Podcast Summary: Live Wild with Remi Warren

Episode: EP. 222 | 2026 Season Outlook Pt. 1 - Using predictions and planning success
Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Remi Warren

Overview

In the first part of a two-part series, Remi Warren dives deep into planning for the 2026 hunting season. Drawing from a challenging recent hunt for Coos deer in Sonora, Mexico, he explores how critical factors—timing, moon phase, weather, water, and regulations—impact hunting outcomes and application strategies. Remi then sets the stage for tactical approaches to maximize your draw odds and in-field success, offering grounded, realistic insights shaped by experience.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Coos Deer Hunt Recap: Tough Lessons from Sonora (03:00–49:30)

• Trip Summary:

  • Remi and a group of friends hunted Coos deer in the Sonoran Desert, right between major hunting expos, choosing the timeframe out of logistical necessity.
  • Their excitement was elevated by the prospect of hunting an untouched ranch, hosted by a welcoming landowner (who also turned out to be an exceptional chef).

• Immediate Challenges:

  • Poor timing: Hunt landed post-rut, during a full moon, with abnormally hot and wet conditions that left water everywhere.
  • “The timing… just seemed to be kind of this good timeframe when all of us could get together… But as it turns out, a few things were going to work against us.” (07:40)

• Difficulty of Spotting Coos Deer:

  • Coos deer are known as the “gray ghost” for their ability to vanish into the landscape.
  • “You could be watching this hillside. Boom. One pops up, and if you blink or look away, you might not ever see that deer again.” (10:20)

• Full Moon and Water Impact:

  • "When that full moon’s out… deer can do a lot of what they'd do during the day at night. Therefore, they're bedded during the day." (19:12)
  • Wet conditions meant water was no limiting resource, so deer were more spread out and harder to pattern.

• Glassing & Strategy:

  • The team split into groups to learn the land. First-day focus: knowledge over immediate harvest.
  • “First day is really about gaining knowledge more than anything else.” (25:09)
  • Key learning: Coos deer, especially mature bucks, hold tight to specific pockets. Once you find deer, that’s often the right zone to focus on.

• Relentless Grind:

  • Days involved long, steep hikes, horse rides, cliffy terrain, intense glassing, and little deer movement—a true test of both physical and mental endurance.
  • "It felt like you were walking on concrete, like near vertical concrete covered in marbles. It was just sketchy." (32:45)

• Radar/Morale Boosts:

  • Colton tags a massive buck, sparking hope that “it can happen at any moment.” (48:05)
  • Passing on marginal bucks, knowing they might be the last ones seen, but holding out for better.

• Final Push:

  • Remi maximizes his opportunity by hunting even during the limited window before heading home, reflecting his "never give up" ethos.
  • “If I can even hunt 10 minutes extra, I’ll do it.” (56:39)
  • Ultimately, he doesn't fill his tag but learns valuable lessons.

• Takeaway:

  • The combination of less controllable factors (moon, rut, weather, water) heavily dictated hunt outcome, highlighting the importance of timing and adaptability in planning.

2. 2026 Season Predictions and Planning: How to Stack the Odds (49:30–1:34:00)

A. The Value of Hindsight in Hunt Planning

• Realization: Factors you can’t control (rut phase, weather, full moon, water) can overshadow preparation and skill.
• “As I look at it through the lens of application season… these are things to consider. A lot you can’t control. Some you can.” (54:10)

B. Key Factors to Evaluate for the 2026 Season

1. Regulations and Season Dates (59:00)

• Understand how state regulations dictate season timing—some states have fixed calendar dates, others vary based on weekends/holidays.
• “Some states have those where it’s just based off a calendar date, but others move every year.” (01:03:55)
• Implication: Minor shifts in dates can mean hunting closer to or further from the rut, impacting animal behavior and success rates.

2. Moon Phase (1:08:26)

• Debated importance: Some studies show negligible impact, but Remi’s practical experience says otherwise—full moons can suppress daylight activity, especially during the rut.
• "When the moon is out and casting light, especially during the rut, I would say it's more difficult to turn up deer during daylight hours." (1:09:03)
• Strategy: Look for season dates that align with new moon or less moonlight for more daylight activity.

