Live Wild with Remi Warren
Episode 214 | Live Wild Christmas Special
Released: December 18, 2025
Episode Overview
Remi Warren celebrates the holidays with his annual Christmas special—an episode that blends storytelling, hunting wisdom, and festive food traditions. Remi recounts his hunting adventures from the past year, shares twelve practical outdoor tips as “the 12 Gifts of Christmas Knowledge,” narrates a comedic hunter-themed take on A Christmas Story, and walks listeners through his favorite Christmas kitchen tradition: wild game tamales. He also announces special gear giveaways for listeners and expresses gratitude for his community.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Season Recap—Remi’s Year in the Wild
(03:00–10:55)
- Remi opens with a creative, rhyming recap of his hunting season (“’Twas the night before Christmas” parody).
- Hunted mountain caribou, elk, mule deer, mountain goats, whitetail, black bear, ibex in Spain, antelope, and desert sheep.
- Emphasizes the highs and lows (“A year of ups and downs as hunting generally goes. Chasing elk and deer, sheep, goats and does.”).
- Special moments with friends and family—often including them in hunts and celebrating shared successes.
- Notable memory: Creating a makeshift backpack with his Thanksgiving deer and making meals from wild game.
Memorable Quote:
“So grab your bow or your gun, your backpack and all the gear that feels right. Hope for a tag and a big bull in your sight. Happy hunting to all and to all a good night.” (10:45)
2. The 12 Gifts of Christmas Knowledge—Outdoor & Hunting Tips
(11:00–37:30)
Remi presents his 12 most valued hunting tips from the year, with explanations and practical context:
1. Hat-Stabilized Binoculars (11:15)
- Use the brim of a ball cap as a third point of contact for steady glassing.
2. Bow Release Technique (13:15)
- Prefers a wrist-strap index release operated between first and second finger for a surprise shot and varied anchor points.
3. Rangefinding for Stalks (16:25)
- Use subtraction method to predetermine shooting distances; plan stalks around where you can shoot, not just the animal’s location.
4. Pelvic Hook Deer Hanging (19:35)
- Hang field-dressed deer by a hook through the pelvis, not with a gambrel, for easier skinning and quartering.
5. Deer Backpack Carry Method (22:22)
- Use tendon cuts and bone to create a “handle” and make backpack or hand-carrying whole deer easier.
6. Spare Rifle Round Accessibility (26:10)
- Keep extra round handy (in bino harness) for quiet, quick chambering before the shot.
7. Keeping Stove Fuel Warm in Cold (27:30)
- Insulate or warm your fuel canister with hand warmers or hot water for more efficient boiling in cold.
8. Start Hiking Cold (29:00)
- Begin hikes in cold weather with lighter clothes to prevent sweating and getting chilled later.
9. Glass Warm—Overdress for Sitting (30:20)
- Bring heavy outer layer to put on during glassing sessions so you can sit focused, patient, and comfortable.
10. Duct Tape on Gear (32:55)
- Wrap duct tape around trekking poles/water bottles for quick access as makeshift bandages or gear fixes.
11. Contractor Bags for Water Crossings (33:40)
- Carry heavy-duty trash bags as emergency waders or pack liners—lifesavers in cold, wet conditions.
12. Glassing Pad for Comfort (35:35)
- Bring a small pad to sit on when glassing; keeps you dry and comfortable, aiding longer, more effective sessions.
Memorable Quote:
“Being comfortable when you’re glassing does make a big difference on your focus and being able to turn up animals and have that patience of longevity for sitting.” (36:20)
3. A Hunter’s Rendition of A Christmas Story
(38:00–41:50)
- Remi channels the nostalgic humor of A Christmas Story, describing his single-minded quest for the “perfect” arrows for Christmas.
- Jokes about family’s skepticism and the climactic gift of “12 Day 6 HD Arrows” topped with “Day 6 Evo broadheads.”
- Celebrates moments of receiving the ideal hunting gift, connecting to deeper passion and skill as a hunter.
Notable Quote:
“Some people get jewelry, some get electronics. I got the confidence that comes from knowing that if an animal existed on this continent or any other and I did my job, physics would handle the rest.” (41:00)
4. Remi’s Christmas Kitchen—Wild Game Tamales
(41:50–57:00)
- Remi shares the tradition and method of making wild game tamales for Christmas, inspired by a lesson from a ranch matriarch in Mexico.
- Stresses the dish’s versatility: any game meat works, with deer and elk being favorites.
- Detailed step-by-step guide covers:
- Preparing meat: Slow-cooked in homemade chili sauce, using peppers, broth, onions, and garlic.
- Making masa: Uses masa harina, chicken stock, lard, baking powder, spices.
- Assembly: Spreading masa on soaked corn husks, filling with meat, folding, and steaming.
- Tips for storage: Tamales freeze and reheat well—though “no matter how many I make, it seems like they all get eaten right away.”
- Encourages listeners to try making tamales as a fun, communal, and delicious holiday tradition.
Notable Quote:
“One of my favorite ways to eat them is with… eggs sunny side up in the mornings, put some sauce, and I’ll reserve some of that chili sauce, too… It’s a delicious meal and one that’s a lot of fun, especially around the holidays.” (56:20)
5. Listener Giveaways & Community Appreciation
(57:00–end, ~61:30)
- Announces “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” (Matthews bow, Bridger watch, Stone Glacier gear, optics, etc.).
- Special podcast-only Instagram giveaway: Code-based entry for OnX Elite Membership, Mountain Tough subscription, RMEF membership, Yeti gear.
- Explains entry is limited to attentive listeners (secret code relates to “cheers,” cups, etc).
- Apologizes to Canadian listeners for international shipping restrictions.
- Expresses gratitude to community: “Thank you guys so much... It’s always fun for me to do these Christmas specials. It’s that time of year where you can reflect back on the season and be around friends and family... Merry Christmas and happy hunting.”
Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps
- “Happy hunting to all and to all a good night.” (10:45)
- Binocular stabilization tip:
“If I don’t have a hat with a brim on, I feel like I can’t hunt properly...” (11:45) - Family & food:
“But my favorite [meal] might have been the one with homemade elderberry jelly.” (09:25) - On prepping for a stalk:
“Don’t stalk to the animal, but to where you’re going to shoot from... Planning ahead gets you in position for a better shot.” (18:35) - Tamale philosophy:
“If you do it right and make enough that you can save, they do save well... I eat them for breakfast, lunch, dinner, I eat them all the time. It’s like probably one of my favorite foods.” (44:30) - Podcast tradition:
“This is between me and you guys. This is our live wild podcast giveaway. I appreciate you guys and the support over the year.” (59:45)
Important Segments & Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp | |-----------------------------------------------|----------------| | Opening/Season Recap in Verse | 03:00–10:55 | | 12 Gifts of Christmas Knowledge (Tips) | 11:00–37:30 | | Hunting-themed “A Christmas Story” | 38:00–41:50 | | Wild Game Tamale Tradition & Recipe | 41:50–57:00 | | Listener Giveaways & Closing Gratitude | 57:00–61:30 |
Summary
Remi Warren’s 2025 Christmas Special offers a heartwarming blend of hunting stories, practical advice, festive humor, and culinary inspiration. Listeners receive expert tips distilled from an adventurous year, a playful reimagining of a holiday classic, and detailed guidance on making wild game tamales. Remi’s genuine appreciation for his community shines throughout, capped with exclusive giveaways for loyal listeners. The episode is as much about gratitude and celebration as it is about the pursuit of living wild.