Live Wild with Remi Warren – Episode 197 | Live Q & A

Date: August 21, 2025
Host: Remi Warren

Episode Overview

In this Elk Month special, Remi Warren hosts a live call-in Q&A covering elk hunting strategies, gear, and tactics just ahead of the September hunting season. Remi takes listener questions from across the West, offering his seasoned advice to both new and experienced hunters. Special giveaways of Jetboil stoves, elk month hunting tips, and personal anecdotes make this episode especially engaging for the elk-obsessed.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Elk Scouting with Trail Cameras

Caller: Bridger from Montana ([04:36])

• Scenario: Multiple bulls seen on one wallow via a single camera, but the activity is inconsistent.

• Remi’s advice:

  • Elk often make a circuit, visiting several water sources irregularly.
  • Use camera intel to determine what’s possible in your area, but remember that patterns may shift as the season (and rut) approaches.
  • In early September, focus on these wallows as bulls will be bachelored up, with some still using water sources before rutting activity ramps up.
  • Consider cow calling and glassing early in the season to relocate these bulls.

  “I primarily use that camera intel as, you know, understanding what elk are in that area. Like, what’s potentially possible when it comes to targeting those specific elk.” – Remi (07:08)

2. Timing & Location for Peak Rut

Caller: Ryan from North Dakota ([09:22])

• Question: When does the Montana rut peak, and should one hunt high/elevated or be flexible?
• Remi’s response:

  • Rut timing is variable—it’s more about when cows go into estrus, influenced by moon phase and, mainly, weather.

  • Cooler, higher elevations often trigger earlier rut activity than valley floors.

  • Early rut can be best for targeting big bulls before they’re haremmed up.

  • For 2025, Remi predicts the rut may ramp up earlier (“around the 13th, maybe even like the 10th to 18th”) due to the early full moon.

    “Predicting the elk rut is like the weatherman… you have all the things lined up for the forecast, and it still rains.” – Remi (09:50)

3. Returning to Productive Areas

Caller: Josh Ramirez from Washington ([14:58])

• Question: Should you stick with a proven area (where he shot a 309" Roosevelt and sees recurring elk), or risk trying new spots?

• Remi’s advice:

  • If you've found elk and they’re unpressured, stick with it until there’s a clear reason to move.

  • Always have backup spots in mind, but don’t abandon what works.

  • Elk can be predictable—sometimes showing up in the same areas year after year around rut.

    “You can go to find elk somewhere else, but you’ve already found elk. It’s… Elk can be pretty predictable in a way.” – Remi (15:59)

• Memorable moment: Josh wins the Jetboil Genesis base camp stove ([19:00]).

4. Tree Stand Elk Hunting in Grizzly Country

Caller: Annie from Idaho ([20:42])

• Question: Tips for hunting elk from a tree stand in high grizzly zones; stand placement and calling techniques?
• Remi’s tips:

  • Stand Placement:

    • Wallow setups are most productive for concentrating bulls, especially in archery season.
    • Travel corridors (saddles/pinch points) can also work well; use trail cams for recon.

  • Calling from Stands:

    • Simulate realistic noise—splash in water, toss rocks, bugle, and throw out cow mews.
    • Beware: calling can also spook elk; often most effective earlier or when you know elk are close.

    “I would set up some trail cams in those, like, travel corridors because you’ll get that you’re better off in some ways catching them from feed to bedding if you’ve got a good, like, pinch point.” – Remi (21:40)

5. Late Season Elk Calling and Techniques

Caller: Scott from Arizona ([25:43])

• Question: What calls and calling should new hunters use on a late-season (post-Thanksgiving) northern Arizona rifle hunt?
• Remi’s response:

  • Cow calls are more important than bugles late season; have a simple cow call easily accessible (diaphragm, open reed, or bite and blow).

  • Use cow calls to stop and calm elk for a shot (even with just your voice, if needed).

  • Late-season elk focus on feed/bedding patterns; calls aren’t for attracting, but for momentary halts.

    “My call is not necessarily to bring a bull in. It’s just stop a bull…” – Remi (26:32)

6. Hunting Solo vs. With a Partner

Caller: Jamie from Colorado ([30:58])

• Question: Pros and cons of solo archery elk hunting vs. hunting with a partner, and finding a reliable hunting buddy.
• Remi’s insights:

  • Elk hunting is designed for two people—success rates go up with a caller and shooter.

