Vortex Nation Podcast

Ep. 365 | American Suppressor Association — Wait Times are Down Nov 04, 2024

Knox Williams from the American Suppressor Association (ASA) drops in to give us a rundown on the organization and the important work they are doing. As hunters and shooters, we are reaping the benefits. Tune in for an update on suppressor-related issues and positive movement.

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Jimmy Dresses Like an Old Woman | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 20 Oct 31, 2024

Shots are fired, feelings are bruised, awkward passes are made at an old woman, and the guys receive a stuffed pigeon with a special meatball message. Does Mark FINALLY break his long-standing losing streak? Does Jim score the rounds impartially? Do things get weird like they normally do? Watch to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Remington® CORE-LOKT® — Deadliest Mushroom in the Woods Oct 29, 2024

The Remington CORE-LOKT has been knocking big game down since 1939. Revolutionary at its inception, this bullet set a standard in projectile performance. Today, it is the “everyman’s” get-it-done option. Value and performance packed, it simply delivers. Listen as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn give high praise to this iconic bullet that will no doubt see considerable action yet again this fall.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 364 | Late October Whitetail Tactics with Vortex’s Slingin' Rik Oct 28, 2024

Late October is not only an exciting time to hunt whitetails but can be the absolute best time to kill the big buck you are after. Vortex’s Slingin' Rik is back to chat late October whitetail tactics. Reading sign, calling, decoys, scents, weather patterns, terrain, and public vs private strategies — we cover it all. If you hunt whitetails, this is one you don’t want to miss.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 16 Gauge — Shotgun Gauge Perfection? Oct 22, 2024

Hits like a 12, carries like a 20. The 16 gauge may be the perfect all-around solution for any shotgunning endeavor. So why isn’t it more popular? Should it be? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat about this often neglected but incredibly effective option.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 363 | Bullet Stability with Hornady’s Jayden Quinlan Oct 21, 2024

Bullet stability: What is it? You ever thought about it? Why does it matter? Should you be thinking about it? How is it best achieved? Are there myths that need busting? Hornady’s ballistician extraordinaire and so much more, Jayden Quinlan, joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to get us all learned up on bullet stability.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The .280 Remington — Doomed from the Start Oct 15, 2024

If more is better, the .280 Remington must certainly outshine the venerable .270. Nope. Does this mean the .280 Remington can’t take down big game with gusto? Nope. Does the .280 Remington do anything more established cartridges don’t? Nope. By the numbers, it’s a heck of a cartridge. Alas, it is a lead balloon. Tune in to hear about this fine cartridge doomed from the start.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 362 | Spartan Precision — Ultralight and Adaptive Rifle Support Oct 14, 2024

Spartan Precision — intelligent, ultralight, practical, fast, versatile, and adaptive rifle support. Rob Gearing, founder of Spartan Precision, joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for an entertaining and informative podcast detailing the Spartan Precision story and their products. Getting steady in the heat of the moment is critical for executing any rifle shot. Spartan Precision may be your solution to that problem.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Viper® HD 11-33x50 Spotting Scope – Big Things Come in Small Packages Oct 08, 2024

This spotting scope is soon to be one of your favorite optics. Listen as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn profess what they love about this compact, lightweight, and incredibly capable spotter.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 361 | Mobile Deer and Gear with Cody D’Acquisto — What’s New? Oct 07, 2024

Lone Wolf Custom Gear’s, Cody D’Acquisto, is back to chat mobile whitetail hunting tactics, October bucks, and how his minimalist gear set has changed since our last conversation. If you hunt whitetails, don’t miss this one!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The .458 SOCOM — SO COOL or SO-SO Oct 01, 2024

A big pill, a badass name, and…maybe that’s it? Why do we have this cartridge? What was/is it used for? Should it receive the dreaded “lead balloon” status? Decide for yourself as we chat about this curious cartridge born from serious talk yet saw little action.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 360 | The 6mm ARC — Is it Really a Big Game Cartridge? Sep 30, 2024

Testing complete, Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn and special guest Reuben Aleckson break down their 6mm ARC terminal test. One factory offering is contrasted with handloads intended to maximize the performance of this petite cartridge in the bolt rifle platform. Listen as they dissect the project, the gel blocks, and Reuben’s field experience shooting deer with it. In certain cases, could a lower impact velocity be advantageous for this cartridge? Tune in to hear it all.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Best Projectile for Big Game? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 19 Sep 26, 2024

Rock — Paper — Scissors — Spaghetti Shootout. Your favorite series is back for its third and final season! Can Mark Boardman turn the tide against his good friend/Spaghetti Shootout arch enemy Ryan Muckenhirn to pull out a winning season, or will he, in classic form, blow a trivia question he’s known the answer to his entire life due to a deep-seated and not yet understood need for self-sabotage? Will Jimmy Hamilton be biased as ever? What hard-hitting questions will get asked? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Suppressor Care and Cleaning with SilencerCo Sep 24, 2024

Silencers live their suppressing lives subjected to extreme conditions to say the least. Like most things, a little maintenance is required for optimal performance. Chase Glenn from SilencerCo joins Mark Boardman and Scott Parks to chat suppressor care and cleaning. It may be simpler than you think.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 359 | What are Your 5 Non-SHTF Guns? Sep 23, 2024

You get five guns. What are they? One of our listeners asked this very question – so we sat down to answer it. Tune in for four different takes on the perfect five-gun repertoire.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Hunter Marksmanship Course Recap — Do you Need this Class? Sep 17, 2024

Vortex Edge® Hunter Marksmanship Class of 2024 Valedictorian, Erik Barber, drops by to recap the course. Experienced hunter and crack shot, Erik proves once again there is always something to learn when it comes to hunting and shooting.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 358 | The 1911 — Best Pistol Design Ever? Sep 16, 2024

The 1911 Stood up for America and its soldiers as a service pistol for nearly 80 years — and still stands today as one of the most capable pistol designs in existence. 1911 enthusiast, expert competitive shooter, amateur historian, and Vortex Mil/LE account manager, Adam Maxwell, joins the crew to chat all about this more than iconic pistol.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Travis Jones’ 33 Nosler – Shoulder-Fired Artillery Sep 10, 2024

Vortex’s Travis Jones is at it again with his 33 Nosler. This thing is an absolute long-range bomber. Lisen to hear about the rifle, cartridge, and impressive ballistics he’s getting out of it!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 357 | My Scope Don’t Shoot — Well, Not Exactly Sep 09, 2024

Riflescopes are often wrongly accused suspects when it comes to accuracy issues. A complete rifle with mounted optic is a system. It must be set up correctly with all the right components working in harmony. If one variable is out, you’ll likely see it rear its ugly head in the form of inconsistent impacts down range. Tune in for troubleshooting tips to make sure your rifle and you are set up for success.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Dan Staton’s Arrow Setup(s) — For Today at Least Sep 03, 2024

ElkShape’s Dan Staton works hard at everything bowhunting and is never satisfied. This includes his arrow setups. Dan’s “Always be Tinkering” (ABT) attitude is fueled by passion and a perpetual search for optimal bow performance. Tune in to hear about his elk and whitetail arrows at the time of this recording. It’s more than 24 hours later, so they could be different by now.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 356 | Holistic Habitat Management and Early-Season Whitetail Tactics with Thomas Mlsna Sep 02, 2024

Thomas Mlsna from Untamed Ambition Joins Mark Boardman and Josh Diederich to talk habitat management and early-season whitetail tactics. Thomas plants high-grade seeds of information throughout the conversation guaranteed to yield results – for you and the critters who call your land home.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Light Transmission — More than Meets the Eye Aug 27, 2024

Light transmission isn’t one dimensional. Multiple factors play into this important, but often misunderstood attribute of an optic. Rob Morell (Vortex® New Product Development) joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to shed some light on this subject.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 355 | Backcountry Water Treatment with Ryan Lampers Aug 26, 2024

Backcountry hunting expert, Ryan Lampers, talks all about water treatment methods and best practices. From what he used back in the day to the system he uses today; he provides important tips to keep you healthy and hunting.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Vortex® Eyewear – Just Another Pair of Sunglasses? Aug 20, 2024

High-end eyewear that fits your face and the demands of your active hunting, shooting, outdoors, and daily life. Polarized, ballistic-rated, shatter-resistant lenses are at home on the range, on the water, and at your kid’s soccer game. Lenses also cover your tears when at some less-than-ideal obligatory function not doing what you really wish you were. Tune in to hear about the cool tech integrated into these 100% UV blocking sunglasses – get a pair to wear it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 354 | The Second Amendment Foundation – Get in the Fight and Look Good Doing it Aug 19, 2024

Adam Kraut from the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) joins Mark Boardman and Sawyer Briel to chat SAF, current 2A battles, where the money goes, and the Vortex®/SAF Crafted Impact T-shirt collaboration. When you purchase one these special-edition, limited run, cool-as-heck shirts, you support the Second Amendment Foundation in their mission to foster and defend the 2A and all it stands for.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Remi Warren’s Hunting Mantras — Hunting Words to Live by Aug 13, 2024

Remi Warren is one of the most experienced hunters in the world. That experience has led him to develop several hunting mantras that if followed, deliver time and again. Choosing the right approach, to finding your knife when the dirty work is done, Remi gives us hunting words to live by.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 353 | Backcountry Food and Nutrition — with Elk Shape’s Dan Staton Aug 12, 2024

Elk Shape’s Dan Staton joins Mark to chat backcountry food and nutrition. They cover stuff they like, their food strategies, and break down Mark’s daily ration. They even find a nutritional hole in Mark’s food game he will want to fill with additional items. The best part about a week of food in the field — the greasy burger you get at the local diner on your way home. Hit play and channel your inner backcountry foodie.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Velvet Antler Field Care — Tips and Tricks Aug 06, 2024

Early season critters taken with antlers shrouded in velvet require special care if the hunter desires to preserve them in their fuzzy form. No easy task considering their delicate nature and often warm daily temps that may accelerate the decomposition process. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through what worked with a nice Sitka blacktail and the two processes they have the most confidence in.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 352 | Barnes Bullets — All Copper Big Game Stoppers Aug 05, 2024

Since 1989, Barnes has been leading the charge in the all-copper bullet arena. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down with Mike Painter and Gregg Sloan in their home state of Utah to chat through their bullets, how they work and more. Is Ryan completely biased toward these projectiles? Yes. For good reason? You decide.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Vortex® Custom Turrets — Extend Your Range Jul 30, 2024

Fast, simple, and effective, using a Vortex® custom yardage-marked turret may be your ticket to extending your effective hunting/shooting distance. Range in yards, dial in yards, and execute the shot. Listen and learn about this great tool. Get one FREE with select riflescopes!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 351 | The Compact Optics Revolution is Upon Us Jul 29, 2024

Compact optics are the definition of, “Big things come in small packages.” Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn highlight these optical powerhouses and where they will enhance your hunting/observation game! Don’t be fooled by appearances. Compact optics may provide all the optical performance you need while saving space and weight in the field.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Pairing Micro Red Dots with Magnified Optics – What’s Right for You? Jul 23, 2024

Adam Maxwell and Ryan Muckenhirn are in the house to chat Auxiliary Micro Red Dots along with the pros and cons of common mounting positions. 45-degreee offset or 12 O’clock? At the end of this podcast, you’ll know if you need one and where to stick it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 350 | 2024 Budget Rifle Roundup Jul 22, 2024

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down their 2024 budget rifle test and review from top to bottom. No bolt is left unturned as they deep dive into the intricacies of each, what they liked, disliked and were surprised by. Tune in for facts and opinions that may just lead to your next big game boom stick.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Hydration and Hydration Supplements Jul 16, 2024

Elk Shape’s Dan Staton gets a little salty in this conversation all about hydration and hydration supplements. Water and salt are essential. Dan hits us with some great info along with things we ought to be thinking about to maximize our human performance in the field.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 349 | Colorado Hunting is in the Crosshairs – Your State is Next Jul 15, 2024

Dan Gates from CRWM (Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management) and his team have been in the trenches battling an anti-hunting agenda fueled by disinformation, big budgets, and emotion. His organization focuses on CO, but if you think your state, the way you hunt, and the critters you chase are somehow safe or exempt — you’re wrong. Listen to Dan, get spun up with the facts, and get in the fight. Issues like what’s going on in Colorado affect us all! Whether you live there, hunt there or even hunt at all – we all benefit from sound, science-based, wildlife management. If that is lost, our heritage, traditions, way of life, preferred food source, and most importantly, the wildlife itself are lost.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Defender Micro Red Dots Breakdown Jul 09, 2024

Concealed carry to competition and everything between, tune in to hear Vortex’s Chris Urrutia and Liam Ward run through the features, benefits, and applications of the Defender Micro Red Dot series. Tough as nails, there is a Defender to fit your needs.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 348 | Montana Mike — Real Life Cowboy and Most Interesting Man in the World Jul 08, 2024

Real life cowboy, rodeo star, rancher, outfitter, self-reliant, tough as nails, fix anything, honest, hard working and grounded. Mike Barthelmess is a rare breed of man getting rarer by the day. Tune in for a super interesting and fun conversation with some great stories drawn from Mike’s life lived.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Find the Perfect Optic with the Vortex® Optics Finder Tool Jul 02, 2024

Looking for the perfect optic? The Vortex® Optics Finder Tool on vortexoptics.com can help narrow your search. Simple and easy to use, follow along as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn walk through finding your next piece of glass.

