Live Wild with Remi Warren – Ep. 203 | Elk Strategies

Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Remi Warren
Theme: Remi shares an in-depth story from a recent public land archery elk hunt, breaking down real-life strategies, lessons, and tactics to help hunters—new and experienced—improve their elk hunting success.

Episode Overview

Remi Warren recounts a recent, action-packed public land archery elk hunt, highlighting both the successes and close calls experienced while hunting with friends and a young participant. He uses the adventure as a framework to distill practical elk strategies: from mindset and movement, to wind and patience, to reading calling scenarios. Rich with storytelling, this episode blends hard-earned wisdom, tactical advice, and memorable moments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Story of the Hunt: Archery Elk Adventure

[04:51 – 57:42]

• Remi hunts with friends Joe, Casey, and their 9-year-old daughter, Harper, aiming to help Casey get her first bull elk with a bow.

• Terrain & Conditions: Steep, deadfall-riddled mountain; thick timber; unpredictable winds; frequent violent storms in the afternoon.

• First Morning:

  • Immediate bull responses to calling; multiple close-range encounters but foiled by swirling wind and dense cover.
  • “You just don’t know—that might have been our chance. But what an incredible morning.” – Remi ([41:22])

• Unique Encounter:

  • At one point, a cow and calf sprint through the group; a calf almost knocks over Harper.
  • “I think Joe had to like push Harper aside because...just full tilt running.” ([34:58])

• Pressure & Competition:

  • Hunting on weekends yielded surprisingly little pressure, weekdays brought more hunters.
  • Adjustments in calling volume and timing to avoid cueing in nearby hunters.

• Afternoon Sessions:

  • Strategic positioning to account for both wind and the elk’s movement patterns.
  • Overcoming deadfall and physical obstacles, Casey powers through despite a torn ACL.
  • “Harper, who’s nine, is like, ‘This is a jungle gym!’...she did twice the bad deadfall, just keeping up.” ([44:07])

• Multiple Setups, Multiple Shots:

  • A unique occurrence: calling in a bull where Casey misses, but Joe capitalizes and successfully arrows the bull at close range, all with Harper observing.
  • Later while processing the elk, another bull bugles and comes in close.
  • “I’ve never seen it—backing someone up in archery doesn’t happen very often.” ([56:17])

• The Pack Out:

  • Challenging but satisfying—carrying elk meat and gear through deadfall in the dark.
  • “Best feeling in the world...when you’ve got it to the truck and you’re done. I don’t know why I do that every time.” ([58:27])

2. Breakdown of Core Elk Hunting Strategies

A. Effort: Go the Best Way, Not the Easy Way

[59:43 – 1:04:30]

• To find success, hunters must be willing to put in the effort: going where the elk are, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable.
• “My number one mantra, if you take anything from this podcast: go the best way, not the easy way.” ([1:01:12])
• True success comes from being where the elk are, at the right time, no matter the effort involved.
• Waiting, debating, or shortcuts often result in missed opportunities.

B. Playing the Wind: Patience & Precision

[1:04:31 – 1:09:20]

• Understanding and using the wind is a non-negotiable part of elk hunting, especially for archery.
• Timing is crucial: Sometimes the wind is wrong, and patience is required before making a move.
• “Being patient at the right time is probably one of the most successful tools you can have.” ([1:07:47])
• On their successful day, Remi credits their kill entirely to waiting for the wind and thermals to align with their position.

C. Reading & Matching the Calling Scenario

[1:09:21 – 1:19:37]

• Tailor your calls to the temperament of the elk.

• Solo Bulls vs. Herd Bulls: Adjust bugling and cow calling accordingly.

• “For successful elk calling...know the right calls to make, and when and how to make them.” ([1:09:45])

• Read how bulls respond: Are they bugling back to cow calls or only to challenge bugles?

• The majority of calling setups result in no shooting opportunity; careful positioning is essential.

• Example:

  • “…this isn’t ‘bust in here and get them riled up’—it’s cow call, light bugle, and wait ten minutes. Understanding the temperament of the elk…makes a big difference.” ([1:12:30])

• Be Flexible:

  • What works one day, or on one group of elk, may not work the next.
  • “Being flexible and understanding why and when certain elk might call, and how to respond, is going to draw more bulls into your location.” ([1:16:29])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Elk Hunting Mantra:
  “Go the best way, not the easy way.” – Remi ([1:01:12])

• On Commitment & Physical Challenge:
  “We had success with a nine-year-old girl with us. She did incredible…but she was willing. We put in the effort.” ([1:03:16])

• On Pack Outs & Perseverance:
  “Best feeling in the world when you’ve done a hard pack out and you’ve got it to the truck and you’re done.” ([58:27])

• On Patience:
  “Being patient at the right time…is probably one of the most successful tools you can have.” ([1:07:47])

• On Calling:
  “Read the situation…what kind of bull is responding? What kind of calls are bringing him in?” ([1:13:03])

• A Unique Experience:
  “Never had that happen—calling a bull, one person misses it, and another person shoots it. That doesn’t happen in archery.” ([56:17])

Important Timestamps & Segments

• [04:51] Hunt story begins—group composition and early challenges.
• [16:30] First close bull encounter: wind and terrain problems.
• [34:58] The cow/calf sprint; wild and close call.
• [44:07] Overcoming deadfall and difficulty with a child in tow.
• [56:17] The shot sequence: Casey misses, Joe kills, unique backup.
• [58:27] The tough but rewarding pack out.
• [59:43] Shift to strategy breakdown: effort, wind, calls.
• [1:01:12] “Go the best way, not the easy way.”—core mantra.
• [1:07:47] “Patience at the right time” and its importance.
• [1:09:45] Nuances of elk calling and reading elk behavior.

Key Takeaways for Listeners

• Success in elk hunting is built on effort, adaptability, and patience. Consistent success comes to those who are willing to hike the extra mile, hunt the difficult spots, and wait for the right wind and moment.
• Reading elk and the calling scenario is as much art as science: Tactics must fit the animal’s mood, herd composition, and the ever-changing environment.
• Memorable hunts are defined by adventure and adversity. Not everything goes perfectly, but perseverance and teamwork create the experiences that matter.

Authentic Closing

Remi closes by reflecting on learning from each hunt, appreciating the hard days as much as the successful ones, and encouraging hunters to analyze what worked and what didn’t. He teases a follow-up episode with more stories and tactical breakdowns.

“Sometimes it just helps people build a picture—if you encounter something similar, what should you do? What works best here?” – Remi ([1:19:30])

This summary preserves Remi’s authentic, conversational tone and offers a practical roadmap for elk hunters inspired by real, lived experiences in the wild.