Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode 212 | Thanksgiving Day Deer and Five Tactics and Mechanics for Successful Bowhunting
Release Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Remi Warren

Episode Overview

In this episode, Remi Warren shares the story of his Thanksgiving Day hunt—an ongoing family tradition—and distills five essential tactics and mechanics that have led to his consistent bowhunting success. Remi illustrates how these principles, practiced in both high-stakes and easier hunts, underpin reliable performance and positive outcomes in the field. Whether hunting trophy game or antlerless deer, Remi’s approach emphasizes repetition, process, and presence of mind.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Thanksgiving Day Tradition (03:13–13:15)

• Remi recounts the origins of his Thanksgiving hunting tradition—a day filled with memorable hunts and family camaraderie. He describes his first Thanksgiving success at age 18, when the family meal became a midnight turkey sandwich after a late elk pack out.
• Over the years, similar stories have unfolded: accidental doubles with his brother, last-light successes, and the family joke of planning Thanksgiving dinner for 10pm so someone always returns with game.
• This year, Remi hunted with his father-in-law and two-year-old son. With a laid-back approach—driving, glassing, and taking what the day offered—Remi harvested a whitetail doe with his bow while his son napped in the truck.
• Quote:
  "It's just one of those... Sometimes the hunt is about—like, I’ve done every kind of hunt, right? Multi-day solo trips into the mountain and then driving around with a sleeping child hoping to find a doe." (08:37)

Memorable Moment

• The relaxed, flexible attitude leading to success underscores that meaningful hunts can happen in both rigorous and casual circumstances.

2. Consistency and the "Automatic Process" (13:15–15:41)

• Success, Remi argues, hinges on a repeatable process—applicable to both the easiest and most challenging hunts. He emphasizes that mechanics learned through repetition provide consistency, regardless of the hunt's intensity.
• Practicing these habits until they become second nature increases reliability when the pressure is on.
• Quote:
  "With the right mechanics and doing the same... there's like a certain set way of doing things... it’s the same process, the same mechanics. This seems to work no matter the situation." (12:58)

3. The Five Mechanics of Bowhunting Success

I. Knowing and Mastering Your Range (20:25–25:06)

• Accurate range estimation or laser rangefinding is crucial. Remi shares tactics such as:
  • Ranging terrain features near the animal if the animal itself can’t be ranged.
  • Counting down steps as you stalk if the scenario becomes dynamic.
  • Pre-scouting distances using mapping apps (e.g., OnX Measure Tool).
• Over- or under-ranging, or panicking in the process, causes many failures.
• Quote:
  "Understanding the range is important because I think a lot of the failure happens with wrong range. Panicked on the ranging. Too much ranging, under and overconfidence in the ranging." (24:11)

II. Drawing Unseen—Timing and Stealth (25:13–31:21)

• Remi stresses drawing out of sight, whenever possible—behind cover, hill pitches, or when the animal’s distracted.
• He recalls guiding a hunter who stood up in full view to draw, blowing the hunt—a cautionary tale.
• The anchor point and leveling of the bow must be established before rising to shoot; this allows for calm, focused execution instead of panicked, rushed shots.
• Quote:
  "My strategy is always, if possible, to draw out of sight... You want that motion of draw to be unnoticed." (28:39)

III. Anticipating Animal Movement & "The Drop" (31:21–36:54)

• Reading body language is key—particularly for alert whitetail and mule deer, which "drop" at the shot to launch away.
• Different species react uniquely:
  • Whitetails and mule deer: drop straight down
  • Axis deer: spin
  • Elk: spin more due to heavy antlers
• Remi aims below the belly line on an alert deer, adjusting aim based on species, behavior, and shot angle.
• Quote:
  "One thing that I think is very important is just trying to anticipate that drop. What’s this animal gonna do? Not just a drop, but maybe potential movement." (32:52)

IV. Finish and Follow Through (36:54–40:53)

• Focus on picking a spot and pulling through the shot, not just "slapping the trigger and praying."
• Remi describes variations in release technique but always emphasizes a clean, surprised shot, even if he needs to "punch the trigger" in rare situations.
• Good front hand position, anchor, and shot execution are vital.
• Quote:
  "If you can get your bow shot mechanics down in the moment when it’s time to actually release that arrow, if you can focus on that spot and just execute a good shot, you're probably going to hit where you’re aiming." (39:55)

V. Reload Instantly—Make It Automatic (40:53–44:09)

• As soon as you shoot, reload. Remi trains this until it’s automatic, whether with bow or rifle.
• This practice increases the odds of a quick, ethical second shot if needed, and prevents lost animals.
• Guides always remind hunters to reload; it's a universally recognized best practice.
• Quote:
  "As soon as that shot’s done... it’s so automatic for me to have another arrow on there. It baffles people. ...I shoot and there’s another arrow on that string. It’s just absolutely automatic." (41:00)

Key Takeaway List

At-a-glance Reference to Remi’s Bowhunting Mechanics (44:09–44:37):

1. Master the Range: Get an accurate read, avoid “range panic”
2. Draw Unseen: Move at the right time, minimize movement exposure
3. Anticipate the Drop: Read body language, aim for expected reaction
4. Flawless Execution: Focus, follow through with a smooth shot
5. Reload Automatically: Instantly prepare for a second shot

Practice and Repetition: The Final Message (45:02–47:00)

• Remi encourages practicing these mechanics by seeking bowhunting opportunities, even on antlerless or small game.
• More repetitions under field conditions create confidence and make the process automatic, translating to consistent success regardless of quarry.
• Quote:
  "If you can keep the process the same, keep your head in the game, and do the right moves, you're going to come out successful more often than not." (46:04)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• "Sometimes the hunt is about—like, I’ve done every kind of hunt, right? Multi-day solo trips into the mountain and then driving around with a sleeping child hoping to find a doe." (08:37)
• "With the right mechanics... process, the same mechanics. This seems to work no matter the situation." (12:58)
• "Understanding the range is important because I think a lot of the failure happens with wrong range. Panicked on the ranging." (24:11)
• "You want that motion of draw to be unnoticed." (28:39)
• "One thing that I think is very important is just trying to anticipate that drop." (32:52)
• "If you can focus on that spot and just execute a good shot, you’re probably going to hit where you’re aiming." (39:55)
• "It’s so automatic for me to have another arrow on there. It baffles people." (41:00)
• "If you can keep the process the same... do the right moves, you’re going to come out successful more often than not." (46:04)

Overall Tone & Language

Remi balances a storytelling, conversational tone with hands-on, detailed instruction. The episode blends personal anecdotes, technical advice, and encouragement for hunters of all levels to adopt processes that lead to enjoyable and successful hunts.

For Listeners: Why This Episode Matters

This episode is ideal for any bowhunter—beginner to advanced—who wants actionable, field-tested advice to increase their odds of success. Remi’s five mechanics, illustrated by real-family tradition and practical experience, will resonate with anyone looking to make their time afield count.