Try out the Optics Finder!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 347 | Long-Range Instructor Drops Long-Range Knowledge Jul 01, 2024

Vortex Edge® Instructor Justin Lipska drops by the studio to drop long-range knowledge bombs. Gear, technique and more, tune in to get insightful tips from a true professional.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Podcast Studio: A Guided Tour Jun 25, 2024

The Vortex Nation™ Podcast studio décor is an eclectic mix of random hunting and shooting-related artifacts…And some that are just plain random (like a framed picture of Jason Alexander). Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton give a guided tour, explaining the “why” behind the seemingly arbitrary nature of the items adorning their walls.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 346 | Advanced Reloading Tips with Tucker and Scott Jun 24, 2024

Vortex’s Tucker Schmidt and Scott Parks are back with reloading tips and tricks you can take to the bank…the proverbial bank. We are in no way suggesting…never mind. If you’re into reloading, you’ll likely find what they have to say useful. Or you may flat out disagree and take your rage out in the comments. Either way, give this one a listen.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Building a Whitetail Optics Kit — What’s Right for You? Jun 18, 2024

Serious whitetail hunters use optics and use them well. They are integral to their hunt and their success. Long distance scouting to hardwoods glassing, east to west, bow, rifle, and muzzleloader – optics are a difference maker. So, what should a whitetail optics kit look like? Good question. Tune in as we talk optics for North America’s most popular big game animal.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 345 | Proper Boot Fit — Expert Tips to Keep You on the Hunt Jun 17, 2024

A good set of properly fitting boots is critical to the success of any hunt where your legs are your primary mode of transportation. Raw, seeping, painful, blisters will ruin any hunt fast. Kendall Card and Matt Ericksen from Crispi USA sit down with Mark Boardman at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo, providing expert tips to ensure your feet are happy campers in the backcountry.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - I’m AK. You’re AK. We’re all AK. Jun 11, 2024

Vortex’s Scott Hollfelder digs up several AK’s from his backyard, wipes of the Cosmoline, and sits down for a podcast all about his favorite firearm. Tune in for a fun conversation with an AK enthusiast who appreciates the fine attributes of the super cool, super reliable, and historically significant, AK platform.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 344 | Most Versatile Cartridge Ever? Jun 10, 2024

Pumps, levers, bolt guns, autos, and AR’s. Precision rifles to predators. Big game to biggest game. Military and law enforcement applications – check that box too. The .308 Winchester may not be the best cartridge for everything, but it is certainly the most versatile cartridge for a heck of a lot of things. One rifle to do it all? Look to the good old .308…And yes, it is old, but this thing ages like a fine wine.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Presenting Your Pistol Red Dot Fast and Effective — Every Time Jun 04, 2024

Pistol-mounted red dot sights have changed the pistol shooting game. But there are best practices to implement into your shooting regimen to ensure your dot gets on target fast and effective. Chris Urrutia from Vortex Edge® drops by to drop knowledge on this very topic.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 343 | How to Shoot a USPSA Match — a Grand Master’s Approach Jun 03, 2024

High-level competitive shooter, USPSA Grand Master, and integral to Vortex’s Mil/LE sales team, Adam Maxwell is no stranger to USPSA along with most of the shooting sports disciplines. He, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Mark Boardman talk through how to shoot a USPSA Match. Tune in to up your pistol game on pistol games.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 342 | Three Months to Season — There’s Still Time to Train May 30, 2024

Invest in your most important piece of gear — you! Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of MTNTOUGH, joins Mark Boardman for a marathon of a conversation about hunt-specific training. Even if you’ve let the fitness component slip, there’s still time to positively impact your fitness level before big game seasons kick off — if you start now. Fitness is key to success in the field. Dustin and the tools he offers through MTNTOUGH will get you there.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 7mm STW — Live Fast and Die Young May 28, 2024

Bestowing lead-balloon status on the 7mm STW (Shooting Times Westerner) may have some folks wanting to sling lead at us. If that’s the case, we ask you download to rotten tomatoes. Born from the 8mm Remington Magnum (most certainly a lead balloon), the 7mm STW began life as a wildcat, gained popularity at a rate akin to the velocity it could push bullets, but fell off sharply. Why? Tune in to hear all about this super-fast 7mm. It’s still breathing, but for how long?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 341 | Wheel Guns — Pure Americana May 27, 2024

The gang is firing on all cylinders today as they break down the category of wheel guns. The good old revolver won the west, and it still wins our hearts over today. Battlefield to bear country, hip to ankle, the revolver has been there and done that. Its practicality and proven performance cannot be denied. Pull the hammer back and press play on this podcast all about revolvers.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Executing a Fast and Efficient Mag Change May 21, 2024

USPSA Grand Master, Adam Maxwell, drops in to tell us how to drop and change magazines like a pro. Competition to professional work and self-defense — a fast and efficient mag change will shave points and may save your life. Tune in to hear the process Adam has distilled down through years of dedicated training.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 340 | Road Tripping with Jerry Miculek May 20, 2024

Jerry Miculek’s flight gets diverted, we pick him up in Milwaukee, and BS all the way back to Vortex HQ. Jerry is a national treasure. His shooting ability, knowledge, philosophy on life, and stories are unmatched. A true pleasure to hang with, Jerry is the real deal in every way. Ride along for a fun and informative conversation with Mark Boardman and the legendary Jerry Miculek to, as Jerry would say, “Get some!”

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Appendix Carry — Holster Position and Draw May 14, 2024

The appendix carry position is one of the most popular — and for good reason. Vortex Edge® instructor Chris Urrutia covers holsters, fit, customizing for ideal pistol position, proper draw and more. If you conceal carry or are thinking about it, this is a good one.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 339 | Choosing the Right Hunting Riflescope May 13, 2024

Different critters, terrain, rifles, personal capabilities, tactics and what a person wants to get out of their hunt will dictate the best riflescope for them. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down the hunting riflescope category to help hunters select the optimal riflescope for their outdoor adventures.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Jimmy’s Ruger 5.7x28 Rundown — Does He Like It? May 07, 2024

Ruger 5.7x28 ain’t no math problem — it’s a super cool gun Jimmy brought in for us to check out. The cartridge itself to the form factor of this compact rig, it is sweet for a variety of reasons. Jimmy gives us a rundown including his likes, critiques, and the modifications he made. Check it out with us and decide if you need one too.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 338 | Riflescope Mounting Solutions — What’s Best? May 06, 2024

Ring and base riflescope mounting solutions are nearly as diverse as the rifles they sit on. The perfect match for your long-range rig might be the worst for your lightweight mountain rifle. In this podcast, we run through the most popular options, detailing their pros, cons, and how they work.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - SHTF Go Bags — What Should be in Your Kit? Apr 30, 2024

Proverbial S#!T hitting the fan can come in many forms and mean many things. The guys share their thoughts on kits they have put together and what they think should be in their kit. Your region, circumstances, job, and infinite variables can determine the right kit for you. This is an initial discussion likely with a follow up.

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Ep. 337 | Lightweight Hunting Suppressor Breakdown — What’s Right for You? Apr 29, 2024

Adding lightweight suppressors to hunting rifles is incredibly popular. The upside is so great, hunters are selecting/building rifles specifically around their plan to suppress it. But which model will best suit your needs? Rob Morell from Vortex® Product Development uses his engineering brain to create a spreadsheet of popular models broken down by price, length, weight, and a few other factors. The gang talks through the different attributes they are looking for in a lightweight suppressor, considerations and more.

Link to chart

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#10MinuteTalk - Mountain Archery Fest — Don’t Miss It Apr 23, 2024

Do you love archery, bowhunting or both? Mountain Archery Fest is for you. These multifaceted, multi-course, multi-day 3D archery events with hunt-specific flare will get you prepped for the season while having a blast! Family-friendly fun with venues throughout the USA. Brandon Waddell with “MAF” tells us all about it. Use code Vortex24 for 15% off at checkout – the best discount offered!

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Ep. 336 | Barrel Fluting Facts with Pederson Precision Apr 22, 2024

Barrel fluting — practical, aesthetic, or both? Matt Pederson from Pederson Precision pops into the podcast studio to spit barrel-fluting facts. Matt is an expert rifle builder with extensive barrel production experience. Traditional straight to spiral and more — we cover it all.

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#10MinuteTalk - Winterkill and App Strategies with Eastmans’ Apr 16, 2024

The winter of 2023 was hard on the critters of Wyoming and many western states. Ike Eastman and Brandon Mason from the iconic western hunting media company, Eastmans’, give us their take on what happened, the strategies western states took, and things to consider when applying.

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Ep. 335 | Best Turkey Gauge — Is More Better? Apr 15, 2024

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn gab like hens about the results of their turkey-gauge test. They spin around the topic like strutting Toms in the sun, pecking at it from every angle. Did they pick the best turkey gauge or lay an egg? Tune in as they take a shotgun approach to this age-old debate.

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#10MinuteTalk - Wisconsin Elk of a Lifetime Apr 09, 2024

Wisconsin’s elk herd is a success story. This podcast is a success story because of that success story. Father/daughter duo, Izzy and Brian Wink, tell the tale of the great bull 17-year-old Izzy shot and the backstory behind it. Rifle setup and optic selection, to scouting, calling, picking the spot, setting up for the shot using her precision-rifle-shooting experience, and executing in the heat of the moment — Izzy did it all.

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Ep. 334 | Expert Turkey Decoy Strategies with Dave Constantine Apr 08, 2024

Do the turkey decoys you put out change based on time of the season? Renowned wildlife artist and turkey call maker, Dave Constantine, tells us why they should. Dave is responsible for the realism of many of the turkey decoys we set up to lure in that boss tom. He’s studied turkey posture and flock dynamics with incredible scrutiny. Couple that with being a lifelong turkey hunter, and you get knowledge you can take to the bank!

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#10MinuteTalk - Bullet Construction Breakdown Apr 02, 2024

Bullet construction is diverse as the applications we have for them. The team embarks on a world-record length 10MinuteTalk to cover the different styles and how they perform. Tip to boat tail, monolithic to cup-and-core, they discuss the nuances that make up the business end of one of our absolute favorite things — the cartridge.

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Ep. 333 | State of the Wild Turkey Union with Dr. Mike Chamberlain Apr 01, 2024

From boom to bust in some regions and concerns in others, we’ve seen wild turkey populations change dramatically over the years. What factors are impacting the wild turkey? Should declines in states traditionally known as turkey strongholds be a cautionary tale for others — and all who love the wild turkey? Wild turkey researcher and expert, Dr. Mike Chamberlain, gives us the rundown on what’s happening and what we can do.

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The Cartridge You Hate | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 18 Mar 29, 2024

Special guest, Dr. Mike Chamberlain, a.k.a. Wild Turkey Doc., joins the crew digitally to host turkey trivia. After, Mark and Ryan stake their claim on the cartridge they hate most and the animal they won’t shoot. Who wins the day? For someone, it’s going to be an absolute chip shot.

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#10MinuteTalk - NFA Trusts with Silencer Shop — What You Need to Know Mar 26, 2024

People often say trust the process. Well, a trust can be an important part of your silencer ownership process. Silencer Shop specializes in everything silencers. Purchasing, to tax stamps, to setting up an NFA trust, Tyler Walters from Silencer Shop joins Mark Boardman and Reuben Aleckson for a succinct, step-by-step rundown. Silencer Shop is an A-Z solution that dramatically minimizes the pain points of silencer ownership. Don’t wait. Enjoy the benefits of a suppressor as soon as possible…which will likely involve a wait.

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Ep. 332 | Backcountry Power with Dark Energy — Not All Batteries are Created Equal Mar 25, 2024

Cell phones for communication, navigation, photography, and evening entertainment, to headlamps, satellite communicators, and more — we rely on battery-powered devices. They make us efficient, comfortable, and keep us safe. What do they have in common? They need to be charged. Not all batteries/power products are created equal. Garrett Aida, CEO of Dark Energy, gets us learned up on backcountry power, what makes a good battery, best practices for care, runs us through his product suite, and teases a few products we can keep our eyes out for.

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#10MinuteTalk - Prevent Muzzy Misfires — Tips and Tricks Mar 19, 2024

You too can prevent muzzy misfires. Guns that load from the front can be inherently finicky and susceptible to environmental factors centerfire rifles shrug off with indifference. That’s part of the reason you generally get a special season. It’s simply harder. Equal parts challenge and frustration, getting your muzzleloader to go bang no matter what takes extra thought and care. And even with that thought and care, “stuff” happens. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through ways to ensure your muzzleloader performs optimally in the moment of truth.

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Ep. 331 | Everything Arrows with Day Six Gear — And It’s a Lot Mar 18, 2024

Clip in for a highly informative arrow podcast with Bryan Broderick of Day Six Gear. Combine 12 lifetimes of putting arrows in critters with an engineering mind and you get a company built around a balanced philosophy of practical performance. Tips to knocks, we cover it all.

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#10MinuteTalk - Pistol Braces — They’re Baaaaaaack Mar 12, 2024

Justice prevails for the gun community and The United States of America itself. Pistol braces are back baby. Light, compact, incredibly practical, and no tax stamp required, pistol braces are a great option for shooters of any stature. Their intrinsic form factor makes them the perfect tool for a variety of applications. First guns to truck guns, a pistol brace may be the ideal option for you. To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct at press time. Always confirm laws and regulations as they pertain to you and your jurisdiction.

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Ep. 330 | 9mm vs 10mm — Bear Defense Breakdown Mar 11, 2024

Back from shooting 9mm and 10mm pistols at charging paper targets, ballistic gel blocks, and bear skulls, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn have a lot to digest — so they can best prevent being digested by a bear. What pistol did they shoot better? Why? Which round performed better and by how much? Can less be more? Tune in as they dive deeper into their findings.

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#10MinuteTalk - Golf Rangefinders vs Hunting Rangefinders Mar 05, 2024

Vortex’s Golf rangefinders have specific features optimized for the application. But what are those features? Is there crossover with hunt/shoot rangefinders? Tune in to hear why you may need to up your game by adding a new Vortex Golf rangefinder to your golf bag.

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Ep. 329 | Does a Full-Size Pistol Make the Most Sense? Mar 04, 2024

Pistols come in all shapes and sizes. But what is the best size for your first pistol? What is the best size for your carry pistol? Are they perhaps the same? Pete Schreier from Vortex Edge® sits down with host Mark Boardman to chat through his full-size-pistol philosophy. What are you packing? Will it change after this podcast? Tune in to find out.

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#10MinuteTalk - Accuracy Under $10? — The Barrel Deresonator Feb 27, 2024

Mark Boardman twists off his Barrel Deresonator, Ryan Muckenhirn twists the truth, and Jimmy Hamilton is along for the ride as they debate the merit of this unique device. The boys go back and forth on its physical appearance and performance — including testimonials to its accuracy-improving potential. Ultimately, they make a plan to test it at the range. Tune in for some barrel-tuning fun.

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Ep. 328 | The Versatile Red Dot — Your Sighting System Answer? Feb 26, 2024

Red dot sights are the answer to so many firearm-topping needs. Pistol – red dot. AR for close-to-medium engagements – red dot. Shotgun – red dot. Double rifle – red dot. Bolt gun for driven game or dense forest — red dot. Fast, light, compact, and effective, red dots provide the ability to stay target focused for optimal performance down range. Mark Boardman and Adam Maxwell (Vortex Law Enforcement Sales/Competitive Shooter) talk red dots, including an at-press-time new model, until they are blue in the face.

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Pro Wrestlers and Open-Sight Shoot-Off’s | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 17 Feb 23, 2024

Mark and Ryan stand side-by-side in a head-to-head battle of words and wisdom. Ok, “wisdom” might be a bit strong. From the professional wrestler they would take hunting, to the movie “Leave the World Behind,” and an open-sighted spaghetti-shoot-off at Vortex Edge®, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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#10MinuteTalk - Battery Life vs. Battery Run Time Feb 20, 2024

Don’t be deceived by inflated numbers that look better on paper than in practice. Mike Rosen (Vortex New Product Development) and Liam Ward (Vortex Product Marketing) give us the rundown on battery run time — and why it’s a more useful and concrete measurement.

