Live Wild with Remi Warren

Episode 184 | E-scouting for Hunt Planning

Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Remi Warren

Introduction to E-Scouting

In Episode 184 of Live Wild with Remi Warren, Remi delves deep into the art and science of E-scouting as a pivotal component of effective hunt planning. Building upon the foundation laid in the previous episode about hunt preparation, Remi emphasizes the role of digital mapping tools in modern hunting strategies.

“E-scouting on your Onyx maps can be a really great way to help build out a hunt plan, explore new areas and maybe find that elk or deer honeyhole for this upcoming season.” – Remi Warren [05:15]

The Importance of E-Scouting

Remi begins by sharing his personal hunting plans for the upcoming season, highlighting the transition to new hunting units in search of productive deer stands. He underscores the challenges of finding quality mule deer and the significance of diversifying hunting locations to enhance success rates.

“Finding good mule deer is one of the hardest things right now.” – Remi Warren [03:45]

He explains that effective E-scouting allows hunters to maximize their time in the field by pre-planning and familiarizing themselves with the terrain, thus increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt.

Key Steps in E-Scouting

Remi outlines 11 essential steps he follows for initial E-scouting, focusing on utilizing digital mapping tools to gain a comprehensive understanding of the hunting area. Here are some of the critical steps he discusses:

1. Identifying Unit Boundaries:
   Start by locating the boundaries of your hunting tag to understand the scope of the area.

   “First thing I do is I identify where my tag's at and look at that unit boundary.” – Remi Warren [22:30]

2. Layer Integration on Onyx Maps:
   Activate various map layers such as land types (public vs. private), roads, trails, and recreational areas to assess accessible hunting zones.

   “Turning on these layers helps me find where I can hunt and the options for accessing those areas.” – Remi Warren [25:10]

3. Analyzing Terrain Features:
   Utilize satellite imagery and 3D views to gauge the topography, identifying valleys, basins, and mountain ranges that are conducive to the target species.

4. Species and Hunt-Specific Planning:
   Tailor your scouting based on the species you intend to hunt (e.g., elk, mule deer, whitetail) and the specific hunting strategies (glassing, calling, etc.) appropriate for different times of the year.

   “Understanding the animal and its habitat is the basis of E-scouting.” – Remi Warren [45:00]

5. Identifying Habitat Features:
   Focus on key elements such as feeding areas, water sources, and cover that are essential for the target species.

6. Utilizing Advanced Map Layers:
   Incorporate additional layers like vegetation types, burn areas, elevation, and wilderness boundaries to refine hunting spots.

7. Pinning and Color-Coding Targets:
   Mark potential hunting spots with pins of specific colors to categorize features like water sources, feeding areas, and glassing vantages for easy reference.

8. Assessing Access Points:
   Determine the best routes into hunting areas by evaluating roads, trails, and natural pathways, ensuring minimal disturbance and optimal positioning.

9. Planning Camping and Base Locations:
   Identify strategic camping spots that offer central access to multiple hunting targets, enhancing efficiency during the hunt.

10. Measuring Distances:
    Use tools like the measure feature on Onyx Maps to calculate distances between key points, facilitating better route planning and positioning.

11. Sharing Information with Hunting Partners:
    Collaborate with hunting buddies by sharing folders and pins, ensuring everyone is aligned on the hunt plan and target locations.

Deep Dive into Onyx Maps Features

Remi showcases the Onyx Maps app as an indispensable tool for E-scouting, highlighting its comprehensive features tailored for hunters:

• Roads, Trails, and Recreation Layers:
  These layers enable hunters to identify accessible roads and trails, assess their condition, and plan entry points.

  “This layer highlights primarily forest service roads, giving me detailed information on road access and management.” – Remi Warren [30:20]

• Vegetation and Burn Areas:
  Understanding vegetation types and historical burn areas helps in identifying potential feeding and bedding sites for game.

• Elevation and Slope Analysis:
  Evaluating slope angles and elevation changes assists in predicting animal movement and locating favorable habitats.

• Wilderness and Restricted Areas:
  Being aware of wilderness boundaries ensures compliance with regulations and helps avoid heavily trafficked zones.

• Drought and Water Data:
  Assessing water availability and drought severity within a unit can influence animal behavior and habitat suitability.

• Communication Zones:
  Mapping cell coverage areas ensures hunters remain connected, enhancing safety during the hunt.

“The Onyx app is a revolutionary tool that’s changed the game for hunting success.” – Remi Warren [50:40]

Species-Specific Hunt Planning

Remi illustrates how E-scouting strategies vary based on the target species and hunting season:

• Elk Hunting:
  Focus on timbered areas with adequate feeding and cover. Utilize burn areas and clear cuts to locate elk feeding zones and glassing vantages.

  “Elk are going to bed in areas with specific slope angles and cover; identifying these on the map greatly increases my chances.” – Remi Warren [42:15]

• Mule Deer Hunting:
  Emphasize open foothills and utilize glassing spots from elevated vantage points to monitor deer movement during migrations or rut periods.

• Whitetail Hunting:
  Target feed trees and bedding areas using thermal deer cover layers to find optimal whitetail habitats.

Organizing and Sharing Scout Data

Remi emphasizes the importance of organizing scouting data through color-coded pins and folders within the Onyx app. By distinguishing between theoretical scouting points and verified field locations, hunters can efficiently manage their hunt plans.

“Using different colors for pins allows me to instantly recognize the type of scouting spot, whether it’s a feeding area, water source, or glassing vantage.” – Remi Warren [58:00]

Additionally, sharing folders with hunting partners ensures collaborative planning and synchronized strategies, enhancing overall hunt effectiveness.

The Evolution of Mapping Technology in Hunting

Reflecting on the advancements in mapping technology, Remi reminisces about the early days of GPS mapping and its transformative impact on hunting success.

“The first Onyx product I got changed my pronghorn hunting success dramatically. It was game-changing.” – Remi Warren [1:10:00]

He highlights how modern apps like Onyx Maps offer detailed GIS data, real-time updates, and seamless sharing capabilities, making them indispensable tools for today’s hunters.

Conclusion

Remi wraps up the episode by reiterating the critical role of E-scouting in successful hunting. He encourages hunters to leverage digital mapping tools like Onyx Maps to enhance their planning, increase efficiency in the field, and ultimately improve their chances of a successful hunt.

“E-scouting is an extremely effective tool, and those who utilize it well have a significant advantage in planning and executing their hunts.” – Remi Warren [1:15:30]

He also shares a discount code for listeners to access Onyx Maps at a reduced rate, reinforcing his commitment to equipping hunters with the best tools available.

Key Takeaways

• E-scouting is essential for effective hunt planning, saving time, and increasing success rates.
• Onyx Maps offers comprehensive features tailored for hunters, including detailed map layers and sharing capabilities.
• Understanding the target species and their habitat is crucial for effective E-scouting.
• Organizing scouting data through color-coded pins and shared folders enhances hunt coordination.
• The evolution of mapping technology has significantly improved hunting strategies and outcomes.

For more insights and detailed hunting strategies, tune into Live Wild with Remi Warren and equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to elevate your hunting experience.