3. Environmental Factors: Water & Weather (1:11:31)

• Winter severity, spring rains, snowpack, and water availability all impact animal health, antler growth, distribution, and ultimately hunting conditions.
• "Mild winters and wet springs can be very good for antler growth... but a mild winter mixed with drought can also mean lower water and tough hunting." (1:12:19)
• Fire danger in dry years can affect hunt accessibility, animal movement, and visibility.

4. Predicting Antler Growth & Population Trends (1:15:56)

• Harsh winters decrease body condition and populations, while a series of mild winters can boost population and antler quality—so anticipate "rebound" years.
• “We’ve had a few stacked up mild winters – really good for population growth and antler growth if we get a wet spring.” (1:14:12)
• Water-holding areas become disproportionally important during drought: animals concentrate, but competition and antler quality may decrease.

5. Application Tactics Based on Predictions (1:22:20)

• Sometimes "tough" conditions (drought, full moon) mean better odds of drawing tags as point-holders sit out. Calculated risk can pay off.
• “I've had buddies draw dream tags in drought years because top point guys held back. It was their only shot, and they got good deer.” (1:23:01)
• Consider chasing less-desired units/seasons for draw opportunity—Remi frequently targets these to ensure he’s hunting, not just waiting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the unpredictability of hunts:
  “You just need to be out in the field. There will be people every year who say, ‘I had everything working against me and still had the best hunt of my life.’ It happens.” (1:28:45)

• On application philosophy:
  “I’m teaching you how to fish, not giving you a fish.” (1:19:18)

• On maximizing opportunities:
  “If I have a tag, I have an opportunity, I have a chance. I don’t care if conditions are perfect. I just want a better chance to draw.” (1:30:09)

• On mental grind:
  “It was one of the tougher, more mentally kind of frustrating hunts that I’ve been on in a long time. Because you go: we know they’re here, everything’s working against us. Just keep grinding.” (48:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:00 – Introduction to Sonora Coos deer hunt and group composition
• 12:00 – Coos deer behavior and the challenge of spotting them
• 19:00 – The impact of full moon and water conditions on deer movement
• 25:00 – First day scouting strategy and learning the land
• 32:40 – Terrain challenges and hunting logistics
• 39:10 – Glassing, passing on marginal bucks, sticking to the plan
• 48:05 – “It can happen at any moment”: morale after Colton’s successful hunt
• 54:10 – Key hunt takeaways, and the limits of planning
• 59:00 – Season regulations: understanding state-by-state variations
• 1:08:26 – Moon phase importance and how it shapes success
• 1:11:31 – Environmental factors: water, weather, snowpack, fire
• 1:15:56 – Predicting population and antler trends
• 1:22:20 – Application strategy for tough vs. prime years
• 1:28:45 – Final thoughts: hunting is unpredictable, be out there
• 1:33:00 – Setting up for Part 2: state-by-state predictions next week

Tone & Language

Remi’s tone is conversational, practical, and packed with field-tested wisdom. He’s honest about mistakes and adversity, cracks the occasional joke (“I kept joking around that the world was moving around me, yet I had not moved in three days.” – 14:10), and balances encouragement with realism.

Next Episode Preview

Part 2 will feature a “state-by-state deep dive,” using water, rut, moon, and regulatory data to inform hunt planning and applications for 2026. Remi aims to help listeners build their own predictions and strategies for drawing tags and making the most of their time in the field.

Final Thoughts

Remi emphasizes adapting to what’s in your control (applications, timing, focus), learning from every hunt, and the necessity of just getting out there—even if conditions aren't perfect. He encourages listeners to start planning now, monitor evolving factors, and look forward to detailed breakdowns in the next episode.

Useful Links & Resources Mentioned:

• Mountain Tough Fitness
• Rocky Talkie Radios
• Day Six Archery
• Vortex Rangefinders & ACE System

For more stories and tips, tune in for next week’s part two and check out Remi Warren live at the Western Hunt Expo if you’re attending!