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Ep. 327 | The 30-30 Winchester — Is Grandpa Still Right? Feb 19, 2024

Back from the range, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn continue their evaluation of the good old 30-30 Winchester. Uniquely original, a first in its class, and potent deer medicine, is this more-than-century old cartridge all (most) deer hunters need? With bullet-extracting tools in hand, they circle the wagons on the gel blocks and pull projectiles for the rest of the story.

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#10MinuteTalk - The #1 Bushcraft Skill — Fire Starting with Remi Warren Feb 13, 2024

Comfort and comradery to saving your life, the ability to reliably start a fire under any circumstance mother nature can throw at you is imperative. Expert hunter and outdoorsman Remi Warren has started a lot of fires in a wide variety of conditions (all controlled and safely put out). Learn what he’s learned and practice fire starting when it doesn’t count — so it works when it does!

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Ep. 326 | The Best Long-Range Reticle — EBR-7D Breakdown Feb 12, 2024

There’s a lot going on and a lot you can do with the EBR-7D reticle, but you need to know how to use it. Vortex Edge® instructor Corey Eliasson drops by to break down the EBR-7D reticle. Extremely well thought out, every feature of this reticle has purpose and meaning. Tune in to hear all about it and decide for yourself.

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#10MinuteTalk - Calling Raccoons for Fur, Fun, Food and Conservation Feb 06, 2024

Fur prices are in the tank. Perfect! There’s never been a better time to hunt raccoons. Populations have boomed, they are plentiful, and these callable critters are fun to hunt. Mark Boardman, Erik Barber, and Ryan Muckenhirn aren’t professional coon hunters, but they share what they know in this podcast and make a pact to chase coons together before the season ends. Additionally, just because you’re not selling fur, doesn’t mean you can’t put it up for personal projects. And if handled/cooked properly to a safe temp of at least a sustained 165°, some folks swear they are pretty dang good on the table. Akin to pork in many ways. Tune in and give it a try yourself. You may even save a turkey nest or two this spring by knocking down a few of these masked, nest-raiding bandits.

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Ep. 325 | Gunpowder — An Explosive Podcast with Chris Hodgdon Feb 05, 2024

If you’ve ever fired a shot, you used gunpowder. This substance is integral to the ultimate function of every firearm and firearm discipline. Hunting, recreational shooting, self-defense, law enforcement, military conflict — gunpowder was there. It shaped our country, kept us alive, and keeps us safe today. But how much thought have you put into this nearly magical substance? Chris Hodgdon from the Hodgdon Powder Company joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to chat about all things gunpowder.

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#10MinuteTalk - The Best Coyote Caliber Is? Jan 30, 2024

High-stepping .17’s, your good old .223, the lightning-fast 22-250, or the dog-anchoring .243? Which of these cartridges takes the coyote crown. Or is it another? Just about every cartridge has taken a coyote at one time or another, but what’s the best coyote cartridge and why? Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and in-house coyote connoisseur, Bill Krivanek, sit down to discuss this question. Do you agree with their reasoning? Tune in to find out.

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Ep. 324 | GeoBallistics® — Comprehensive Ballistics Functionality in the Palm of Your Hand Jan 29, 2024

It’s time to go ballistic – GeoBallistics® that is. You can’t shoot long range without an accurate ballistic solution. The GeoBallistics app gives you that solution in an intuitive, easy-to-operate format. Accounts for all shot influencing variables with specific modes and features optimized for your shooting application. Integrates seamlessly with select Vortex products. Tune in if you’re interested in spot-on ballistic information and precision long-range shots.

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The Animal We Should Open a Season For | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 16 Jan 26, 2024

It’s open season on Mark and Ryan as Jim peppers them with questions. What is the animal we should open a season for? Is there a definitive answer when it comes to the best shotgun for bunny busting? As per usual, there’s a bunch of in-between antics and exchanges you won’t want to miss. Can Mark eke out a win or will Jim gun down his hopes of a victory with the push of a button? Tune in to find out.

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#10MinuteTalk - 5 Shooting Podcasts You Should Listen To Jan 23, 2024

Welcome to a #10MinuteTalk about 5 shooting-themed 10-minute talks you should listen to — or listen to again. Pistol lights with Pete to how to shoot a pistol with Jerry Miculek, these podcasts are packed with good tips to make you a better shooter. Oh, and it’s approximately 1 hr. — pretty standard for a #10MinuteTalk.

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Ep. 323 | .223 vs .300 AAC Blackout — Enough Knockdown for Deer? Jan 22, 2024

Varmints, to home defense and military applications, the .223 Remington and .300 AAC Blackout aren’t your typical deer cartridges. But in the right scenario, are they the perfect solution? And if so, which is better? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn took a couple blasters to the range and shot gel to find out. Here’s the rest of the story.

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#10MinuteTalk - Comb Height — Why Does it Matter? Jan 16, 2024

Rifle stock combs come in an array of heights. Why? Because a rifle’s comb height can be helping or hurting your shooting. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through different comb height styles. Is your rifle set up, right? Tune in to find out.

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Ep. 322 | 2023 Gear in Review Jan 15, 2024

Gear is fun to research and use! With 2023 in the books, a few usual suspects at Vortex® get together to chat about new-for-them gear they ran, liked, and recommend. Tune in and plan on being a few dollars lighter after.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Venom® vs Strike Eagle® — What’s the Diff? Jan 09, 2024

Vortex® Venom® and Strike Eagle® series riflescopes are incredibly capable “tactical” optics. But what’s the difference and where do they shine? We’ll tell you, but you’re going to have to listen to find out!

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Ep. 321 | The Holy Trinity of AR-15 Accessories Jan 08, 2024

Fact: You can trick out an AR-15 with more accessories than any other rifle platform. But if you had to pick three, what would they be? Liam Ward and Chris Urrutia from Vortex® join Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton to boil down the bare necessities of AR accessories. Did they get it right? What would you pick?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Texas Coyote Hunting — Put Up Big Numbers! Jan 02, 2024

Putting up huge numbers of coyotes pique your interest? Wade Chandler from Ally Outdoors and the Texas Predator Hunting Podcast joins Mark Boardman to chat about, you guessed it, Texas predator hunting. If you like hunting predators and haven’t hunted Texas, this podcast might have you planning a destination hunt to this predator paradise.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 320 | The Beretta M9 — Go-to or Bygone? Jan 01, 2024

Longstanding military service to Bruce Willis in the movie “Die Hard” (ok, technically a Beretta 92 for Bruce), the Beretta M9 has a storied history. This iconic pistol is as unique as it is effective. A full-size fighting handgun and classic by today’s standards, it is still incredibly practical and capable. Used and loved by many, there are some critiques. Tune in as we chat all about the Beretta M9, and what makes it one of the greats!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The .357 Maximum: Bring it Back! Dec 31, 2023

1983 was a good year for a lot of things. Mobile phones, the first iteration of the internet, and most importantly, the .357 Maximum. This cartridge isn’t popular, but it needs to be. Is it better than newly introduced cartridges seeing wide-range acceptance? Is it 6 cartridges in one? Do we need to launch a campaign to bring it back? Tune in to find out.

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#10MinuteTalk - The .300 Win Mag: King of the Do-All Magnums? Dec 30, 2023

The .300 Win Mag is versatile as the day is long – maybe more. Whitetails to brown bears and even professional work in the Mil/LE space, the .300 Win Mag has been there and done that. And it has done it well. Is its 60’s era belt out of fashion? Ask its resume of incredible performance. You’ll get your answer. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn dive into the .300 Win Mag. Finally!

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As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 7mm Rem Mag: Oldie but Goodie? Dec 29, 2023

The 7mm rem mag fires slippery bullets around the magical 3000 fps mark. Sound like everything folks are prioritizing in today’s modern cartridges? Have we had the 7mm solution all this time? What are its merits and detractors? Why doesn’t Ryan like this long-standing, loved-by-many cartridge? Listen to find out.

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#10MinuteTalk - The .470 Nitro Express: 500 Grains of Fury Dec 28, 2023

Synonymous with Africa’s dangerous game, double rifles, and more than 100 years old, the .470 Nitro Express is still a viable factory-loaded option. This thing doles out a licking and keeps on ticking. PH’s still bet their life on the effectiveness of the .470 Nitro. Tune in as we chat about this big-bore brute and what makes it so great!

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#10MinuteTalk - The .350 Rem Mag: Wha, Wha, Whaaaa Dec 27, 2023

Why did the .350 Rem Mag (our first short magnum) fall flat – more than once? Was it the rifle? Was it the cartridge itself? Was the world not ready? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn examine the .350 Remington and why it assuredly receives lead-balloon status.

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#10MinuteTalk - The 9x25mm Dillon: Major Power Factor Dec 26, 2023

The bottlenecked 9x25mm Dillon pistol cartridge is incredibly interesting and has a cool backstory. Innovative, effective, yet relegated to the obscure by a simple rule change, this pistol round is worth knowing about. This one’s for you Carl Volt!

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Ep. 319 | You Asked for It — Listener Question Sesh Dec 25, 2023

We asked for your questions, you answered with your questions, and we answered the questions you asked. Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn cover all manner of topics in this podcast dedicated to listeners and what you guys wanted to know. Satirical to technical, this was a fun one we apparently didn’t want to end because it went way too long.

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Santa’s Go-to Gat | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 15 Dec 22, 2023

Spaghetti Shootout ugly-Christmas-sweater edition (sweater vest for Mark of course) ensues. Jim gives Mark “pity points” for Christmas, gets a couple gifts himself, and the guys verbally battle important topics like, Santa’s go-to gat. Can mark pull out a win or will he be crying in his hot cocoa? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - No Dog Rabbit Tactics Dec 19, 2023

Fast, fun, and fantastic on the table, a brace of rabbits might be exactly what you need to spice up your hunting life — or get started on your hunting path. And you don’t need a dog to do it. Accomplished with minimal gear and best done with a few good buddies, it’s tough to beat a day of beating the brush for bunnies. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through some tips to get you started.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 318 | 300 Win Mag vs 6.5 Creedmoor — Huh? Dec 18, 2023

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn take their 300 Win Mag vs 6.5 Creedmoor discussion to the next level in this more than odd-couple cartridge comparison. These cartridges are common, but not commonly compared. So why did we do it and how did they perform? What questions did we answer? Did we dispel any myths? Tune in to watch some bullet-pulling gel-block surgery and find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Ruger Mini-14 — One Mighty Cool Rifle Dec 12, 2023

If you ever watched the hit 80’s TV Show, “The A-Team”, you most certainly saw the Ruger Mini 14 in action. The rifle’s prevalence was so significant, you can order a model today with nomenclature reference to the cut-way-too-short series. But there’s more to this radical rifle than its use in Hollywood. So much that Jim got one just so we could do this podcast. It took zero arm twisting by the way. Tune in to hear all about the Ruger Mini-14.

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Ep. 317 | End of the World Truck — Clay Hayes Edition Dec 11, 2023

Clay Hayes is prepared for just about anything – and so is his truck. Jim never misses a chance to chat about cool, outside the box, yet highly practical vehicles. Clay’s truck is all those things and more. It runs on an alternate fuel source — and we’re not talking wind or solar. Tune in to hear all about it. You might just build one yourself, save money on fuel, and be ready for…well, you’ll be ready.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - What a Bore Scope Will Tell You Dec 05, 2023

Ian Klemm stops by to chat scopes – bore scopes that is. This handy device will unlock the secrets of your rifle’s bore. And they retail for around $60. Not bad for a device that not long ago was likely top-tier spy-ops material. Tune in to hear what it can tell you and why you just might want to pick one up.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 316 | The Three Tiers of Muzzleloading Dec 04, 2023

Muzzleloaders fall into approximately three different buckets (Traditional, Inline, Extreme Performance). As simple as they can be, they can be equally complex. Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Paul Neess dive deep into each style and their distinct nuances. They even find a sweet spot of price and performance that’s tough to beat. Tune in for a detailed rundown on muzzleloaders.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

You Have One Handwarmer. Where Do You Stick It? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 14 Dec 01, 2023

The “Spaghetti Gang” is at it again – answering high energy questions of zero relevance. Will Mark find his slump buster, or once again fall victim to the all-mighty Muckenhirn. From the best outdoor infomercial, to bribery, cheese, and more, tune in for a characteristically ridiculous ride you can only get from Spaghetti Shootout.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Does Cryogenically Freezing Your Barrel Improve Performance? Nov 28, 2023

Cryogenically freezing barrels is a declared important step in some barrel manufacturers’ process. Entire services are available to cryo barrels for customers interested in accuracy, consistency and longer barrel life. Some say the process works wonders. Some say it’s a fallacy. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn debate its relevance. One thing is certain, -300° F is Cold!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 315 | "We Hunted the Entire Deer Season - Here's what we learned" ft. The Element Nov 27, 2023

Content creators and dedicated deer hunters, Tyler Jones, and K.C. Smith from The Element podcast detail their origin story, how they got linked up with the MeatEater crew, their multi-state Buck Truck deer hunting tour, and deer hunting lessons learned along the way. These guys are fun to talk to! Tune in for a great conversation with some super solid deer hunting advice.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Peep This - Aperture Sights on Firearms and Muzzleloaders Nov 21, 2023

Aperture sights, commonly referred to as peep sights, are a fun and extremely accurate way to shoot an open-sighted rifle or muzzleloader. But why? What rifles do they marry well with? Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn pull a couple of Ryan’s rifles out of the safe to chat through them and the different styles of peep sights they are adorned with.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 314 | Hot Tent Camping – What You Need to Know Nov 20, 2023

That hot tent camping is SOOO hot right now (mild Zoolander movie reference). And for good reason. The ability to stay warm and get dry is critical for late-season hunts – or any hunt where inclement weather is a possibility. It can be the difference between staying or going home. More critically, the difference between life and death. At the minimum, it’s a morale booster. If you’ve been thinking about going this route, there’s a fair amount to consider. Mark Boardman joins good friend and founder of Argali, Brad Brooks, to chat floorless shelters, hot tent camping, and Argali’s titanium stove.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Red Dots on Hunting Rifles? Nov 14, 2023

Close quarters, fast shots, moving targets, dynamic situations, shooting with both eyes open and a high-level need for rapid target acquisition. Sound like a “tactical environment”? Could be, but it’s not. You’re on a driven hog hunt in Spain or Germany, calling red stags in France, or on stand during a good old fashioned Midwest deer drive. All the positive attributes a red dot offers translate perfectly to specific hunts — making them the best option in some cases. Be “ready” for fast action with a red dot.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 313 | 7mm Rem Mag vs 7mm PRC — Is the King Dead? Nov 13, 2023

The king of the 7mm’s for decades, the 7mm Rem Mag has a reputation for performance and long-range authority. But with the rise of the 7mm PRC, is the king dead? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn dive deep into their gel-shooting results to break down these cartridges and answer this very question. Was the original outcome the right one? Mark says no. Tune in to decide for yourself.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Plant Brush — Save Mule Deer Nov 07, 2023

Mule deer are amazing critters. Sage brush and bitter brush are critical components of their habitat. Some areas need more to keep herds and ecosystems in optimal condition. Mark Boardman sits down with Brian McElrea from HUSH to chat about their super cool Brush for Bucks program — agrowing program YOU can get involved with. Tune in to hear how you can get your hands dirty, have fun, and help mule deer and other critters along the way.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 312 | Giving Back to Those Who Give so Much – Special Ops Xcursions Nov 06, 2023

Special Ops Xcursions (SOX) provides high quality/much needed outdoor experiences to active special ops personnel and their families. This work is critically important, life changing, and even life saving. Tune in as Scott Graves gives us the rundown on this fantastic organization and the amazing impact they have. You’ll also get the scoop on Vortex/SOX collaboration film, along with a limited run shirt – all proceeds benefiting SOX and their mission.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Honoring Our Nation’s War Dogs and their Handlers — The US War Dogs Association Nov 01, 2023

America’s 4-legged heroes and their hero handlers need support after they retire. Enter the US War Dogs Association! This organization takes on the significant financial burden of caring for war dogs who served our country. Dogs who saved the lives of countless soldiers who depended on their incredible capabilities. Chris Willingham Joins Mark Boardman to discuss his professional career, his natural path to the US War Dogs Association, and the critically important work they do.

