Live Wild with Remi Warren – Episode 201

Title: Old School Skills Every Hunter Should Know
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Host: Remi Warren

Episode Overview

Remi Warren shares eight timeless hunting skills that every hunter should know—skills our grandparents took for granted, which have become increasingly rare in today’s tech-driven hunting world. Drawing from his background as a professional guide, Remi emphasizes practical, “old school” knowledge that remains essential, especially when technology fails. The episode is a mix of storytelling, hands-on advice, and reflections on the traditional sides of hunting that set the foundation for anyone looking to succeed and stay safe in the wild.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance of Old School Skills in a Modern World

• Remi reflects on how technology (GPS, mapping apps, advanced gear) has changed hunting, but stresses that core skills are still vital for safety, confidence, and success.

  “Sometimes that technology can fail you. I think that every hunter should know certain old school tips and tricks.” (10:27)

2. Remi’s Perspective as a Guide

• Guiding exposes him to hunters with varying backgrounds and skill levels. He notices a gap in foundational skills, especially among those who are newer to the outdoors or used to hunting in one region.

  “I notice sometimes where a good number of hunters… maybe don’t have a certain skill that I just take for granted…” (17:05)

3. The 8 Old School Skills Every Hunter Should Know

1. Building a Fire (21:35)

• Always carry more than one fire-starting method (e.g., lighter, striker, waterproof matches).
• Know local fuel sources: Some plants (like pine needles) burn fast, others not at all.
• Practice in wet conditions and know fire safety (“Be very fire safe… Don’t create forest fires, don’t be stupid.” (28:09))
• Make mental notes for good firewood locations as you hike.
• Practice until fire-building is second nature.

2. Knowing Your Cardinal Directions (35:12)

• Understand north, south, east, and west in the terrain.
• Don’t solely rely on a compass or GPS.
• Use the sun’s position as an ever-present guide.

  “For the most part, I know where the sun comes up and I know where the sun sets. And that’s generally how I’m gauging my directions.” (37:45)

• Practice describing locations/directions using cardinal points.

3. Paying Attention to Where You Are – Travel & Navigation (41:55)

• Resist excessive dependence on mapping apps; instead, build a mental map from visual cues.
• Look behind you as you travel in to remember the way out.
• Use storytelling: relate features to help remember routes.
• Classic “lost” stories reinforce the value of these habits.

  “Your primary navigation should not be that. Your primary navigation should be paying attention to where you’re going.” (48:23)

4. Hunt the Wind (53:10)

• Animal survival depends on scent; always approach with the wind in your favor.
• Adapt to the conditions—if the wind is wrong, change tactics.
• Modern scent-control products are helpful, but nothing replaces wind strategy.

5. Reading the Weather (58:12)

• Learn to predict weather and wind by observing clouds, thermals, changes in wind speed, and shifts in air patterns.
• Use real-time cues over weather apps for immediate decisions.

  “Just understanding… what the wind’s doing, what it might be doing a little bit later is a good skill to have…” (1:02:14)

6. Getting Closer (1:04:32)

• Modern equipment enables longer shots, but stalking closer increases success and the hunting experience.
• Reminisces on his grandfather’s approach: simple gear, deep knowledge, and up-close encounters.
• Encourage personal challenge:

  “What I’ve started doing is just like, I’m just going to get to 30 [yards]. 30 is a chip shot compared to 60…” (1:11:20)

7. Range Estimation (1:14:52)

• Practice guessing distances and verifying with a rangefinder.
• Important for both archery and rifle hunting, especially when electronics fail.
• Environmental factors can skew perception—keep practicing.

  “The rangefinder is probably the single most…archery specific tool that has increased success…” (1:18:13)

• Share success/failure stories highlighting this skill’s value.

8. Knife Sharpening (1:25:00)

• Always carry a sharpener and know how to restore an edge, not just replace blades.
• A sharp, solid knife outperforms replaceable-blade models for many tasks.
• Practice at home before relying on it in the field.

  “Just getting a knife, sharpening it, practicing sharpening your knife before you get out in the field, that’s just like a basic skill that…makes you a better hunter.” (1:29:45)

4. Conservation as an “Old School” Principle (1:33:18)

• Remi discusses his long-standing support for the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and highlights hunters’ vital role in conservation.
• Suggests that joining a conservation group is one of the most important “old school” traditions hunters can maintain.

5. Continuous Learning & Community (1:38:09)

• Encourages hunters to keep learning, practice, and share their own lists of essential skills.
• Invites listeners to reach out, share feedback, and contribute to future episodes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On practicing in all conditions:
  “Practice building fires in wet conditions, even when you don’t need it…because you’re gonna, like, through that trial and error…build this muscle memory…” (27:25)

• On navigation:
  “You can rely on it [technology] less…if you just put your head up, pay attention, look behind you as you’re moving…” (43:01)

• On getting closer:
  “There are all the skills that involve being sneakier, staying unseen, moving in—the skill of getting closer is, I think, we’ve replaced with being able to shoot further.” (1:10:09)

• On range estimation:
  “If they just got rid of range finders, honestly the [archery] success rates would plummet.” (1:19:30)

• On the importance of sharpening:
  “A sharp knife does way better work when it comes to processing…Knowing when to sharpen that knife…is important.” (1:27:42)

• On the value of conservation:
  “The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is the reason we have a lot of the opportunities…Hunting and conservation go hand in hand.” (1:35:18)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 21:35 – Fire building fundamentals
• 35:12 – Understanding and using cardinal directions
• 41:55 – Navigation skills and remembering your route
• 53:10 – How and why to hunt the wind
• 58:12 – Reading weather and wind in the field
• 1:04:32 – The importance and method of getting closer
• 1:14:52 – Range estimation in hunting
• 1:25:00 – Knife sharpening skills and tips
• 1:33:18 – The role of conservation in hunting
• 1:38:09 – Invitation to feedback and ongoing learning

Tone and Language

Remi maintains a conversational, practical, and encouraging tone throughout the episode. His approach is humble and rooted in extensive personal experience, freely admitting where technology is useful—but always advocating for foundational skills as key to a successful hunting experience.

Summary

This episode is a rich resource for new and seasoned hunters alike. Remi’s eight core skills—fire building, cardinal navigation, situational awareness, wind strategy, weather reading, stalking closer, range estimation, and knife sharpening—provide a foundation not just for hunting, but for safe, enjoyable, and resilient time afield. The episode is filled with practical advice, memorable stories, and friendly encouragement to embrace both tradition and technology, but never lose sight of the skills that truly make one "live wild."