  • Finding a trustworthy partner is tough; start by scouting new areas together to “own” a spot as a team.

  • Protecting your honey hole: be selective about bringing others to proven productive areas.

  • Teamwork helps especially with packing out elk.

    “Finding a hunting buddy is probably harder than finding elk.” – Remi (33:19)

7. When to Move on a Bugling Bull

Caller: Larry from Indiana ([36:10])

• Situation: After bugling with an aggressive bull across a basin in Idaho, they circled the basin but lost the bull.

• Remi’s analysis:

  • Bulls rarely move long distances to you—sometimes it’s better to move in, sometimes to wait, depending on the bull’s behavior.

  • With two people, one caller can keep the bull engaged while the other moves in.

  • Be proactive; don’t second-guess aggressive moves—they often give better odds than waiting.

  • Lone bulls are likelier to come to a call.

    “You can do the right thing and the elk do the wrong thing. And that doesn’t mean that you did anything wrong.” – Remi (40:34)

• Memorable moment: Larry wins the Jetboil Flash 1.0 ([41:05]).

8. Getting Prepared for a Guided Archery Hunt (Physical & Mental Tips)

Caller: Matt ([42:05])

• Question: How to prepare physically and mentally for a first guided Montana September archery hunt.
• Remi’s advice:

  • Physical:

    • Be as fit as possible; but don’t burn out by trying to match a guide’s pace.
    • Communicate with your guide if you need a break.
    • Save your energy for critical moments.

  • Shooting practice:

    • Train for scenario shots—awkward angles, long holds, brushy lanes, and non-standard distances.
    • Practice “hunting” shots: through cover, sub-20 yards, off-angles, and drawing with elk close.

  • Mental:

    • Visualize scenarios, prepare for “panic moments”, and try shooting after physical exertion.
    • Be coachable and ready to adapt to your guide’s style and forest conditions.

    “Shooting like a hunting scenario. You’re probably not going to get a shot at an elk that’s like, standing there with a lot of time…” – Remi (47:17)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On rut timing predictions:
  “Predicting the elk rut is like the weatherman… you have all the things lined up for the forecast, and it still rains.” – Remi (09:50)

• On sticking with proven elk areas:
  “You can go to find elk somewhere else, but you’ve already found elk…” – Remi (15:59)

• On finding hunting partners:
  “Finding a hunting buddy is probably harder than finding elk.” – Remi (33:19)

• On aggressive hunting moves:
  “You can do the right thing and the elk do the wrong thing. And that doesn’t mean that you did anything wrong.” – Remi (40:34)

Giveaways Recap

• Jetboil Genesis Base Camp Stove Winner: Josh Ramirez, WA ([19:00])
• Jetboil Flash 1.0 Winner: Larry, IN ([41:05])

Additional Tips & Resources

• Gear Discounts: Jetboil stoves (20% off with code LIVEWILD), Mountain Tough training programs, and Stone Glacier packs (free shipping with code).
• YouTube Content: Remi mentions new elk and ibex hunt videos, including high-point and late-season hunts ([50:00]).
• Preparation advice: Physical readiness, mental training, gear practice, and backup hunting plans are emphasized throughout.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trail Camera Elk Scouting: 04:36 – 08:49
• Montana Elk Rut Timing: 09:22 – 14:34
• Elk Spot Fidelity: 14:58 – 20:03
• Tree Stand Elk Hunting: 20:42 – 25:32
• Late Season Elk Calling: 25:43 – 30:44
• Solo vs. Partner Bowhunting: 30:56 – 36:01
• Bugling Bull Strategy: 36:10 – 41:52
• First Time Guided Hunt Tips: 42:05 – 49:57

Tone & Style Notes

Remi’s tone is practical, encouraging, and personal, using real-world anecdotes to drive home each tactic or piece of gear advice. His energy peaks when discussing in-season elk strategies and he’s consistently supportive of both new and veteran callers.

For listeners who missed the episode, this Q&A is packed with real-world elk strategies, honest answers, and Remi’s trademark enthusiasm to get you ready for the September elk woods.