For the month of November 2023, purchase a Vortex Dog Collar and all proceeds benefit the US War Dogs Association.

Want to donate?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Night Vision — Is it Worth it? Oct 31, 2023

Night Vision: It’s a crazy superpower instrumental in the success of our modern warfighters, looks cool in movies, and elevates the night hunting and shooting experience. Mounted to your face or rifle, there’s no question it is insanely awesome. Is it expensive? Yes. Do you want it? Yes. But is it worth it? Vortex Edge® instructor Mike Griffin joins Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton to answer this very question.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 311 | The Impact® 4000 Ballistic Rail-Mounted Laser Rangefinder — Change Your Shooting Life Oct 30, 2023

The Impact® 4000 Ballistic Rail-Mounted Laser Rangefinder. The name says a lot but doesn’t say it all. Vortex’s Tucker Schmidt and Nick Blough (credentialed shooters to say the least) join the podcast to expound on the game-changing capabilities of this unit. Simply put, you can transform your rifle into a cohesive system that ranges targets with pinpoint accuracy using the enhanced optics of the riflescope it’s mounted on, get a customized ballistic solution with Vortex’s Geo Ballistics software, then execute your shot — all while staying on the gun. Incredibly durable and holds zero — period. Tune in to hear about this impressive unit and how it will change your shooting life.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Best Lie to Go Hunting? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 13 Oct 27, 2023

Do nice guys finish last? Find out as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn assign each other a gas station identity, determine if HEYDUDE’s or Crocs are the best camp shoe, test friendships with hunting spot betrayal, and fabricate lies to get off work. And of course, there’s a spicy meatball to get things going. Tune in to see if Mark starts a two-game winning streak or if Ryan reclaims his throne.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Seek One's Gear and Deer Tactics Revealed Oct 24, 2023

Lee Ellis and Drew Carroll from Seek One dump gear and deer knowledge in this tip-rich podcast “geared” toward getting you your next big buck. These guys are insanely dialed and meticulously detail oriented. Their track record for killing giants speaks for itself. Swivel your ears forward and pay attention. These guys know what they are talking about.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 310 | 31 Species of Deer? “You sure about that?” “You sure about that?” Oct 23, 2023

According to some, we have 31 species of deer to chase in North America. Is that true? Mark Boardman joins Arizona Game and Fish Wildlife Biologist Jim Heffelfinger to find out. Jim is a passionate deer expert, has written books on deer, coauthored books on deer, runs the website deernut.com, can be found on Instagram as @cervidnut, and is a full research scientist at the University of Arizona’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Not surprising of anyone who loves deer this much, he’s a deer hunter too. Tune in for a fun and informative conversation with our deer friend Jim all about deer.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Ryan Muckenhirn’s Howa Carbon Stalker – 6mm ARC Oct 17, 2023

Is it an impulse buy when you’ve been looking for a specific style of rifle for a while, then buy it the second you think you found it? Ask Ryan Muckenhirn as he walks us through his brand spanking new Howa Carbon Stalker in 6mm ARC – an increasingly popular cartridge. We get the why behind his need for this rifle, the scoop on the rifle itself, some immediate modifications he made, and more. Tune in and find out if you need one too.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 309 | 350 Legend vs 450 Bushmaster — Total Domination from the 350 Legend? Oct 16, 2023

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down to pull bullets and further evaluate their 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster gel-shooting results. Do they do their signature flip-flopping, or does the data hold up in their cartridge court? Find out right here.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Zero Your Riflescope in 3 Shots or Less? Oct 10, 2023

A solid riflescope zero doesn’t have to burn tons of ammo, bruise your shoulder, and take up your entire day. It can be a simple, clean, and efficient process. With a little prework, the right tools, and confident shooting, a great zero can be accomplished in just a few shots. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn walk through techniques and equipment to help you get your rifle sighted in with ammo and time to spare.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 308 | I Waterboarded My Rangefinder – Ft. MeatEater’s Clay Newcomb Oct 09, 2023

Host of MeatEater’s Bear Grease Podcast, Clay Newcomb joins Mark Boardman to recount an unorthodox but effective coastal bear hunt, bear hunting in general, owning Bear Hunting Magazine, how he ended up at MeatEater as part of their all-star cast (our words not his) and more. Clay is a hell of a woodsman, super interesting, inciteful, and all-around great guy. Tune in for a fantastic conversation and to hear how his rangefinder took a salty licking and kept on ticking.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 2023 Budget Rifle Roundup – Sub $700 Rifles You Can Bank On Oct 03, 2023

Accurate, reliable, and economical hunting rifles are produced by nearly every major rifle manufacturer these days. Consumers are reaping the benefits of modern materials and production techniques. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton talk through 7 sub $700 models built to fill freezers and wall space — with money left over for your next tag.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 307 | Pro Picks: Build the Ultimate Long-Range Kit Oct 02, 2023

Professional military sniper, private sector Vortex Edge® instructor, and long-range shooting competition enthusiast, Corey Eliasson, has the experience to build a sleek long-range system that flat out works. His kit is no frills, all business, and meticulously thought out. He’s refined it over the years and continues to refine it. Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton sit down with Corey to run through his long-range kit piece by piece to help you build yours.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

If Texas was a Firearm? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 12 Sep 29, 2023

Mark comes out of the gate hot, Ryan desperately resorts to “your mom jokes”, we turn Texas into a firearm, Jimmy gets a mohawk, and more. Will Mark break his tradition-like losing streak or burn up like a star entering earth’s atmosphere? Watch to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Trap, Skeet and Sporting Clays – What’s the Diff? Sep 26, 2023

Insanely fun, accessible, low recoil, all ages welcome, and as casual or competitive as you want to make it — the shotgun shooting sports are king for these reasons and more. But what’s the difference between trap, skeet, and sporting clays? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton and resident clays expert, Ryan Muckenhirn, break down the big three, so you can head to your local club and start breaking targets.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 306 | Making Sense of Broadheads with the Ranch Fairy Sep 25, 2023

Mark Boardman sits down with Troy Fowler (The Ranch Fairy) to make sense of broadheads, how they work, things to consider, how to tune your arrows to shoot with broadheads, and more. They navigate a windy conversational path to get your broadheads shooting straight…. And cutting deep! Tune in for the educational and always entertaining, Ranch Fairy.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Lead Balloon: The .338 Federal Sep 19, 2023

It’s time for another of Ryan Muckenhirn’s “Lead Balloon’s.” On paper the .338 Federal checks a lot of boxes hunters look for in a cartridge. Alas, it didn’t make a lot of paper for rifle and ammunition manufactures. As with many cartridges, success or failure can be difficult to make sense of. The .338 Federal certainly outperforms its popularity. Was it timing? Was it not different enough from established offerings? Was there not a need? Did the masses get it wrong by not bringing this cartridge into the fold of gun safes across the globe? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn pop this lead balloon and chat through its story, as well as its dismal acceptance by hunters and shooters.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 305 | .300 Win Mag vs .308 – Do You Need One or Both? Sep 18, 2023

Will the .308 do everything you need? Do you need the raw horsepower of a .300 Win Mag to get the job done? Or do you need both? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through their gel-shooting results, extract, examine, measure, and not only weigh the projectiles themselves, but where each cartridge makes the most sense.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Choose a Spotting Scope Sep 12, 2023

Your style of hunting, terrain, hunt goals, the critters you chase, and more can affect your spotting scope selection. Size, weight, magnification, angled vs. straight configuration, optical quality — Mark Boardman and Paul Neess sit down to give you spot-on information on spotting scopes.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 304 | Barrel Burnout – Does it Exist? Sep 11, 2023

Barrel burnout is often a big consideration for folks when selecting a cartridge. But is it as big a deal as it’s made out to be? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn discuss barrel burnout, who should it matter to, how it occurs, and what you can do if it happens.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Remi’s Favorite Spotter Just Got Updated Sep 05, 2023

The Razor® HD 13-39x56 spotting scope is the perfect example of, “Big things come in small packages.” It’s also Remi Warren’s favorite spotting scope. Listen to Mark Boardman and Remi talk about his extensive use of its predecessor, the incredible increase in performance of the new iteration, and what he loves about it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 303 | Remi Warren’s Secrets to Finding Elk Sep 04, 2023

Finding elk is the most critical component of the elk hunting equation. Nothing else really matters if you can’t locate these dang things. Renowned elk hunter, guide, content creator, and all-around great guy, Remi Warren, runs through his secret tips to finding where elk hide — so you can seek.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Ruger Precision Rifle – How Good Can It Be? Aug 29, 2023

Modestly priced, the Ruger RPR’s performance is anything but. In fact, it’s a standout. There was a time at Vortex when it seemed a new RPR would show up daily. The accuracy, performance and price were simply too good not to own one. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through this anomaly in the firearm space and why it’s so dang good.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 302 | Choosing the Right Reticle Aug 28, 2023

Life can be complex. Choosing a reticle shouldn’t be. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Nick Laufenberg dive into hunting reticles. From simple plex, to more detailed first focal plane reticles with mrad or moa hashmarks and a windage tree in the lower hemisphere – they cover the who, what, where, when, why to get you on target.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Rifle vs. Bow — Who’s the better hunter? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 11 Aug 25, 2023

Spaghetti Shootout is back for season two and better than ever. With Jimmy Hamilton at the helm of this meatball-packed episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn debate audience submitted topics — most of which are frankly, a little weird. Can Mark break his losing streak? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 301 | Alaska Hunt Planning – Layered as Your Clothing System Aug 22, 2023

Hunting Alaska is logistically complex. Its location, remoteness, varied terrain, modes of transportation and bears add extra layers to the hunt planning process. Mark Boardman, Erik Barber, and Sawer Briel from Vortex, along with Brad Brooks from Argali, use their Sitka blacktail hunt as the framework to cover valuable Alaska hunt planning tips. The goal? To help you line out your AK adventure.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 300 | Untold: Alders to Alpine — The Rest of the Story Aug 21, 2023

Crazy terrain, giant bears, extreme weather, lots of shooting, big bucks, bonking out, and a little barf — this hunt had it all. Listen to the Vortex crew to get the behind-the-scenes story of their epic Kodiak Island Sitka blacktail hunt.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Archery and Hunter Education Under Federal Attack Aug 15, 2023

Federal funding for school-based archery and hunter education programs has been eliminated. Why? Good question. Mark grabs the Archery Trade Association’s Dan Forester to give us the backstory, along with steps you can take to help. These programs are profoundly important and enrich the lives of youths who participate. They build and promote life skills, friendships, self-esteem, firearm safety and more. Take action. You can make a difference.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 299 | 30-06 Springfield vs .270 Winchester — The Superior Deer Cartridge Is? Aug 14, 2023

For years there was one cartridge question a deer hunter had to ask themselves. .270 or 30-06? Both have strong merits. Is there a right answer? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sent rounds down range into gel to tackle this highly debated cartridge comparison. The results might surprise you. Frankly, neither of them like the outcome. And that’s where this podcast begins.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Is Your Bow Hunt Ready? Aug 08, 2023

There’s nothing worse than attempting to dial in your bow at the last minute. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Erik Barber tackle a pre-season checklist to help ensure you have stories about the one that didn’t get away.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 298 | Prepping for War — On a Budget? Aug 07, 2023

Prepping for war on a budget. Is that even possible? Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton seek the answer to this question with the help of Vortex Edge® instructors, Justin Lipska and Mike Griffin. These guys have seen some things and run through a lot of gear in their day. Tune in to find out if you can thrift your way to becoming a battle-ready bad ass.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Hunt Ready: A Rifle Checklist Rundown Aug 01, 2023

A hunt-ready rifle ensures optimal performance and rock-solid confidence when the moment of truth arrives. There are several things you can check to make sure your prince of projectile precision is ready for the field this year. Some of which should happen before you even mount that new riflescope. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through a rifle-related checklist that can eliminate potential frustration, as well as promote the accuracy and consistency you demand.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 297 | Small Versus Large Rifle Primers - Part II Jul 31, 2023

The small versus large rifle primer experiment continues. Ammo was loaded, the weather machine engaged, and rounds sent down range. What did the boys see regarding accuracy, velocity, and reliability? Listen and watch to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Advantages to Using Small Rifle Primers? Maybe. Jul 25, 2023

A curious observation leads to multiple hypotheses and an interesting discussion on small rifle primer use in intermediate cartridges like the .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. Could there be an advantage to bucking the trend and using small rifle primers? Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton pontificate primers and come up with a test for their hypothesis.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 296 | White Deer – Should They Get Special Treatment? Jul 24, 2023

Some states protect albino deer, white deer, and in some instances partially white deer – prohibiting take during legal hunting seasons. Should that be the case? Most states treat white deer like any other deer. What makes white deer so special? Should we manage wildlife based on appearance or science? Jeffrey Pritzl and Kevin Wallenfang from the Wisconsin DNR (Wisconsin is a state that protects white deer) join Mark Boardman and Erik Barber to chat about what for hunters and non-hunters, can be a white-hot issue.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Choose a Tripod Jul 18, 2023

