Live Wild with Remi Warren

Episode 226 | Application Season Pt. 2 - 10 Tips for Hunting for a Hunt
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Remi Warren

Episode Overview

In this episode, Remi Warren dives into part two of building an effective hunting application strategy. He offers 10 actionable tips for using draw odds and statistics to increase your chances of securing a hunting tag. The episode covers mindset, practical filtering techniques, planning for the future, recognizing pitfalls, and leveraging research tools—all grounded in Remi’s personal experience as a lifelong guide and hunter. The tone is direct, grounded, and encouraging, with a focus on actionable advice for hunters at all levels.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Finding Opportunity and Creating a Plan

(Begins ~04:00)

• Core Message: Draw odds aren’t about “gaming the system,” but about proactively seeking out opportunity and planning ahead—not just for this year, but years down the road.
• Quote:

  “It's not just creating a plan for this year, but years out into the future.” (05:23)

• Start by categorizing your hunting goals, referencing last week’s episode for categories like trophy hunts, opportunity hunts, etc.
• Opportunities exist for everyone, regardless of point accumulation—adapt your expectations and planning to fit your situation.

2. Mindset Shift: Stop Chasing, Start Filtering

(~10:00)

• Don’t blindly chase hyped hunts or trophy units; instead, filter units realistically by your goals and point level.
• Quote:

  “If you're always chasing that hype, and you don't have the most points out there, you're always going to be behind.” (08:50)

• Be wary of point creep—where popular hunts become ever harder to draw as more people chase last season’s hype.

3. Understanding Draw Systems

(~17:00)

• Every state differs (preference points, bonus points, hybrids); mastering their nuances is key.
• Preference points: Tags go to the highest point holders.
• Bonus points: More points = more chances (“names in the hat”).
• Random draw components can make “impossible” draws doable—know which units have random tags.
• Quote:

  “Every state has some little thing like that where a lot of people don't actually know the system and therefore … not finding the right opportunities.” (22:15)

• Use hunt research tools (e.g., OnX) to compare states and filter possibilities, but always verify draw details and stats via official resources.

4. Filtering: Using Hunt Research Tools

(~27:00)

• Start by filtering for state and species; then add parameters (season dates, weapon type, your available time).
• Check draw odds by your current point status, but also look at “future” hunts to plan long-term.
• Consider public land percentage, harvest data, and age class.
  • Quote:

    “I like a decent amount of public land because I'm just terrible at asking for permission. I just don't like to ask for permission. I'd rather just go hunt public land.” (39:23)

• Don’t ignore factors like private land access requirements—high success rates can be misleading if access is limited.

5. Tag Volume Strategy

(~40:00)

• Don’t dismiss units with high tag numbers—more tags increases your draw odds, even if hunter density is higher.
• Sometimes, high-volume or “less famous” units can outperform well-known spots statistically.

6. Finding Sleeper Units and Hidden Gems

(~44:00)

• Strategy: Look for moderate success rates, rising tag numbers, or units with new boundaries/management objectives.
• Consider private land units with challenging but possible access.
• Quote:

  “My goal every season when I'm applying is to find the next great spot before it's the next great spot.” (46:12)

• Use e-scouting and terrain analysis to complement statistical filtering.

7. Three-Tier Application Strategy

(~51:00)

• Tier 1: Long-term dream tags (10+ year plans)
  • Apply consistently; focus on random-draw options if possible.
• Tier 2: Mid-tier quality hunts (3-7 points)
  • Often most enjoyable and achievable; rotate across states for more frequent opportunities.
• Tier 3: Opportunity tags (0-2 points, OTC, cows, pronghorn, etc.)
  • Most attainable; “workhorse” hunts for gaining experience.
• Quote:

  “I really think that it's better to hunt one unit five times than a good unit once.” (19:50)

• Mix and match depending on your desired hunt frequency and experience level.

8. Pitfalls to Avoid

(~59:00)

• Point Creep: Always gather up-to-date stats and anticipate competition.
• Overvaluing Points: Don’t treat points as precious commodities—use them for hunts that meet your goals before they lose value.
  • Quote:

    “I just don't think it's worth putting so much value on points. I think it's more finding the type of hunt...” (01:01:30)

• State/System Changes: State rule/pricing adjustments can offer under-the-radar opportunities.
• Chasing Hype: Once a unit is “hyped,” its best days may already have passed—sometimes justified, but often overblown.

9. Remi’s Personal Workflow

(~01:05:00)

• Filter for species and points, decide whether to aim for a “sure thing” or take a calculated risk.
• Cross-reference draw odds, success rates, maps, public land, and season timing.
• Save and further research promising units; look at all available hunting seasons (archery, muzzleloader, etc.) in your shortlisted units.
• Focus on locations you can revisit and learn over multiple seasons.

10. Final Thoughts: Hunt More, Worry Less

(~01:14:00)

• Don’t get paralyzed by choice or fear of a “bad hunt”—every unit fluctuates year to year.
• “The best unit is the one that you can draw and scout.” (01:15:58)
• More time in the field trumps obsessing over tag prestige.
• Plan ahead, leverage technology, and always categorize your goals and strategy.
• Quote:

  “There's no replacement for time in the field and time, time hunting.” (01:16:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On mindset:

  “Stop chasing and start filtering.” (10:10)

• On drawing value from experience:

  “It's better to hunt one unit five times than a good unit once.” (19:50)

• On using points:

  “What's worth waiting 28 years to hunt? ... Probably not gonna take my best animal ever.” (01:02:50)

• On fear of bad hunts:

  “That fear is probably more detrimental than the actual… what that tag is. I've had some phenomenal hunts in places that people said were sh*t units, and that's the God's honest truth.” (01:17:40)

Timestamps: Key Segments

• 04:00: Laying out the episode theme—hunting for a hunt & planning
• 10:00: Mindset: chasing vs. filtering
• 17:00: Understanding and navigating draw systems
• 27:00: Filtering with online research tools and OnX
• 40:00: Tag volume perspective—high tag units & opportunity
• 44:00: Identifying sleeper units/hidden gems
• 51:00: Three-tier application strategy explained
• 59:00: Pitfalls: point creep, hype, adapting to changes
• 65:00: Remi’s personal research and decision workflow
• 74:00: Final advice, overcoming fear, and time-in-field value

Summary & Takeaways

Remi Warren demystifies the hunting application process by championing a data-driven and pragmatic approach, blending technology, personal experience, and realistic goal setting. He empowers listeners to think beyond the hype, plan on multiple time horizons, and prioritize time afield over hypothetical “trophy” hunts. The episode is packed with actionable strategies—applicable for seasoned and novice hunters alike—centered on maximizing your chances year after year, learning from each outing, and simply enjoying the process of chasing the next adventure.

For more resources or to benefit from Remi's recommended tools, check out his suggestion to leverage digital hunt research platforms and always stay up to date with each state’s regulations!