Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren

Episode 218 | Art of the Off Hand Shot
Release Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Remi Warren

Episode Overview

In this episode, Remi Warren delves into the critical moment of any hunt: the shot. Specifically, he focuses on the art and importance of offhand (unsupported) shooting. Remi shares a vivid hunting story where he had to rely on this skill, then provides deep, practical advice on how to prepare for and execute such shots successfully. Interwoven throughout are reflections on developing proficiency, tips honed from years as a professional guide, and actionable ways to improve your skills—whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hunter.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Moment of Truth: Why Offhand Shots Matter

• Not all shots will be from ideal rests. Often, hunters must respond quickly in unpredictable situations without time to set up a perfect rest.
• "…It might be a situation where you have no rest. You can only see maybe the animal when you're standing. You have limited time and you need to make a perfect shot." (03:10)

2. Hunting Story: Mountain Whitetails and Family

Remi recounts his last hunt of the season:

• Challenging conditions: Heavy snow, poor visibility, and deer in lockdown mode.
• Persistence pays: Despite multiple close calls (including bumping a potential shooter buck), Remi kept after it.
• Family hunt: On the last weekend, Remi takes his wife and kids out for a casual outing. When least expected, opportunity knocks—he spots a good buck and is forced into a standing, offhand shot.
• Memorable moment:

  “At this point, there is no time to find a rest… I just know that I have a split second … I’m gonna have to shoot him from this standing position.” (45:55)

• Emotional rollercoaster: Initially fears he missed; eventually finds the buck dead, dropped practically in its tracks.
• Lesson: Years of practice, especially on offhand shots, made success possible when it counted most.

3. Reflection: The Importance of Practice

• Off-season preparation is crucial.

  “One of the things that I like to stress is the things that we can do outside of the hunting season that lead to in season success.” (57:55)

• Rifle shooters often don't train like bowhunters. Remi notes the prevalence—and value—of repetitive practice in archery and argues the same should apply to rifles.
• Practicality vs. long-range hype: While long-distance shooting has its place, most hunting shots happen fast, under less-than-ideal circumstances.

4. Developing Offhand Shooting Skills

a. Skill-building through Repetition

• Volume matters more than caliber. Most skill comes from practicing with small-caliber rifles or even pellet guns.

  “I shoot more of those throughout the year than I do… my deer rifle, my elk rifle … All that builds is muscle memory.” (01:03:45)

• Remi’s early training: Shooting Olympic-style standing at indoor ranges built a foundation in breath, trigger control, and stance.

b. Making Practice Fun and Challenging

• Try challenging yourself: Offhand shooting at distances much farther than you’d encounter while hunting.

  “I'll shoot the 400 yard gong offhand … When you’ve got that four- and five-hundred-yard offhand shot, when you have something at a hundred yards, it feels like a chip shot.” (01:09:40)

• European perspective: Remi describes Finnish hunter training, where proficiency tests require offhand shots at a moving moose target. These encourage daily practice and high proficiency with fast, unsupported shots.

  "Their type of hunting is driven hunting. So the moving target thing makes sense. But also you realize, wow, with the practice, like to do that, to pass that test, you have to practice." (01:08:48)

c. Technical Tips for Offhand Shooting

• Scope Zoom:

  “I like to shoot with my scope magnification zoomed out a lot… you don’t notice all the movement.” (01:15:53)

• Mental game:

  "I really try to think about relaxing... I shoot with both eyes open." (01:17:30)

• Focus and Process:

  "Focus on the spot on the animal I want to hit and let the crosshair line up with that spot." (01:18:08)

• Trigger control:

  “One of the things that you don't want to do is create a flinch, create that anticipation, and make a poor shot or make a miss.” (01:19:10)

d. Dry Fire Practice

• Dry fire is key: Most of the learning can happen without live rounds.

  “I’ll probably shoot ten to one dry fire shots… It allows you to really suss out where you might be making mistakes.” (01:21:03)

• Always prioritize safety: Triple-check that your firearm is unloaded during any dry fire or non-range practice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ethics and Skill:

  “Now there’s probably people listening like, ‘Oh, an offhand shot is not an ethical shot.’ …I will 100% disagree… It’s very situational. It depends on the skills and abilities of the shooter.” (01:01:25)

• Family Victory:

  “Loaded up the buck, and it was awesome. It was such a fun hunt, and it was fun to have the kids there.” (53:10)

• The Real Test:

  “When the moment of truth happens, you can be proficient, you can be that guy that's more proficient, you can be that guy that's… in that top percent success category.” (01:25:38)

Segment Timestamps

• Overview and Episode Theme: 00:00–03:10
• Remi’s Hunting Story (Season Recap & Family Hunt): 03:11–56:30
• Montana Knife Company Segment: 56:31–57:55 (gear info, skip for core content)
• Transition to Tips & Tactics (importance of offhand practice): 57:55–59:00
• Practice and Proficiency: 59:01–01:10:00
• Technical Tips & Drills for Offhand Shooting: 01:10:01–01:22:00
• Dry Fire and Skill Building: 01:21:03–01:24:45
• Concluding Tips and Encouragement: 01:24:46–end

Core Takeaways

• Offhand shots are inevitable in real-world hunting—prepare for them.
• True proficiency is built with frequent, practical, and scenario-based practice, not just bench shooting.
• Dry firing, practicing with small-caliber rifles, and replicating field conditions make you a more confident, ethical, and effective hunter.
• Relaxation, breath control, an appropriate scope zoom, and steady trigger squeeze are keys to successful offhand shots.
• The result? Seizing opportunities—both expected and unexpected—with confidence and ethical precision.

Remi’s Parting Message

“Every time I can get that solid, locked off, steady, no brainer … I do. But if there’s a situation where I have the opportunity to make a shot that I’m extremely confident with because I’ve practiced it so much, I’ll also make that shot and find success that way too.” (01:25:13)

For both seasoned hunters and those just starting out, this episode is a masterclass in making the shot when it counts—especially from the least forgiving positions. Remi’s mix of personal story, technical mastery, and motivational instruction sets the bar for developing true hunting proficiency.