“Team Tripod” is back. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Paul Neess talk tripods and what a person may want to consider when making their selection. They cover lever locks, twist locks, heads, height, shooting, personal preferences, and at-release of this podcast a new model, to give you a leg up when it’s time to get your first or next tripod.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 295 | Forever Wolf Hunt Ban? Jul 17, 2023

A forever ban on wolf hunting in Minnesota seems preposterous and counterintuitive to any semblance of sound wildlife management, but that’s exactly what was on the table for Minnesota residents. Lucky for all hunters, organizations like the Sportsmen’s Alliance stand guard to fend off anti-hunting groups who prey on the emotions and money of the uninformed, aiming to dismantle the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, our hunting traditions, and balanced ecosystems. Mark Boardman and Brian Lynn from the Sportsmen’s Alliance sit down to chat about what happened, how it happened, where the issue stands, and most importantly, the path forward – which looks solid, and shows promise. If you hunt, this issue affects you. Learn what to look out for and what you can do.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Life Changing Impacts – The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation Jul 11, 2023

Chris Hodgdon from the Hodgdon Powder Company Joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to chat about the Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) and the incredible impact it has on youths who participate. This organization develops character as much as it does shooting skills. And let’s not forget the scholarship opportunities for higher education. Parent or youth – listen to hear how you can get involved and possibly change the trajectory of your life.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 294 | Cartridge Talks — .30-06 Springfield Vs .308 Winchester. Unpacking a Controversial Result! Jul 10, 2023

The 30-06 Springfield and .308 Winchester — two cartridges that have been to war, go to war in this 30-Cal. competition for ages. Shots have been fired and results tallied. But does that tell the whole story? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn don’t think so. That’s why they’ve hit the podcast studio to extract projectiles and further evaluate these American favorites.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 1766 Charleville – America’s Original Battle Rifle Jul 04, 2023

Happy Independence Day. In honor of this holiday, freedom, and the brave American’s who stood up against tyranny, we discuss the rifle they used to do it - the 1766 Charleville. This smoothbore flintlock was instrumental in gaining our independence. It’s as cool as it is historic. Listen in as Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn talk about the 1700’s version of the AR-15.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 293 | Barrel Length – Does Size Really Matter? Jul 03, 2023

Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn and Taylor Meyers debate barrel length and its effect on the overall experience…the shooting experience. What do you truly gain or lose as you increase/decrease barrel length. From a 7.5-inch SBR to a 26-inch pipe built to maximize performance, they cover the long and short of this age-old question.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The .444 Marlin – Big Lead Slinger or Lead Balloon? Jun 27, 2023

How did the most powerful straight-wall cartridge of its time become nearly a thing of the past? Where the heck does the .444 designation even come from when there’s nothing .44 about it? Find out as we discuss this impressive and interesting cartridge.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 292 | Untold: Surf & Turf in Hawaii Ft. Remi Warren Jun 26, 2023

Axis deer, pigs, and goats – oh my! Mark Boardman and Remi Warren, along with field producers Cooper Long and Mike Wozniak, recap a phenomenal hunting experience in the great state of Hawaii. Bows, rifles, rods, reels, and three-prong spears, the guys do their best to sample as much sporting adventure as possible in a few short days. Listen to hear the full rundown on this trip to hunting paradise.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Anatomy of a Cartridge Jun 20, 2023

It’s time for a little anatomy class…The anatomy of a cartridge that is. From primer to bullet and everything between, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn dissect the components, that when compiled properly, become one of the most important tools we have as human beings – the cartridge.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 291 | Is the Glock the Perfect Pistol? Jun 19, 2023

The Glock, truly revolutionary at its inception and iconic in the pistol space. The most widely used pistol by law enforcement professionals and often the choice of military professionals as well. Features questioned by some originally, are celebrated by users and emulated by the industry today. Is it the perfect pistol? Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn ask themselves this very question.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - G1 and G7 Ballistic Coefficients - Which One Should I Use? Jun 13, 2023

G1 and G7 BC’s - what the heck are they and which number should I plug into my ballistics calculator to get the best drop and wind drift solutions? Mark Boardman grabs Reuben Aleckson and Ryan Muckenhirn to get the 411 on G1 and G7 BC’s.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 290 | Cartridge Talks: 6.5 Creedmoor vs .308 Winchester. Which is better? Jun 12, 2023

In the inaugural episode of Cartridge Talks, (a brand-new Vortex Nation™ YouTube series exploring life’s greatest cartridge-related questions) Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn fired multiple projectiles into ballistics gel comparing the 6.5 Creedmoor against the .308. The goal - to determine a “Winner”. Now, it’s time to grab the forceps and further dissect the results. The guys hit the podcast studio to dive deeper into the nuances of their findings. Is there a compelling winner in this battle of “The old bull versus the young calf?” Watch/listen to find out!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Vortex® Triumph® HD 10x42 – Spot Bucks for Under 100 Bucks Jun 06, 2023

Making a quality binocular costing under $100 would be quite the Triumph. So that’s what we did and that’s what we called it. The Triumph® HD 10x42 binocular is the perfect optic for the budget-conscious outdoorsman who still needs a meaningful viewing experience. In this podcast, we grab optics expert, and admitted optics snob, Mike McDowell, to chat through the features and performance of this optically and economically impressive 10x42 binocular.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 289 | Remote Field Medicine with Vortex Edge® Instructor, Mike Griffin Jun 05, 2023

Vortex Edge® instructor, Mike Griffin, taps in for a more than interesting story about his paramedic/remote-field-medicine life journey. Along the way, he provides hard-earned incite and some great tips for self-sufficiency and medical care you will want to consider. What’s your plan? What knowledge do you have? What equipment do you need? What if?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Match Ammo for Hunting? May 30, 2023

“You should never use match ammo for hunting.” “Match ammo is fantastic for hunting.” The topic of match ammo for hunting may be one of the most polarizing. There are two camps with little in between. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn tackle this hornets’ nest of a subject, talking about the differences between “match” and “hunting” ammo, provide the theory they personally subscribe to, anecdotes of times they’ve used match ammo for hunting, and touch on regions of the world where using match ammo for hunting is more common than not.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 288 | 2A State of the Union with the Second Amendment Foundation May 29, 2023

The Second Amendment is always under attack. For reference, the Second Amendment states: A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Well, there’s a heck of a lot of infringing going on! Good thing we have folks like Adam Kraut from the Second Amendment Foundation working hard to keep it intact. We talk about Adam’s career path, the 2A itself, the playbook of those looking to dismantle it piece by piece, updates on the current landscape of 2A-related infringements we are facing, how the Second Amendment Foundation goes about fighting the good fight and what you can do.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Lightweight Hunting Bipods May 23, 2023

Stability is key for precise shots on game. But who wants to attach a boat anchor to their rifle to get it? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat lightweight hunting bipods in this 10-Minute Talk on two-legged forend support, so you can better shoot 4-legged critters.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 287 | .308 Versus 6.5 Creedmoor. Who Reigns Supreme? May 22, 2023

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down to pit the prom queen 6.5 Creed against the more than iconic .308 Win. After chatting through the merits of both (which both have many), they decide more research needs to be done. Research that requires guns, ammunition, and ballistics gel. If you’re trying to decide between these cartridges, perk up your ears and give this episode a listen. If still undecided at the end, stay tuned.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 240 Weatherby Mag. – Fast as Lightning or Flash in the Pan? May 16, 2023

All gas no brakes, the high-stepping .240 Weatherby Mag. is classic Roy. This 6mm speedster has a lot to offer. But its performance comes at a cost. Do the negatives outweigh the positives? How does it compare to modern 6mm cartridges? Why isn’t it more popular? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn take the 240 Weatherby Mag. head on in this cartridge talk all about the last cartridge designed by Roy Weatherby himself.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 286 | Youth .22’s – The Long and Short of it May 15, 2023

The .22 LR - a right of hunting and shooting passage. But like all guns, fitment is a big consideration. For some youths, it can affect comfort, shooting fundamentals, accuracy, frustration, muscle fatigue, and even safety. Basically, the entire shooting experience. What makes a good youth .22? What things should a person think about when selecting a rifle for this application? What are some models that are available? Find out as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn tackle the topic of youth .22’s.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Remi Warren’s Favorite Hunting Cartridge of All Time – The .??? ??? May 09, 2023

Famed guide and hunter, Remi Warren, drops by Vortex® to drop knowledge on his favorite hunting cartridge of all time. He makes some strong points with this one and Mark Boardman agrees with everything he has to say. Listen in on this short, but impactful, cartridge-related podcast.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 285 | Is the 10mm the Best Bear Defense Pistol Cartridge? May 08, 2023

Lots of folks are heading afield in grizzly country packing 10mm pistols these days. But is that the best option? There are certainly handguns with more oomph. What about handguns with less oomph? What attributes should a person prioritize? Velocity? Foot pounds of energy? Bullet diameter? Bullet weight? Bullet construction? Shootability? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn bear down on this topic from a position of having never been there. Luckily most of us haven’t, but it is something to think about if likely finding yourself in bear country.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - What is “Apparent Field of View”, and Does it Matter? May 02, 2023

Apparently, there’s a lot to know about “apparent field of view.” Good thing we have optics guru Mike McDowell to explain it to us! As per usual, Mike dazzles us with information that’s fun, interesting, and useful. Tune in to get tuned up on an often-overlooked optic feature/calculation.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 284 | The .325 WSM – King of the WSM’s or Lead Balloon? May 01, 2023

The .325 WSM is 25 more than the .300 WSM, so it’s 25 better, right? Interest and overall acceptance may say otherwise, but there are those who love this cartridge and will defend its honor till their death. Is the .325 designation even accurate? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat about this interesting cartridge that some say is good for everything yet deemed good for nothing by many.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Rik’s Turkey Crunchin’ 870 Apr 25, 2023

Slingin’ Rik is back on the podcast, and he’s brought his beloved, hunt-worn, Remington 870. If he cut a notch in the stock of this thing every time he killed a turkey, you’d be left with a mighty fine toothpick. It’s the only shotgun he’s owned for most of his life. Listen for the nostalgic backstory of his most cherished firearm. Do you have a gun like this?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 283 | Outfitting Your AR for Home Defense Apr 24, 2023

The AR-15 is the most versatile firearm platform in existence. One application where it shines is home defense. Particularly if you outfit it with a light – which you should. Chris Urrutia from Vortex Edge® joins Mark Boardman and Jim Hamilton to chat all about outfitting your AR for home defense.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Binocular or Monocular Laser Rangefinder - What’s Best? Apr 18, 2023

You need a rangefinder, but what style is right for you? Bowhunters, rifle hunters, guides, recreational shooters, and competitive shooters have similar, but different needs. Mark Boardman, Paul Neess, and Mike Tassoul chat through the advantages of each and where they shine. They also cover the new Razor® HD 4000 GB laser rangefinder, its onboard ballistics software, atmospherics sensors, and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 282 | Prepper's Mindset — Clay Hayes Edition Apr 17, 2023

He doesn’t plan, he doesn’t stockpile copious amounts of ammo, but he’s one of the most prepared people in the world. When you work daily on and develop primitive skills like Clay Hayes, you’re always prepared. This guy won season 8 of the Alone TV competition, and I’m sure would win the game of life if everything we know about society changed in an instant. Tune in to get Clay’s take on preparedness.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Tikka Actions — What Makes Them So Great? Apr 11, 2023

If you know Ryan Muckenhirn, you know he fancies Tikka rifles and their actions. But why? What makes them so great? Mark Boardman and Ryan run the bolt on this topic, covering the glass-smooth, economical, high-performing actions found on Tikka rifles and a fair bit more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 281 | Prepping – What’s the Best Strategy? Apr 10, 2023

Prepare for dynamic conversation where Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn dive down the prepping rabbit hole. This is a philosophical discussion that explores their personal thoughts, potential strategies, things they consider and more. The unknown is the unknown, so how do you prepare? Good question. We are still sorting it out ourselves – and may continue to with future podcasts. Are you prepared?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - EDC Pocket Dump – Brennan Brennecke Edition Apr 04, 2023

Pocket lint to pistol, Brennan Brennecke from Vortex Edge® joins Jimmy Hamilton and Mark Boardman for a rundown on his EDC kit and the “why” behind each item. Too much? Too little? You decide.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 280 | Defensive Handgun Ammo Breakdown with Hornady® Apr 03, 2023

What the heck makes a defensive handgun round right for the application? Ballistician, Jayden Quinlan, from Hornady joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to answer this question and more. Bullet design, powder selection, penetration requirements in specific media, and a host of other important factors, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss. Your life may depend on it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Save the Legs for Me Clark | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 10 Mar 31, 2023

In this turkey meatball inspired, season 1 finale of Spaghetti Shootout, Jimmy Hamilton is back from his weirdo unicorn conference and ready to talk turkey with Ryan Muckenhirn and Mark Boardman. They debate 12- or 20-gauge shotguns and their gobbler smacking efficacy, the best recipe for the dark meat parts, and more. Mark comes out of the gate hot and promptly trips over his…turkey beard. Can he recover? Watch or listen to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Aaron Warbritton’s One Piece of Turkey Hunting Advice Mar 28, 2023

The Hunting Public’s, Aaron Warbritton, drops in digitally to download his single most important piece of turkey hunting advice. Aaron is one of the best turkey hunters in the country and is in the woods more days than he isn’t. Tune in and tag out on a tip any hunter can benefit from.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 279 | 3 Gobblers at 5 Steps – NE Turkey Hunt Recap Mar 27, 2023

From insanely pressured birds to trigger pressure, Mark Boardman, Graham Cronin, Erik Barber along with camera guys Mike Wozniak and Cooper Long, give a behind-the-scenes look at their “Vortex Hunts” Nebraska turkey trip. A hunt that went from zero to flop-fest in a matter of seconds. Listen and watch the hunt go down on the Vortex Nation™ YouTube channel.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 5 Things You Can Learn From a Shed Antler Mar 21, 2023

A good sheducation is important. Every antler you pick up tells a story…and has the potential to be the start of your next big buck story. Mark Boardman and Erik Barber sit down to “shed” some light on the invaluable insight these fantastic forest-finds offer.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 278 | Concealed Carry Red Dot Sight Considerations Mar 20, 2023

Red dots, like the Vortex® Defender-CCW, are the future of concealed carry sighting systems. But there are considerations when going this route. Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton bring on Vortex Edge® instructor, Brennan Brennecke, for a red-hot red dot discussion.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bone Debacle Mar 14, 2023

