Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode: Ep. 188 | E-Scouting Feeding Areas
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Introduction to E-Scouting Feeding Areas
In Episode 188 of Live Wild with Remi Warren, host Remi delves into the critical aspect of E-Scouting, specifically focusing on identifying and utilizing feeding areas to enhance hunting success. Remi emphasizes that understanding and locating these preferred feeding spots is paramount, regardless of the species being hunted—be it deer, elk, or other game animals.
"Understanding what's a feeding area... helps us get into game sooner."
— Remi Warren [04:15]
The Importance of Identifying Feeding Areas
Remi underscores that the foundation of successful hunting lies in the ability to consistently find game animals. He shares his observation that many hunts fail not because of lack of skill, but due to the inability to locate animals. By identifying feeding areas, hunters can strategically position themselves where game is most active, particularly during peak feeding times.
"If you aren't finding the animals, you're just kind of out of luck."
— Remi Warren [06:45]
Species-Specific Feeding Habits
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to understanding the feeding behaviors of different species:
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Mule Deer: Primarily browsers, mule deer thrive on shrubs and forbs. For instance, during early August, they consume more forbs, making this a critical period for focusing on specific feeding areas.
"Mule deer are browsers... during the August season they're really cranking up the eating."
— Remi Warren [11:30] -
Elk: As grazers, elk prefer grass and open meadows but will also consume browse when available. Remi points out that while elk can thrive in timbered areas with ample grass, mule deer require denser brush for browsing.
"Elk can feed in the timber absolutely fine in the places where there's good graze for them."
— Remi Warren [19:50] -
Whitetail Deer: Similar to mule deer, whitetails are browsers but also utilize areas rich in agricultural crops, especially ground corn and alfalfa fields, which serve as significant food sources.
Utilizing Mapping Tools to Identify Feeding Areas
Remi introduces the Onyx app as an indispensable tool for modern hunters. He explains how E-Scouting through satellite imagery and topographical maps allows hunters to pinpoint potential feeding areas without being physically present in the field.
"With the Onyx app, there's endless scouting potential... it's a tool for hunters for e-scouting and navigation."
— Remi Warren [25:10]
Key Features Highlighted:
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Topography Analysis: Understanding slope orientation (north vs. south-facing slopes) to determine moisture levels and vegetation types.
"South facing slopes tend to be a little bit drier... often have more open areas."
— Remi Warren [29:00] -
Satellite Imagery: Identifying burn areas, water sources, and specific vegetation patterns that indicate feeding hotspots.
"Satellite imagery tells us a lot about what the landscape looks like."
— Remi Warren [34:20] -
Specialized Layers: Utilizing layers such as historic wildfire data, thermal deer cover, and specific tree types (e.g., young aspen forests) to refine search areas.
Practical Examples and Hunting Stories
Remi shares compelling hunting anecdotes to illustrate the effectiveness of E-Scouting feeding areas:
-
August Mule Deer Archery Hunt:
- Remi discovered that mule deer favored new buds off mahogany trees during early August, leading him to consistently find deer by targeting these areas.
- Quote:
"I could put myself into deer... by finding the right sage and other food within that."
— Remi Warren [12:50]
-
Elderberry Exploitation in Montana:
- Encountered a productivity spike in mule deer populations due to abundant elderberry growth in specific wet spots amidst dry areas.
- Quote:
"With that little tactic, I turned up over a hundred bucks."
— Remi Warren [45:00]
-
Elk Hunting in Colorado:
- Identified burn areas that had regrown sufficiently, providing excellent grazing opportunities for elk, thereby enhancing the likelihood of successful hunts.
Grading and Prioritizing Feeding Areas
Remi outlines a systematic approach to grading feeding areas based on several criteria:
- Species-Specific Requirements: Tailoring the identification process to the dietary habits of the target species.
- Availability of Food Sources: Assessing how abundant or scarce the feeding resources are in a given area.
- Habitat Features: Evaluating the presence of bedding areas, water sources, and cover, which contribute to an area's attractiveness to game animals.
- Topographical Advantages: Considering aspects like slope orientation and terrain ruggedness to determine the ease of access and the likelihood of animal presence.
- Human Pressure and Accessibility: Favoring less trafficked areas to increase the chances of encountering unpressured game.
"If we understand that we can do some E-scouting, we can highlight those areas and really focus our attention."
— Remi Warren [37:10]
Advanced E-Scouting Techniques with Onyx
Remi delves deeper into the functionalities of the Onyx app, showcasing how advanced layers and features can enhance the E-Scouting process:
-
Historic Wildfire Layers: Identifying areas that have recently burned and assessing their suitability for providing new growth that serves as food.
"A lot of fires and invasive species... but in areas that have recovered well, there's excellent browse."
— Remi Warren [50:30] -
Thermal Deer Cover: Utilizing thermal imagery to locate bedding areas, which can be proximate to feeding areas, thus offering strategic hunting advantages.
"Thermal cover shows you the areas where there's bedding nearby."
— Remi Warren [54:45] -
Young Aspen Forest Detection: Highlighting young aspen patches that provide both cover and a rich food source for deer and elk.
"Young aspen forests... they're like a colony, providing shade and a key food source."
— Remi Warren [58:20]
Strategic Planning and Implementation
Remi emphasizes the importance of integrating E-Scouting data into pre-hunt planning. By meticulously analyzing maps and layering relevant data, hunters can develop a calculated approach to target high-probability feeding areas.
"Grading feeding areas allows us to pinpoint a few places and narrow down large areas to smaller areas where there's a high likelihood that I'm going to encounter animals."
— Remi Warren [1:02:15]
He also advises hunters to validate their findings by cross-referencing map data with real-world observations, ensuring that identified spots are indeed productive hunting grounds.
Final Thoughts and Resources
In concluding the episode, Remi reiterates the significance of E-Scouting as a game-changing tactic in modern hunting. He encourages hunters to leverage technology, like the Onyx app, but also to develop a deep understanding of wildlife behavior and habitat dynamics.
"If you understand all the things and how they all work together, you can continually get on animals, make better plays, and find more success."
— Remi Warren [1:05:50]
Additionally, Remi promotes his Outdoor Class courses, which offer in-depth training on species-specific hunting strategies and the effective use of E-Scouting tools.
For listeners interested in enhancing their hunting strategies through technology and expert insights, Remi offers a 20% discount on Onyx memberships using the code livewild, fostering accessibility to advanced scouting tools.
Key Takeaways
- E-Scouting is Essential: Identifying and leveraging feeding areas through E-Scouting significantly increases hunting success rates.
- Understand Your Target: Different species have distinct feeding habits; tailoring scouting efforts to these behaviors is crucial.
- Utilize Advanced Tools: Mapping applications like Onyx provide invaluable data through satellite imagery, topographical analysis, and specialized layers.
- Strategic Planning: Grading and prioritizing feeding areas based on multiple criteria ensures a focused and effective hunting approach.
- Continuous Learning: Engaging with resources and expert-led courses can deepen understanding and refine hunting tactics.
Remi Warren's expertise and practical advice in this episode equip hunters with the knowledge and tools necessary to enhance their hunting strategies through intelligent E-Scouting and habitat analysis. By integrating these techniques, both novice and seasoned hunters can achieve greater success in their pursuits.