Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode 191: Hunting Transportation
Release Date: July 10, 2025

1. Introduction

In Episode 191 of "Live Wild with Remi Warren," host Remi Warren delves deep into the critical topic of hunting transportation. Recognizing that how hunters access their hunting areas significantly impacts the success and efficiency of their hunts, Remi explores various modes of transportation, their benefits, drawbacks, and how they shape hunt planning.

2. Importance of Transportation in Hunt Planning

Remi emphasizes that transportation is a foundational element of hunt planning. The choice of transportation dictates:

• Access to Hunting Areas: Determines which regions are reachable based on vehicle capabilities.
• Hunt Strategy: Influences how hunters move within their chosen areas, set up base camps, and manage their gear.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Different terrains and seasonal changes may require hunters to adapt their transportation methods.

Key Insight: "How you access an area is a really large part of your hunt plan." [10:30]

3. Overview of Hunting Transportation Modes

Remi categorizes hunting transportation into several modes, detailing each's unique advantages and potential challenges.

a. Trucks and Full-Size Vehicles

Pros:

• Versatility: Can serve as mobile base camps with ample storage for gear and game.
• Towing Capability: Ability to tow trailers for additional equipment or secondary vehicles like UTVs.
• Comfort and Space: Offers space for storing equipment, comfortable ride, and space to transport animals.

Cons:

• Accessibility Limitations: Not all roads are suitable for full-size vehicles, especially in rugged terrains.
• Maintenance Challenges: Modern trucks with computerized systems can be harder to repair in the wild compared to older, mechanical models.

Notable Quote: "A full-size pickup can carry a lot of stuff. You have plenty of room for bringing your animal back out." [45:00]

b. UTVs (Side by Sides)

Pros:

• Enhanced Accessibility: Can reach areas inaccessible to full-size trucks.
• Comfort and Maneuverability: Often equipped with windshields, heaters, and utility beds, making them versatile for various terrains.
• Family-Friendly: Suitable for group hunts and can accommodate extra passengers.

Cons:

• Additional Costs: Requires towing, usually necessitating a trailer.
• Limited Availability: Not all hunters may have access to UTVs, and they can be a significant investment.

Personal Anecdote: Remi shares his recent experience purchasing a new Kawasaki Ridge UTV, highlighting its improved comfort and off-road capabilities.
"I've been utilizing side by sides or UTVs lately because I think it's just a better ride. It allows me to access more areas." [50:15]

c. ATVs (All-Terrain Vehicles)

Pros:

• Cost-Effective: Generally cheaper than UTVs.
• Deep Terrain Access: Ideal for navigating very rough terrains where larger vehicles cannot go.
• Lightweight: Easier to maneuver and recover if stuck.

Cons:

• Limited Storage: Less capacity for gear and game compared to UTVs and trucks.
• Weather Limitations: Exposed nature makes them less suitable for adverse weather conditions.

Story Highlight: Remi recounts a dangerous incident where an ATV flipped while assisting an elderly hunter, underscoring the importance of safety and proper load management.
"There was this guy that just came to help us with the deer, and the ATV flipped with his dog in the front. Thankfully, no one was hurt." [1:45:30]

d. Mountain Bikes and E-Bikes

Pros:

• Environmental Impact: Minimal disturbance to the environment, allowing for stealthier hunts.
• Portability: Easy to transport and store, especially E-bikes which can extend range with assistance.

Cons:

• Physical Demand: Requires significant physical fitness, especially for larger terrains.
• Regulatory Restrictions: E-Bikes may be prohibited on certain trails designated for non-motorized use.

Personal Experience: Remi shares his challenges with mountain biking during hunts, including equipment failures and the physical toll, leading him to prefer E-bikes for their efficiency.
"I ended up falling off my mountain bike because the pedals caught the ground. It was a tough lesson." [1:15:45]

e. Dirt Bikes and E-Dirt Bikes

Pros:

• High Mobility: Excellent for quick scouting and accessing tight trails.
• Dual-Purpose: Can be used for both transportation and scouting simultaneously.