A broken truck can’t stop Vortex’s Travis Jones and his wife Angie from stacking drops like it’s hot. From limp-mode, to brand new ride, and a bed full of brown gold, Travis details their shedcation full of comical trials and gains on their piles. Stay shedicated my friends.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 277 | Myth Busters - Optics Edition Mar 13, 2023

Welcome to “Myth Busters - Optics Edition.” On this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn debunk common optics myths and misconceptions. Oculars to objectives, tubes to turrets, they break down stuff folks get, well, wrong.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Remi Warren’s Badass Bow Setup Mar 07, 2023

Remi Warren swings by Vortex® and gives us a rundown on his bow, and the “why“ behind the way it’s set up. Remi is one of the most experienced bowhunters in the game. His knowledge is invaluable. From draw weight to arrow weight, broadheads to bow-sight, Remi dives into his rig, providing incite you can take to the bank – and the field.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 276 | Slingin’ Rik’s Winchester Model 64 Deluxe — “The Deer Rifle” Mar 06, 2023

When Vortex’s Erik Barber told us he had a Winchester Model 64 Deluxe handed down from his great grandfather, we had to see it. Then we had to talk about it. Deemed “The Deer Rifle,” this lever gun is about as cool as it gets. Mark Boardman, a very jealous Ryan Muckenhirn, and Slingin’ Rik himself chat about the model and the story behind it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Vest Life is the Best Life Feb 28, 2023

The puffy vest is the ultimate tweener technical garment. It is the perfect solution for cool weather spring and fall outdoor endeavors. A go-to for those in the know, the puffy vest delivers unrestricted core warmth and an extra layer of insulation when temps drop. Tune in to hear Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat about its versatility and validity.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 275 | Wild Turkey Declines and Nest Predator Management Feb 27, 2023

The wild turkey – one of conservation’s greatest success stories – is facing extreme challenges in certain regions. Mark Boardman grabs Sam Soholt to break down what’s affecting historic strongholds of these fine birds and how we as hunters can help.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Best Movie Gunfight of ALL TIME? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 9 Feb 24, 2023

Mark Boardman tags in as host for Jimmy while he’s out on “personal business,” Ryan Muckenhirn is his usual collected self, and Cody Dummer from Vortex Edge® makes his debut in this exciting episode of Spaghetti Shootout. They debate the best movie gunfight of all time, the best cartridge that never took off, how a dog would most likely wear pants, and more. Tune in for a good time.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 8x57 Mauser: 30-06 Equivalent or Historical Artifact Feb 21, 2023

Of German origin and common in Europe, the 8x57 Mauser isn’t a popular cartridge in the USA. Curiously though, it shares the same rim diameter/bolt face of our beloved 30-06, along with performance characteristics not too far off. Tune in to hear Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through its history, multiple iterations, bore diameter(s) and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 274 | Lever Guns – Pure Americana Feb 20, 2023

It’s lever time! Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn cock their repeaters for this podcast all about lever action rifles. They cover history, cultural significance, operating mechanism differences, Hollywood film influence, and more. If you didn’t want a lever gun before tuning into this podcast, you will now…Or maybe you’ll be inspired to blow the dust off a lever-action relic that’s laid dormant in the dark recesses of your safe and give it a spin. Either way, lever guns are just plain cool!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Mastering Mouth Calls for More Coyotes – Ft. Dustin Butler Feb 14, 2023

In today’s digital, AI, electronically controlled world, there’s still room for doing things the old-fashioned way. Not for nostalgia’s sake, but because it flat out works. And in some cases, works better. A selection of open-reed and closed-reed calls on an easy-to-access lanyard (knowing when and how to use them) can be the difference maker on any coyote-calling set. We bring coyote hunting guru, Dustin Butler, back on to talk about the importance of hand calls and what makes them so great!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 273 | Vehicle Recovery Gear – Do You Have What It Takes? Feb 13, 2023

Mark Boardman buries his truck in the ditch and promptly grabs Jimmy Hamilton to tap into his recovery gear knowledge repertoire. They cover vehicle recovery philosophy, equipment, what you need, use cases, safety, and more. If you drive a car, tune in for some great information.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - A Valentine’s Meal You’re Sure to LOVE! Feb 07, 2023

Flavorful, vibrant, and downright delicious meals don’t have to be overly complex or labor intensive. Gerard Masih is back to chat about a recipe sure to dazzle on Valentine’s Day. We also cover “cooking outside the box”, where a person can find the melting pot of spices common to Pakistani cuisine and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 272 | Gerard Masih – First Generation Pakistani American, Hunter, Cook Feb 06, 2023

Gerard Masih is a first generation Pakistani American, hunter, father, and traditional Pakistani cooking enthusiast. His family migrated to America primarily due to religious persecution. In this podcast, we chat about his family’s journey to America, his hunting journey, his passion for traditional Pakistani cooking and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Mark’s Small Game Special – The Savage Model 24 .22 Over 410 Jan 31, 2023

.22 Long or 410 for small game? Trick question! The only choice you have to make with host Mark Boardman’s small-game-special – his vintage Savage Model 24 – is which barrel you select when it’s go-time. This unique combination gun features .22 long over 410 bore shotgun barrels and is the perfect solution for any woods walk requiring a bit of versatility to bring birds, bunnies and bushytails to bag. Tune in to hear all about it and its combination-gun cousins.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 271 | 2022 Gear in Review Jan 30, 2023

The start of the year is a great time to evaluate your gear set. In this episode, the gang at Vortex looks back at the hunting kit they ran last year – and really liked! If you’re as big a gear nerd as we are, tune in to hear all about it. You just might make a “New Gear Resolution.” Warning: This podcast may cause you to spend money.

Sign up now for a chance to win an optics and apparel shopping spree valued at $5,500.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

One Gun for Home Defense? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 8 Jan 27, 2023

In this episode, Ryan Muckenhirn plays the sheriff while Jimmy Hamilton works to send Mark Boardman spiraling into an irrecoverable flat spin of meatball melancholy. Does Jim come out victorious, or does Mark get vengeance against Jim’s notorious favorite playing? Tune in to get their takes on the most important pocket tool, tacos vs. burritos, which Top Gun movie is better and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Choose an AR-15 Optic? Jan 24, 2023

How to choose an AR-15 optic? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and special guest Mike Griffin from Vortex Edge® tackle this nuanced question head on. From red dots, magnifiers, holographic sights, prism scopes, and LPVO’s, to higher zoom range riflescopes – they cover all these great AR-topping options. Which is right for your AR applications? Listen to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 270 | The Scout Rifle Concept – Genius or Frankenstein Failure Jan 23, 2023

The scout rifle concept carries with it a storied history. What are the benefits of the scout rifle? Did it ever really accomplish what it was intended to do? Are we creating modern scout rifles today and not even knowing it? Tune in as Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn chat all about this interesting rifle, its curious attributes, and if it got caught in the land of in-between.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Predator Hunter Pack Dump Jan 17, 2023

Dedicated coyote hunter Bill Krivanek takes to airwaves, giving us a rundown of his get-it-done predator kit. From his rifle, optics, and calls to the chair for his derriere, and everything between, tune in to get tuned in on what it takes to consistently put dogs on the ground. Spoiler alert, it really isn’t that much.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 269 | Mid-Magnification Riflescopes – Good for Everything or Good for Nothing? Jan 16, 2023

Mid-magnification riflescopes can be the perfect solution for most of your hunting and shooting needs. Less specialized and ideal for general use, sometimes the best tool for the job is the one that does everything ok. Versatility is the name of the game with mid-magnification riflescopes. Listen as we discuss the merit of these workhorse configurations.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Elk Shape Camp Recap - Commit to Your Elk Education Jan 10, 2023

Experienced western hunter/Vortex employee, Travis Jones and Elk Shape’s Dan Staton join Mark Boardman for an Elk Shape Camp recap. They talk through the camp from the perspectives of participant and instructor. Dan’s camps teach folks about elk hunting and themselves. As hunters we are perpetual students. Commit to your elk education and sign up for one of Dans events.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 268 | The Best Cartridge for Whitetails? Jan 09, 2023

Perhaps no other topic kicks the cartridge hornets nest harder than crowning the best cartridge for whitetails. The title of this podcast alone has enough click bait to draw hunters like deer to a January corn pile. Tune in as the Vortex Nation Podcast’s usual suspects tackle this impossible question. What’s your go-to cartridge for America’s most popular big game animal?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Jerry Miculek’s Race Gun – Built for Speed and Efficiency Jan 03, 2023

Jerry Miculek is back on the podcast clock giving us a rundown on his open-division race gun. This thing is cool as heck and built for speed – just like Jerry. It’s always fun chatting with the “godfather of shooting”. This podcast is no exception!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 267 | Hunting’s Ultra-Positive Tangible Intangibles Jan 02, 2023

Sometimes the pre-podcast discussion turns into its own podcast. In this episode, The Fowl Life’s Chad Belding joins Mark to chat about goose tactics. Immediately derailed from the start, they spend all their time talking about the incredibly positive spiderweb effect hunting has on our lives, our interpersonal relationships and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - .44 Mag: Deer Destroyer or Antiquated Relic? Dec 31, 2022

“I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world…” This classic quote excerpt from Clint Eastwood’s movie character, Dirty Harry, helped give the .44 Mag its iconic reputation in American cartridge lore…that and the serious punch it delivers on target. But is it everything it’s cracked up to be in our minds? Will it stop a charging brown bear in its tracks? Tune is as we go ahead and make your day talking about one of our cultural favorites, the .44 Mag.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 6mm Creedmoor: Everything You Need for Deer? Dec 30, 2022

The crossover between long-range precision shooting and hunting is undeniable these days. The line is more blurred than ever. On impact, the terminal requirements for success are very different. Is the 6mm Creedmoor the perfect deer cartridge for most folks, or does it leave a person under gunned? How important is spotting impacts for targets and game? Listen as we chat through the attributes of this petite powerhouse.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 7mm PRC: There’s a New PRC in Town Dec 29, 2022

The 7mm has been a long-time favorite for long-range shooting. So, it just makes sense Hornady added the 7mm PRC to the incredibly popular PRC family. Will it leave all the current 7mm’s in its cartridge dust? If you’re a 7mm fan, are your current rifles now obsolete? Will it be your new lucky-number-7 next fall? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The .22 Mag: Valid Solution or Cartridge No-Man’s Land? Dec 28, 2022

If bigger is better, the .22 Mag should be in every gun safe alongside or in place of the .22 Long. But it isn’t. So where does this small but effective rimfire shine? Listen in to see if you need to add this mini-magnum to your cartridge repertoire.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - .303 British: Basically a .308? Dec 27, 2022

For a cartridge introduced in the late 1800s that initially used black powder as its propellant, the .303 British is astonishingly modern. From a historical perspective, is it the Brit’s version of the 30-06? Is it basically a .308 in some ways? Grab your tea and crumpets for a fun talk on this rimmed, bottlenecked beauty that has stood the test of time.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 6.5 WBY RPM: You Can’t Argue the Numbers Dec 26, 2022

In classic Weatherby form, the 6.5 RPM is built for speed! That’s the only classic Weatherby thing about this cartridge. RPM stands for rebated precision magnum – a dramatic departure from their traditional offerings. Maximizing the efficiency of 6.5mm bullets, as well as the entire Mark V 6-lug action, should it be more popular? We think so! Tune in to hear all about this modern-cartridge marvel.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Best Straight-Wall Cartridge? LISTENER SPECIAL! | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 7 Dec 23, 2022

It’s Meatball Madness just in time for the giving season on the latest episode of Spaghetti Shootout. Tune in as Mark and Ryan debate our favorite listener-submitted questions. Happy Holidays, Vortex Nation™. Keep your eyes peeled for a duel for all the marbles as we find out who’s quicker to the draw.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bolt Throw Angle. Does It Matter? Dec 20, 2022

Bolt guns feature varying bolt-throw angles. Why? Are some better than others? What can it effect? Does a person need to factor it into their rifle purchase decision? Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark Boardman to chat through the angle of the dangle in this convo on bolt throw.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 266 | Muzzle Brake Breakdown Dec 19, 2022

Muzzle Brakes are a diverse lot. Different lengths, port angles, port styles, port locations, materials and brands abound. But is adding a muzzle brake to your rifle right for you? And if so, what attributes make a particular muzzle brake the right one for you? Competitive shooter (amongst other things), Reuben Aleckson, brings a wealth of knowledge and visual aids to this podcast all about muzzle brakes.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Ballistic Calculator Basics Dec 13, 2022

A huge component of executing precise long-range shots – sound ballistic data. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark Boardman to break down ballistic calculator basics. The good news is all you need are some baseline inputs. The math is done for you – thank goodness!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 265 | Brady Miller’s Giant Mule Deer Sufferfest Dec 12, 2022

Brady Miller will do whatever it takes to hunt big mule deer bucks. Couple that with his masochistic enjoyment of tough hunts that test his mind, body, and spirit to the limit, and you get a damn good story. Pull up to our virtual campfire as he recalls a dangerously tough hunt for his biggest buck.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Holiday Goose Recipes with Chad Belding Dec 06, 2022

The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding, lays down a couple holiday goose recipes to make your waterfowl mouth-watering. Impress your friends, eat good, and give yourself a reason to get back in the blind after the holiday dust settles.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 264 | Advanced Goose Tactics with The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding Dec 05, 2022

We get goosy with The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding as he peppers us with advanced goose hunting tactics you can take to bank. Networking, scouting, calling, decoy spreads and more – Chad covers it all in this goostastic podcast you won’t want to miss.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Cleaning Your Bolt Gun for its Long Winter’s Nap Nov 29, 2022

Corey Eliasson from Vortex Edge® drops by the podcast studio to drop a little knowledge on how to clean your bolt rifle after the closing bell of rifle season rings. There’s more than one way to skin the proverbial gun-cleaning cat, but Corey’s background and record of success give his methods some hard-earned street cred. Tune in and clean up your act with these helpful tips.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 263 | Mule Deer Madness — Hunt Story Ft. Ryan Lampers Nov 28, 2022

Ryan Lampers is one of the most respected big game hunters in the west. A byproduct of that — some damn good hunt stories. Listen to Ryan as he recounts this backcountry mule deer hunt with his cousin Joey Pyburn. Packed with adventure, grit, risk, and success, this was truly a hunt of epic proportions!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Ryan Muckenhirn’s Dream Shotgun Nov 22, 2022

It’s no secret Ryan Muckenhirn has a fond appreciation for fine firearms and upland bird hunting. Budget and taste in many cases can find themselves at opposite ends of their respective spectrums. So, what is Ryan’s dream shotgun? Why? How long has he been enamored with it? Will he ever own it? Does he own it? Hit play to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 262 | World Record 4.4-mile (7,744 yard) Impact With Vortex® Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 Nov 21, 2022

