Live Wild with Remi Warren

Episode 207 | Live Wild Call-in Q&A
October 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode features a live call-in Q&A, where Remi Warren, experienced hunter and guide, takes calls from listeners seeking advice on varied hunting topics—from stalking mule deer among hikers to glassing for elusive Coues deer. Remi provides practical, field-tested tips for listeners across the hunting experience spectrum, sharing anecdotes and tactics for a successful hunt. He also gives away prizes to select callers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mule Deer Hunting in Recreation-Heavy Areas

Caller: Tanner, North of Salt Lake City, UT ([05:33])

• Question: How to succeed at archery mule deer hunting in popular public lands with many hikers and cyclists?
• Remi’s Insights:
  • Deer in high-traffic areas may tolerate humans but become wary if human behavior shifts from casual to stalking.
    • “The more mature animals don’t act like the younger animals. The immature ones will be pretty okay with a lot of traffic, but as soon as you change your behavior, you trigger that instinct of, ‘Oh, this is a predator.’” ([07:12])
  • Generally, it’s best to approach all deer as if they’re highly skittish, even in high-use areas.
  • Sometimes acting like a nonchalant hiker can get you closer, but it’s inconsistent and riskier with mature bucks.
  • Tactical tip: Use the patterns of recreational traffic for cover, but always assume the most pressured deer will be the toughest.
  • “Treat them all like the ones that are really skittish and try to make the best plays possible.” ([09:53])

2. Hiking In & Out in the Dark—Will I Blow Out Deer?

Caller: Logan ([11:50])

• Question: Is moving in before daylight risky for spooking deer?
• Remi’s Insights:
  • Not overly worried about hiking in the dark; the goal is to reach optimal glassing spots by daylight.
  • Prioritize wind direction and approach. If possible, avoid walking directly into deer bedding areas with the wrong wind, even at night.
  • “I don’t really think you blow out too much stuff in that in-between time.” ([13:49])
  • If there’s heavy sign, consider waiting till legal shooting light if you're concerned, but don’t consistently delay and miss prime time.

3. Archery Cow Elk Tactics

Caller: Darren, Vineyard, UT ([14:33])

• Question: Strategies for calling or stalking cow elk, which seem less responsive than bulls?
• Remi’s Tips:
  • Cows are herd animals; typically more focus on spot-and-stalk or ambush.
  • Use “lost cow” or “lost calf” mews. These can sometimes bring curious cows in, though less frequently than bulls.
    • “Sometimes I’ve had cows run a mile away just to come back and check that out.” ([15:48])
  • Make gentle cow noise when you accidentally spook the herd—it can convince cows to circle back or hold up for a shot.
  • Over-calling with a distressed sound can work but may only bring in cows looking head-on, making for tough shots.
  • Combination of cautious stalking and light calling works best.

4. Trophy Blacktail Hunting in Dense West Coast Country

Caller: Josh, Puyallup, WA ([19:40])

• Question: Tips for finding mature blacktail bucks in dense forests with limited glassing and mostly seeing does and small bucks?
• Remi’s Strategy:
  • Rut timing is crucial—mature bucks often appear late in the season, visiting does’ territories as the rut approaches.
  • Preseason scouting—find where mature bucks live using trail cameras or summer velvet scouting if legal.
  • Be patient: “The guys that kill them regularly, have them figured out and just put in a ton of time…” ([22:58])
  • Focus on productive clear cuts and “doe pockets”; as rut nears, keep watching the same productive areas.
  • Prime time for big bucks is often first/last light or even random late-morning/midday movement, especially as rut ramps up.
  • “Those bigger deer are going to be that first five to ten minutes of shooting light and the last five to ten minutes…” ([26:21])
  • Advice: If you have a week, spend it in the areas where you’re consistently seeing does and young bucks.

5. Fire & Scent While Hunting

Caller: Jerem, Wyoming ([28:57])

• Question: Impact of campfires on hunting—do smoke and scent disturb game or mask human odor?
• Remi’s Experience:
  • Fires are standard late-season for warmth; animals generally don’t mind smoke unless directly winded, which would give you away with or without smoke.
  • Remi relates hunting in Forest Service burn areas where elk fed within yards of burning piles.
    • “The animals just don’t care. ... I don’t really think it messes with elk too much.” ([30:27])
  • Pro tip: Use fire for comfort—makes long, cold glassing sessions more tolerable and effective.
  • “Always bring [tin foil] … we make paninis, grilled cheese, heat up soup… it’s the life, man.” ([32:35])

6. Glassing for Coues Deer—How Long to Stay Put?

Caller: Corey, Queen Creek, AZ ([33:38])

• Question: Glassing strategy for bowhunting Coues deer—how long to sit versus move spots?
• Remi’s Approach:
  • For Coues deer, sit much longer compared to other species—can be hours or even all day at a single, proven vantage point.
    • “With Coues deer, if I’ve got a good vantage, I will sit there and pick it apart a lot longer than I will with any other species.” ([34:28])
  • If new to the area and have little intel, start by moving more, sitting an hour per spot. Once you confirm deer presence, increase time at each vantage.
  • Utilize changing light/shadows to help reveal hidden deer.
  • “You’re always surprised at what you end up turning up that you didn’t see … after you sat there for a while.” ([36:23])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On acting “natural” among deer in recreation areas:
  “I treat them all like the ones that are really skittish and try to make the best plays possible, to be honest.”
  — Remi Warren ([09:53])

• On hiking in the dark:
  “Honestly, I don’t really think that you blow out too much stuff in that in-between time... It’s a natural part of the hunt.”
  — Remi Warren ([13:49])

• On searching for trophy bucks:
  “It just is often a luck and time game. You either have enough, you just have to have enough time to get lucky…”
  — Remi Warren ([23:48])

• On fires and scent cover:
  “The animals just don’t care … I don’t really think it messes with elk too much. … Use fire for comfort—that way you can stay out on the mountain longer.”
  — Remi Warren ([30:27], [32:06])

• On Coues deer glassing:
  “If I know that this is a spot where deer are … I’m a lot more apt to just sit and pick it apart.”
  — Remi Warren ([35:26])

Prize Giveaways

• Day Six Gear Winner: Darren from Vineyard, UT wins hats and shirts ([19:06]).
• Roka Sunglasses Winner: Corey from Queen Creek, AZ, wins his pick of Roka sunglasses ([37:08]).

Segment Highlights with Timestamps

• [05:33–11:41] — Mule deer in high-use areas, behavior differences between mature and young deer, strategies for pressured public land
• [11:50–14:27] — Hiking in before daylight, how much risk of spooking animals; wind and approach
• [14:33–19:39] — Cow elk archery tactics, cow calling, spot-and-stalk, use of “lost calf” calls
• [19:40–28:52] — Trophy blacktail in thick timber, rut timing, scouting, persistence vs. luck
• [28:57–33:35] — Lighting fires while hunting: scent, comfort, animal behavior
• [33:38–37:49] — Coues deer glassing strategies, when to sit, when to move

Tone & Takeaways

Remi’s tone is approachable, honest, and experience-based. He emphasizes that many aspects of successful hunting—especially for mature animals—boil down to patience, thoughtful adaptation, and simply spending enough time in the field. He couples technical advice with entertaining stories and practical wisdom, giving hunters across skill levels useful, actionable advice.

For questions or topics you want Remi to cover on future episodes, reach out via social media. And remember: live wild!