Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode: Ep. 189 | E-Scouting Bedding Areas
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Introduction to E-Scouting and Bedding Areas
In Episode 189 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," host Remi delves into the final segment of his E-Scouting series, focusing on identifying and targeting bedding areas—a critical component for successful big game hunting. Remi emphasizes that understanding and locating bedding areas can significantly enhance hunting efficiency by pinpointing where animals spend the majority of their day.
Understanding E-Scouting
Remi begins by recapping the E-Scouting series, highlighting the importance of analyzing terrain features to determine the most productive hunting areas. He explains that E-Scouting allows hunters to evaluate different regions based on travel routes, feeding areas, and species-specific behaviors to identify zones with the highest likelihood of yielding successful hunts.
"When we're E scouting before we even get into the field, we can highlight areas that are just going to be more successful, more productive for whatever we're going to hunt."
[Timestamp: 04:30]
The Significance of Bedding Areas
Bedding areas are identified as "the secret sauce" for Western big game hunts. Remi underscores that targeting these areas provides insights into where animals are most stationary, offering hunters strategic advantages such as better stalking opportunities and the ability to set up effective ambush points.
"Bedding areas are kind of the way that I pinpoint where I actually contribute a lot of success to."
[Timestamp: 05:15]
He shares personal anecdotes illustrating the success achieved by focusing on bedding areas, including memorable stories of exceptional hunts.
Defining Bedding Areas
Remi breaks down the concept of bedding areas, explaining that these are locations where animals choose to rest during the day or night. He clarifies that bedding can occur at different times depending on the species and seasonal conditions.
"A bedding area is where animals choose to bed. Okay. What are they doing? They're bedding down."
[Timestamp: 17:45]
Factors Influencing Bedding Choices
Two primary factors influence where animals bed:
- Climate Control: Animals seek shade to regulate body temperature in hot conditions and sun exposure to stay warm in cold climates.
- Security: Bedding areas must offer safety from predators, prompting animals to select locations where they feel secure.
Remi illustrates how these factors combine to create ideal bedding spots.
"They bed in places that they feel very safe. So what we can do is we can take those two things, body heat regulation and security, and overlay those two things and we have ideal bedding."
[Timestamp: 20:10]
Identifying Bedding Areas on a Map
Utilizing tools like the ONX Maps app, Remi demonstrates how to identify potential bedding areas by analyzing terrain features and vegetation. He highlights the importance of understanding tree species, canopy density, and wind patterns to locate areas that meet climate and security criteria.
"I've got the map set to hybrid mode, so I've got the topo lines on and then I've got my satellite imagery. Satellite imagery is huge for this because cover is very important when it comes to bedding."
[Timestamp: 35:25]
Analyzing Vegetation and Topography
Remi emphasizes the role of specific tree species and topographical formations in creating conducive bedding environments. He discusses how different trees provide varying levels of shade and airflow, essential for thermal regulation and security.
"Juniper trees can create thick, dense cover that blocks the breeze, which might be less ideal, whereas mahogany patches offer good shade combined with airflow."
[Timestamp: 38:50]
Grading Bedding Areas
Grading involves assessing potential bedding sites based on their alignment with the identified factors of climate control and security. Remi outlines a systematic approach to rank bedding areas, assigning higher priority to spots that best meet the necessary conditions for animal comfort and safety.
"When grading, we're attributing points to factors like wind profile, view, and escape routes to prioritize the most promising bedding locations."
[Timestamp: 55:40]
Seasonal Considerations in Bedding Behavior
Remi explores how bedding behavior changes with the seasons, noting that in the summer, shade is paramount to prevent overheating, while in the winter, animals seek out areas that retain heat. He provides examples of how bedding locations shift accordingly to meet these seasonal needs.
"In the summer, bedding areas with dense shade and good airflow are ideal, whereas in the winter, bedding spots that trap heat from the sun become crucial."
[Timestamp: 44:20]
Practical Application in the Field
Transitioning from theory to practice, Remi advises hunters on how to apply E-Scouting insights during actual hunts. He shares strategies for glassing—scanning the landscape for visible signs of bedding—and adjusting hunting tactics based on real-time observations and map data.
"Once you're in the field and you spot a deer bedded in a particular area, you can mark it on your map and use that information to focus your search in similar regions."
[Timestamp: 1:15:00]
Conservation and Land Management Advocacy
Towards the episode's conclusion, Remi shifts focus to broader issues affecting hunting and conservation. He advocates for the role of hunters in conservation efforts and encourages listeners to support organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to ensure sustainable land and wildlife management.
"One of the biggest things that we gotta remember is our role as hunters in conservation and passing that on to the next generation."
[Timestamp: 1:19:30]
Remi passionately discusses the implications of public land sales and the importance of active participation in conservation to protect hunting grounds and wildlife habitats.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Remi wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to continue honing their E-Scouting skills and utilizing available resources, such as outdoor classes and mapping tools, to enhance their hunting strategies. He emphasizes the cumulative nature of the knowledge shared in the podcast series, assuring that consistent application will lead to improved hunting success.
"These are going to be key, not just for E-Scouting, but also when you're in the field to think about how animals utilize the landscape."
[Timestamp: 1:18:10]
He concludes with a motivational note, urging hunters to "find the shade" and apply the discussed techniques to achieve more productive hunts.
Key Takeaways
- E-Scouting: A strategic approach to evaluate and identify productive hunting areas based on terrain and animal behavior.
- Bedding Areas: Critical zones where animals rest, pivotal for planning successful hunts.
- Climate and Security: Primary factors influencing bedding site selection, encompassing temperature regulation and predator avoidance.
- Mapping Tools: Essential for analyzing and grading potential bedding areas through detailed vegetation and topographical data.
- Seasonal Adaptations: Understanding how bedding behavior shifts with changing seasons to optimize hunting strategies.
- Conservation Advocacy: The role of hunters in supporting conservation efforts to maintain sustainable wildlife and land management.
By meticulously analyzing bedding areas through E-Scouting, Remi equips hunters with the knowledge to enhance their hunting effectiveness while advocating for responsible conservation practices. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for both novice and seasoned hunters aiming to refine their strategies and achieve greater success in the wild.