By emphasizing strategic positioning, knowledge of animal routes, and the patience to wait for the right moment, Remi equips hunters with the tools necessary to succeed in expansive and challenging terrains. Whether targeting pronghorn, elk, mule deer, or other species in open environments, the strategies discussed provide a robust framework for enhancing hunting effectiveness and enjoyment.

Note: Timecodes in the quotes are illustrative and correspond to their placement within the summary sections.