Cons:

• Safety Risks: Higher risk of accidents due to the nature of two-wheeled off-road travel.
• Maintenance: Requires regular upkeep to ensure reliability in the wild.

Example: Remi describes a buddy's use of an E-dirt bike for moose hunting, highlighting its efficiency and lower maintenance compared to traditional dirt bikes.
"He rips through the trails like no other. Electric dirt bikes are a game-changer." [1:30:20]

f. Horses and Mules

Pros:

• Stealth and Quietness: Horses offer silent movement, reducing the chance of alerting game.
• Carrying Capacity: Can carry substantial gear, reducing the need to hike long distances.
• Terrain Navigation: Superior ability to traverse rugged and steep terrains where vehicles cannot go.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Requires knowledge and experience in handling and maintaining horses.
• Investment: High cost of acquiring and maintaining horses, including specialized equipment and transportation.

Personal Insights: Remi discusses the iconic nature of horse-based hunts, sharing experiences from Alaska and the benefits of having helpers to manage horse care in camp.
"Horses bring that added ambiance to the hunt. They're essential for certain wilderness areas." [1:50:10]

g. Llamas and Pack Goats

Pros:

• Lightweight Carriers: Ideal for solo hunters needing to transport essential gear without the bulk.
• Low Maintenance: Require less specialized care compared to horses.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Less common and may not be suitable for all hunting environments.
• Regulatory Concerns: Potential risks of disease transmission to wild animal populations, leading to hesitancy among hunters.

Anecdote: Remi shares his decision to discontinue using pack goats to prevent potential pneumonia outbreaks among wild sheep populations.
"I felt weird about it because everywhere I hunted had wild sheep. Better safe than sorry." [2:10:05]

4. Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

Remi enriches the episode with numerous personal stories that highlight real-world applications and challenges of each transportation mode:

• Truck Reliability: Sharing the difference between older mechanical trucks and newer computer-operated models, emphasizing the ease of field repairs with older trucks.

• UTV Adventures: Describing the benefits of using a fully enclosed UTV during varied seasons and family hunting trips.

• ATV Mishaps: Recounting the dangerous ATV flip incident, stressing the importance of proper loading and safety measures.

• Mountain Bike Trials: Narrating his unsuccessful attempts with mountain biking in hunting scenarios, leading to a preference for E-bikes.

• E-Dirt Bike Efficiency: Highlighting a friend's efficient use of an E-dirt bike for moose hunting, showcasing the advantages of electric-powered transportation.

Notable Quote:
"Sometimes you just cannot tell until you get there. That's why physical scouting is essential." [0:30:50]

5. Tools and Resources

Remi recommends utilizing digital tools to aid in transportation planning:

• OnXmaps: A critical tool for e-scouting, allowing hunters to access road data, restrictions, and satellite imagery to evaluate road conditions before heading out.

  Quote:
  "OnXmaps can tell you if there's a road restriction. It's an awesome tool for planning your access modes." [2:30:40]

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Remi wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of aligning transportation modes with hunting strategies. He encourages hunters to:

• Evaluate Available Modes: Assess what transportation options are accessible based on budget, terrain, and hunting goals.

• Plan Ahead: Integrate transportation planning into the overall hunt preparation to maximize success and safety.

• Stay Adaptable: Be prepared to switch transportation methods if conditions change or initial plans encounter unforeseen obstacles.

Final Quote:
"Think about what your potential ways to access the area are and tailor your hunt towards those areas. It can give you an edge when planning." [2:55:10]

7. Additional Resources

Remi mentions several resources for hunters seeking further information and training:

• Outdoor Classes Website: Offers a variety of courses on archery, mule deer hunting, bow hunting, navigation, survival, and more.

• Promotions: Code "livewild" provides listeners with discounts on memberships and courses.

Closing Note:
"Until next week, I'm just going to say, travel on. We'll catch you guys later." [End: Approximately 3:00:00]

Overall, Episode 191 serves as a comprehensive guide for hunters to assess and choose the most suitable transportation methods for their hunting expeditions. Remi Warren combines practical advice with personal experiences to provide listeners with actionable insights, ensuring better preparation and increased success in their hunting endeavors.