Since the beginning of cartridge time, shooters have been enamored with extending the capabilities of their equipment and their ability. Sometimes going to extreme lengths. Scott Austin, Shepard Humphries, and team of passionate shooters planned and executed the 4.4-mile world record shot on September 13, 2022. Their motive – fun. Listen in and get the backstory on this impressive feat along with the unique equipment used to make it happen.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Best Wild Game Dish for Thanksgiving? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 6 Nov 18, 2022

In this Thanksgiving-themed episode, the guys debate the best wild game dish to serve on Turkey Day, crossbows, and more. After Jimmy pops in with a serious Meatball and some wild turkey trivia, there’s only one question left to answer. Will Mark have something to be thankful for, or will Ryan go back to #Winning? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Gun Hunt Like a Bowhunter With the DIY Sportsman Nov 15, 2022

Garrett Prahl of DIY Sportsman shares bowhunting tips and strategies to help gun hunters fill their whitetail buck tag. From stand locations, to scouting, and more, Garrett has hard-earned incite into whitetail deer habits, behavior and what they do when the orange army hits the woods.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 261 | The Garand Thumb Story, His Experience With the XM-157 FC and a Whole Lot More Nov 14, 2022

Michael Jones (Garand Thumb) and his co-conspirator Micah Mayfield are in the Vortex® house for a super fun conversation all about Mike’s backstory, his front story, and tons of great stuff between. We learn about Mike’s military background, how he met Micah (If you’ve seen the movie “Serendipity”, it’s like that), the evolution of his content platforms, what’s on the horizon and more. We learn about Micah as well, how airsoft is cool and other stuff. Mike even touches on his firsthand impressions of the Army’s new Next Generation Squad Weapon Fire Control Optic – the XM-157 FC (produced by Vortex). Spoiler alert, it was very flattering. Tune in or just go watch another Garand Thumb video, because that’s probably what you were doing anyway before reading this.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10(Not)MinuteTalk - Managing Hunting Pressure with Driven TV’s Pat Reeve Nov 08, 2022

Driven TV’s Pat Reeve knows how to hunt big whitetail bucks. Listen to Pat as he gives tips and tricks to manage hunting pressure on your property. The goal - keep stands fresh and productive throughout the season. Is this titled a 10-minute talk? Yes. Will you be glad we let it go long? Yes.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 260 | Spartan Forge – Military Targeting Meets Deer Hunting Nov 07, 2022

Bill Thompson, the man behind the Spartan Forge predictive deer behavior/digital mapping app, pops in to explain how military targeting technology translates right over to hunting whitetails. We cover Bill’s more than interesting career, and of course, how it all relates to deer.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10(Not)MinuteTalk - Whitetail Hunt Breakdowns from the Pros Nov 01, 2022

Listen and learn as top pros give detailed breakdowns of exciting hunts, dissecting the “why” that ultimately put them sitting behind some great bucks. This is a big buck information montage you won’t want to miss. “Tine” in or miss out on advice that could make the difference for you this fall.

Check out the Breakdowns on YouTube.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 259 | Spooky Stories – Things That Go Bump in the Woods Oct 31, 2022

The woods can be a spooky place. The same seclusion and isolation hunters seek to get away from it all, can be the same seclusion and isolation folks seek to hide illicit and suspect behavior – and things. Not to mention, the woods can just be plain creepy at night. The more time you spend in the woods hunting, the more likely and weirder the things you encounter. Listen in to these spooky stories from Lee Ellis at Seek One, Zach Ferenbaugh from The Hunting Public, and the crew at Vortex®…If you dare. BOO!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Best Deer Cartridge Is? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 5 Oct 28, 2022

On this deer-themed episode, Ryan butts in on the validity of the Butt Out Tool, the guys debate the best deer cartridge, and surprise-trivia catches them off guard. Are Mark’s answers close enough to “scrape” out a win or does he once again leave the studio “rubbed” the wrong way? “Tine” in for the answer to this question and a whole lot more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Crafted Impact – Behind the Design with Lydia Smith Oct 25, 2022

Elk, art, and conservation. Lydia Smith recounts her epic, years-in-the making elk hunt, which became the inspiration for an artful piece encapsulating that last look after closings the tailgate on success. Proceeds from the sale of the associated limited-edition shirt go to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This is a great story about taking an elk and ultimately working to ensure elk roam our wild places for years to come.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 258 | Making a Living in the Mountains with Lydia Smith Oct 24, 2022

Hunter, artist, horsewoman, guide, and all around bad-ass, Lydia Smith makes her living in the mountains. Young, motivated, and tough-as-nails, her story, ambition, and talents are impressive, inspiring, and downright interesting.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Rifle Covers - Cheap Insurance for Your Biggest Hunting Asset Oct 18, 2022

Rifle covers come in different shapes and sizes. One thing they have in common – they can save your hunt by keeping your optics free of moisture and debris as well as protecting the working parts of the firearm. We grab Paul Neess between hunts, to chat through some tried and true models, their features, and which one may be best for you. Full disclosure, Paul hasn’t been a rifle cover user. Does he change his mind? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 257 | NODS With Mike – All About Night Vision Oct 17, 2022

Night vision is basically a superpower. It’s been instrumental in our warfighter’s success, adds a more than unique element to hunting hogs and predators at night where legal, and its cool-factor pegs out at off-the-charts. Fun fact: Night vision has been in development since WWII. That’s right, the greatest generation had a form of night vision. Hit play if you want to hear all about night vision from our very own night-vison guru, Mike Griffin, in this lights-out episode of, the Vortex Nation Podcast.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Red Dots on Bows Oct 11, 2022

Aging eyes and issues seeing pins on a traditional bow sight might have you seeing red – in a good way. Tim Zelenka from “Adjustable Red Dot” discusses his unique mount, how it works, and how it can keep you shooting your vertical bow.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 256 | DI vs. Piston-Driven AR’s – What’s Better? Oct 10, 2022

You might operate with your AR, but how does your AR operate? In this more than interesting podcast, we sit down with Tom Stewart from American Defense Manufacturing as he breaks down direct impingement and piston-driven systems, their differences and the pros and cons of each.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Shoot a Pistol with Jerry Miculek Oct 04, 2022

The godfather of pistol shooting cocks back his knowledge hammer and fires off tips and techniques to make you a better, faster, and more efficient pistol shot. Put this expert information into practice for big results.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 255 | No Whitetail Spot? No Problem! Oct 03, 2022

Mark Boardman, Erik Barber, and Ryan Muckenhirn cover a ton of ground on how to find and hunt whitetail ground that may be right under your nose. You don’t need to own or have access to primo private to kill a deer. You just need a bit of know-how, good old-fashioned gumption, strategy, and a sense of adventure. We even try to convince Ryan to give it a shot this year.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Puffy vest or nah? Dino-Sized Squirrels? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 4 Sep 29, 2022

Jimmy goes on a mute-button power trip, bearded Mark defends the puffy vest against tyranny, Ryan is so damn cool as usual, and certain people feel they are robbed of victory – again.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Ducks on a Budget – Minimal Investment, Big rewards Sep 27, 2022

It doesn’t take a lot of bills to stack up some bills. Mark Boardman chats with outdoor addict Damon Zito and Ryan Muckenhirn about getting into duck hunting on a budget. Small spreads, minimal gear, and a little gumption can get you in the game – literally.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 254 | Live Q&A With GOHUNT’s Brady Miller Sep 26, 2022

When it comes to big-game hunting, Brady Miller from GOHUNT is as fanatical as they get. In this live Q&A, you tap into his fountain of hunting knowledge for expert tips sure to help you be more successful in the field. Tune in and shoot straight!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Rifle Zero Distances. 50, 100, 200 yds. What’s Best? Sep 20, 2022

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn zero in on zero distances, the why behind them, and what’s best. You might be surprised how much space you need to get the best zero possible. A precisely zeroed rifle that shoots well is a must for down-range performance. Tune in and make sure you are set up for success.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 253 | Off-Road Tires – What Do You Need? Sep 19, 2022

Tires are to your hunt rig as good boots are to your feet. You aren’t getting anywhere without them. They can make or break your hunt. But what tires are best for your hunting applications? Are you being realistic with yourself as to how aggressive a tire you need? What are the pros and cons of available options? The Rubber meets the road in this podcast as tire enthusiast, Rob Morell sits down with Mark and Jim to talk all about tires.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bow Sight Bubble Levels – Are They Important? Sep 13, 2022

Why does your bow sight have a bubble level? Is checking your bubble part of your shot process? Tournament shooter Mike Tassoul from Vortex® walks us though his thoughts on the importance having a strong bubble-level game.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 252 | Delta Waterfowl - A Million Ducks, Predator Control, and Healthy Waterfowl Sep 12, 2022

A surge in mesopredator populations is impacting waterfowl. Join Joel Brice from Delta Waterfowl to learn what this means for nest production and more. We also discuss drought reports and what they mean for habitat, and what hunters can do to ensure a healthy future for waterfowl.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Riflescope Levels. What’s Right for You? Sep 06, 2022

Would you build your house without a level? Then maybe you shouldn’t shoot long range without one either. In this podcast we angle in on riflescope levels, different models, how they work, when to use them, how to use them and more. Truly a next-level listen.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 251 | The Zombie Deer – Hunt Story Ft. Remi Warren Sep 05, 2022

The story is 1/3 of any hunt and lasts long after that last package of grind hits the frying pan. Remi Warren has thousands of them. Listen in as he recounts a more than interesting tale you hopefully never experience.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 5 Elk Sounds and What They Mean with Remi Warren Aug 30, 2022

Professional elk guide (and a whole lot more), Remi Warren, talks elk talk. What primary sounds should a hunter know? What are you saying when you make them? How do you make them? More talk can mean more action. Learn the language from Remi and bring that elk within range for a shot!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 250 | Plate Carriers – Practical and Tactical. But Do You Need One? Aug 29, 2022

Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton grab longtime professional-plate-carrier connoisseur and Vortex Edge® Instructor, Chris Urrutia, to walk us through different styles of plate carriers, jobs they are best suited for, how he likes to kit them up, as well as his personal plate-carrier evolution. Do you need a plate carrier? Better question is, why wouldn’t you?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Does a Mark $h!t in the Woods? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 3 Aug 25, 2022

We know bears do, but what about your Spaghetti Shootout hosts? Does pink camo help recruit new female hunters? You’ll have to hear (and watch) the answers to believe them.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 5 Things Every Sheep Hunter Needs in Their Pack Aug 23, 2022

Who the heck hunts sheep every year – quite successfully we might add? TV host Greg McHale from Greg McHale’s Wild Yukon. Our neighbor to the north drops in to cover 5 things every sheep hunter needs in their kit? The good news, they are items perfect for nearly any mountain hunt.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 249 | Ryan Lampers Live Q&A – Your Hunt Questions Answered Aug 22, 2022

Ryan Lampers is one of those dudes that finds success on big critters no matter the place, weather, tag etc. The scenario is irrelevant – the result the same. He’s simply got the experience and grit to come home with punched tags, full coolers and in general, animals that would qualify for senior citizen discounts. Now he’s answering your hunting questions just in time for season. Bears, bulls, bucks and more, Ryan covers it all in this information-packed podcast. Just make sure you have enough freezer space to handle all these great tips!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Velvet Rut Aug 16, 2022

Summer is a magical time of year (one of Vortex® Field Producer, and guest, Cooper Long’s favorites). Bucks are in bachelor groups hitting open agriculture fields with the consistency of a high-end watch. They are visible, they are beautiful, they are mystical – and in a few weeks, they’ll appear to be gone. Put your time in scouting now and you may score early – or have the confidence to hold out for “the big one” that doesn’t get away.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 248 | Target Panic – Do You Have It? Aug 15, 2022

Dan Staton (ElkShape) sits down to talk target panic and how to deal with it, so you can be the best bow shot possible. But what is target panic? You might even have it and not know it. If you suffer from target panic, you’re not alone. It’s common, but you can overcome it. Listen in for tips on beating this nasty affliction.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Drunk off .300 RUM Aug 09, 2022

Drunk on power or punch drunk from recoil, if more is better, the mighty .300 RUM is up there with the best. A big case, pushing large .30-caliber bullets at blazing speeds, make this one a staple for long-range, big-critter work. Is it practical for everyone? No. Is it the perfect fit for some? Yes. Do you need one? Maybe….Drink up and we’ll tell you all about it…Watch until end for the bonus surprise tree dedication.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 247 | Get to Know Your Hosts – Listener Questions Aug 08, 2022

After more than 200 episodes, we thought it high time you get to know us. You asked your deepest, darkest, podcast-host questions and we answered them…You actually went pretty easy on us. Thanks! We love to hassle each other, so if it appears we’re fighting, well, we aren’t.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Should You Run a Back Bar on Your Hunting Bow? Aug 02, 2022

Mark Boardman and Erik Barber chat through Erik’s archery life before and after the back bar. Will a back bar make you a better bow shot, or are they another accessory for the bow shop to send you out the door with? I mean, why sell one when you can sell two? It’s no mystery why the word stable is built into the word stabilizer. A stable, steady hold is imperative for executing, accurate, precise, and confident shots. But how many do you need? Do you need a back bar?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 246 | Hunting Compound Bow Setup Basics Aug 01, 2022

There are seemingly as many philosophies on compound-bow setup as there are folks shooting them. Mark Boardman pulls archery nerd, Travis “Tinkerer” Jones, away from his desk at Vortex® to talk hunting-compound setup basics, things to consider, his personal thoughts on the subject, and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The Most Gimmicky Piece of Hunting Gear is… | Spaghetti Shootout Episode 2 Jul 28, 2022

Mark and Ryan face off in episode 2 of Spaghetti Shootout as they debate the gimmickiest piece of hunting gear, whitetails against mule deer, and much more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 3D Match Your Way to Better Bowhunting Jul 26, 2022

Shooting a 3D archery match will make you a better bowhunter. Mark and Dan Staton (ElkShape) talk about the positives. The targets look real, provide realistic shot angles, realistic animal position angles, no defined aiming point, and the pressure is on – from your buddies who are watching and the threat of your precious arrow clattering into the nether sphere… And it’s fun. So, listen in, nock up, and go shoot a 3D match near you.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 245 | Save your Ears - Listen Up While You Still Can Jul 25, 2022

What? Huh? Say again? Can you repeat that? Avoid these phrases, protect your hearing, and learn how the human ear works and hearing loss occurs. We sit down with real-life audiologist, Grace Sturdivant/owner of OtoPro Technologies, to talk about this important subject, as well as customized hearing-protections solutions her company provides. If you’re lucky, you have 5 senses. Don’t let one of them get damaged when it’s preventable.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Getting an Urban Deer Hunting “Yes” with Seek One Jul 19, 2022

Knock Knock. Who’s There? A Deer Hunter...A deer hunter who hopes to gain access to a sweet piece of urban private and kill giant bucks! But how do you get a “Yes” from a person who may not understand hunters and hunting – or even someone who is against hunting? Lee and Drew from Seek One – one of the most popular whitetail hunting YouTube channels on the internet – jump on the Vortex Nation Podcast to reveal tips to get you on your way.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 244 | All Things Comms With Alex Nightingale. Are You Ready? Jul 18, 2022

Communication is key. This statement extends well beyond self-help books to military conflicts, natural disasters, broken-down vehicles, general preparedness, awareness and more. The ability to disseminate messages and communicate at scale requires quality equipment and knowing how to use it. Tune in to learn about comms, protocols and how you can use them to live your best life…”Over and Out.”

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bear Spray Basics and Beyond. Do You Know What You Think You Know? Jul 12, 2022

Spray and pray. That’s likely what’s happening if you’ve pulled the safety wedge from your bear-spray canister to fend off an aggressive bruin. But what do you need to know before you’ve gotten to this point? Where was the place to keep it? When do you decide it’s time to engage this option? Is it less or more effective than a pistol? Do you carry a pistol, spray, or both? What are the pros and cons of each? Brian DeBolt, Wyoming Game and Fish Department Large Carnivore Conflict Coordinator, gives us some great info and best practices to consider for your next outdoor outing.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 243 | The Many Forms of .22 Ammunition Jul 11, 2022

.22 ammo options abound – each with a specific purpose. Mark, Ryan, and Jim dive into the long and short of this fascinating, functional, and fun round. From the typical .22 LR plinker, to 60-grain Sniper Subsonic, and even bird shot, they dissect (a couple rounds literally) this incredibly versatile and practical cartridge.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Single-Pin Vs. Multi-Pin Bow Sights Jul 05, 2022

Single-pin or multi-pin bow sight? That is the question. Mark grabs Larry McCoy from CBE to debate the merits of both. He details the pros, cons, applications and what’s trending now.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 242 | Military Working Dogs – America’s 4-Legged Heroes Jul 04, 2022

Vortex’s Garrett Hottenstein brings in his retired Military Working Dog, Edo (a Belgium Malinois), Mark gets bit, and we talk all about these amazing animals. Garrett runs us through his path to becoming a dog handler, the dogs themselves, breeds of military working dogs, why his dog doesn’t have teeth, how he got to adopt Edo, and more. These dogs are amazing and true heroes. Tune in or we’ll sic Edo on you.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Moose Hunting with Greg McHale - WIN the Hunt of a Lifetime! Jun 28, 2022

The scale of a giant Yukon bull moose can only be matched by the breathtaking landscape it inhabits and the adventure chasing them during the rut. If you’re a big game hunter, this majestic creature likely inhabits your wildest dreams as well. Listen to Greg McHale from Greg McHale’s Wild Yukon describe what he loves about moose hunting and learn how you could find yourself making your moose hunting dream a reality.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 241 | 6.5 BC Chronicles – Live Annealing Jun 27, 2022

Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton and Ryan Muckenhirn break out their new AMP Annealer and get to work on prepping 6.5 BC cases for reloading. AMP stands for annealing made perfect. The name is pretty spot on. Could also stand for annealing made super easy, annealing made awesome, annealing made stupidly simple and a lot more – but the acronym wouldn’t work then. Tune in as they sacrifice one, to anneal the many.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Best Gun for Jurassic Park, Most Versatile Cartridge, and More | Spaghetti Shootout Episode 1 Jun 23, 2022

It’s Mark Vs. Ryan in the battle of wits… or nitwits. Who will win as they tackle life’s greatest questions? Watch and decide for yourself.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Positional Shooting - The Most Versatile Rifle Rest May be on Your Back Jun 21, 2022

Don’t think of your backpack as a one-dimensional item-holding vessel. It’s also your ticket to solid holds and impacts downrange - if you use it right. Forend support, rear support, prone to sitting, instructor Justin from Vortex Edge® walks through the many positions and tricks to leverage the functionality of your backpack for increased accuracy. Might as well, you probably have it with you anyway.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 240 | Dan Johnson – Nine Fingers of Fun Jun 20, 2022

The Nine Finger Chronicles podcast, Sportsmen’s Empire Network, White Knuckle Productions and starring in DVD’s when those were a thing – Dan Johnson has made a living in the outdoor world. Dan’s story is inspiring. He is a high-energy, genuine, what-you-see is what-you-get dude with a passion for the outdoors, sharing knowledge, and keeping life fun while we’re on this spinning rock. It’s impossible to cover all we talk about in this podcast in a couple sentences – but you can cover this super fun conversation by tuning in.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 6mm Vortex® – The Original Vortex Wildcat? Jun 14, 2022

Is there a new Vortex® wildcat cartridge in town, or an old one gone the way of so many of its wildcat siblings? Scott Parks joins Jimmy Hamilton and Mark Boardman to chat about the “6mm Vortex” – a 6mm cartridge he developed after countless hours of reloading and bullet-sending range time, trying unsuccessfully to get the performance he wanted from existing options.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 239 | Live Q&A with Remi Warren – Hunt Better Jun 13, 2022

You asked, Remi answered. Expert in everything hunting, Remi Warren, answers hunting questions running the gamut from mule deer tactics to favorite hunts. His candid, off-the-cuff responses are knowledge nuggets you won’t want to miss. Tune in to fine tune your tactics.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Pistol Lights, Hand-Held Lights, and Why You Need Both Jun 07, 2022

If you’re going to carry a pistol, you better have the light to go with it. Jim and Mark head down Vortex Edge® with Instructor Pete, where he sheds some light on this important topic!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 238 | The M1 Garand – The Gun that Stormed Normandy Jun 06, 2022

The M1 Garand may be the most iconic rifle in American history.It was instrumental in enhancing the lethality of our war fighters at the time and its impact on the outcome of WWII can’t be overstated. Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton grab Alexander Lewis and Ryan Muckenhirn to talk about the form, function, history and unique attributes of this wood and steel masterpiece.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Jerry Miculek – One Gun for the Rest of Your Life May 31, 2022

Shooting icon, world record holder and all-around great guy, Jerry Miculek, gives us a rundown on the one gun he would pick as a do-all for the rest of his life. No easy task when he’s shot nearly every gun under the sun. What’s his go-to and why? Can he pick just one? Listen to find out!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 237 | .22 LR AR Builds – Everything you Need to Know May 30, 2022

22 LR AR builds may be absolute most fun plinkers on the planet. Not to mention economical and a great way to practice. But how do you get yours to function optimally for flawless, jam-free shooting and reliable performance? We’ll tell ya. More accurately, Will MacNeill from Borebuddy.com will tell ya. This is a super fun and informative dive into a subset of the AR world any shooter should get into! Jim is deep down the rabbit hole and Mark is soon to follow.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Stop, HAM’R Time - The .300 HAM’R May 24, 2022

It’s time to talk about the .300 HAM’R. This cool cartridge maximizes the .30 caliber capability of the standard AR platform, making it an incredibly effective tool for deer-sized game. Is this cartridge not talked about enough? Is it exactly what you’ve been looking for? Find out, on this episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 236 | NASCAR, Jeb Burton, Drivers, and Spotters – a Behind-the-Scenes Look May 23, 2022

Jeb Burton and his spotter Mike Herman sit down with us to chat NASCAR and the intricacies of the driver/spotter relationship. NASCAR is a team sport. It takes a ton of folks, work, and money to successfully get a car around the track. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look through the eyes of the guys who communicate different perspectives but share the same goal. Win!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Remi Warren’s Late-Season Spring Bear Tactics May 17, 2022

Are you struggling to punch your spring bear tag or simply getting a late start? Have no fear, Remi Warren is here. And he’s brought his bag of late-season tricks to help you bring a spring bear to bag. Remi is one of the best hunters on the planet. Listen up, bear down, and put some delicious meat in the freezer!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 235 | Terminal Ballistics on Game with Hornady® May 16, 2022

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn go ballistic with Hornady® Ballistician, Jayden Quinlan. They dive deep into bullets, how they kill, what to look for, application-specific designs, construction, and more. Listen in for a scientific approach to picking the right bullet to be the most effective predator possible.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Pack Training – Practice How you Play May 10, 2022

Willi Schmidt (Pure Hunting TV) joins Mark Boardman to “workout” all the benefits of pack training for better hunting. The physical component of any backpack hunt is the biggest factor as it relates to success. The further, longer, and faster you can cover ground day after day will make or break your hunt. Pack training is simple, practical, doesn’t require a gym membership and will duplicate field exertion like no other exercise. Practice how you play as they say, don your pack with appropriate weight, and train your way to a full freezer.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 234 | Brass Prep for Reloading May 09, 2022

Brass prep is big part of the reloading process. Scott Parks and Tucker Schmidt talk through their methodology and the tools they use to get their brass clean and ready for reloading. Tune in to get tuned up on brass prep!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 6.5 BC Wildcat Cartridge Update! May 03, 2022

The 6.5 BC is back b!tche$. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn finally have the tools they need to keep working on their beloved wildcat cartridge. They recap the original project, give a state of the 6.5 BC union address on where they are at now, and shed some light on where they are headed with this exciting project.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 233 | All New Rangefinders May 02, 2022

An accurate range is the foundation of extended-range accuracy. The Crossfire™ HD 1400, Diamondback™ HD 2000, and Viper® HD 3000 - This trio of HD rangefinders will give you that, along with additional features and capabilities to fit your shooting and hunting needs. Listen in as Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jim Hamilton laser focus on these high-performing models.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Using Binoculars with Eyeglasses Apr 26, 2022

Eyeglass wearers use binoculars. That’s no secret, and a big reason our binoculars feature high-quality twist-up eyecups. But are there other things a person may need to consider? In this listener request, we grab Mr. Mike McDowell to take this topic on through his lens (pun intended).

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 232 | M16 Vs. M4 Vs. AR-15 – What’s the Difference Apr 25, 2022

Tactical firearm names can be a proverbial alphabet and numerical soup. We hear their nomenclatures all the time, but what are the major differentiating features setting them apart from one another. In this episode of the Vortex Nation™ Podcast, we grab Vortex Edge® instructor, Mike Griffin, to break down a few of the most popular models.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Turkey Decoy Strategies for Success Apr 19, 2022

Turkey decoys and decoy strategies have come a long way. Mark and Erik (Slingin' Rik) Barber discus decoy styles, paint schemes, posture, snood position and when to use Jakes, hens, and strutters. They also cover placement, which way they should face, and the often under looked consideration of decoy-stake height.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 231 | E-Forms for Suppressors Apr 18, 2022

Get your suppressor faster? Are e-forms your ticket to suppressor bliss? Larry Evans breaks down e-forms, their history and what they mean for you?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Dryfire – Answering your Questions and Comments Apr 12, 2022

We’re back in the lab with Vortex Edge® instructor Brennan to chat through all the great responses, tips, questions, and suggestions we got on our original dry-fire podcast. Listen in for more no-bang practice tips to give you bang-on results.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 230 | Knock the Rust Off – Before it Starts Apr 11, 2022

Rust, it’s a fact of life when it comes to vehicles we use to get us to our favorite optics-related activities. But does it have to be? In this podcast, Jim gets rust redemption on his arch nemesis. We also grab Ryan M. to get his take on corrosion and corrosion prevention.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Turkeys – How Far is too Far to Shoot? Apr 05, 2022

In this podcast we cover our TSS turkey shell test, where we took a single shotgun/choke setup loaded with three-inch TSS number 7 shot from 10 to 100 yards in 10-yard increments. We get some great data, but the results can’t be considered conclusive. Should we do more testing? Listen in to learn what we learned.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 229 | What the Heck is a Shoot House and How is it Used? Apr 04, 2022

On location in the Vortex Edge® shoot house, Mark, Jim and instructor Chris U. cover-down on what the heck a shoot house is, how we use it for classes, why it’s so incredibly beneficial for training, and how we run it. We also chat through classes you may be interested in to get your shot in this dynamic, realistic, high-pressure training tool.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Strike Eagle® 1-8x24 FFP – The Nuts, Bolts and Reticle Explained Mar 29, 2022

Mark grabs Rob Morell and Joe Heltemes from the Product Development Team to get the rundown on the feature-rich, high-performing, and budget-friendly, Strike Eagle® 1-8x24 FFP. This optic will rock on your rifle without rocking your wallet.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 228 | Country Artist Nick Hoffman Everybody!...This Cat is Interesting! Mar 28, 2022

Adolescent runaway, professional country singer/fiddle player/musician, hunting TV show host of “Nick’s Wild Ride” and pilot, Nick Hoffman is a dang interesting dude with some dang interesting stories - and some great life incites gained through hard work and experience. This conversation ran long and felt short. Tune in for a fun one all about Nick and the crazy ride he calls life.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - All About Zero Stops Mar 22, 2022

Dialing elevation to compensate for bullet drop? You’re going to need a Zero Stop. But why do you need a Zero Stop? What does a Zero Stop do? Are there different kinds? Are they hard to design? Why do some stop below your original sight in zero? All your Zero Stop questions are answered right here on the Vortex Nation Podcast.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 227 | LPVO = LOVE Mar 21, 2022

The Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO). One optic to rule them all or simply another great option for your AR? One thing is certain, their versatility is unmatched. Pete Schreier from Vortex Edge® Joins Mark and Jim to chat everything LPVO’s.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Lucky Superstitions and Hunting Mar 15, 2022

Lucky items, rituals, and signs from the forest, hunters can be a superstitious bunch. Mark, Ryan Muckenhirn, Erik Barber, and new guest, Clay Hinz, discuss some of theirs. Enjoy a lighthearted listen? You’re in luck!...What are your hunting superstitions? We want to hear them.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 226 | AR-15’s – Build vs. Buy and In-Between Mar 14, 2022

Build or Buy an AR-15 off the rack? That is the question. What’s better? What’s more cost-efficient? What route will make your AR the one that’s right for you? What are the pros and cons as it relates to function? Ok, that’s a whole lot of questions. Luckily, Mark and Jim have Vortex’s own Liam Ward to run us through this topic. Tune in for a mag-dump of AR incite.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - You Can’t Hate the .308 Mar 08, 2022

The mighty .308. Great at everything, expert at nothing, this beloved cartridge is a do-all workhorse perfect for a wide variety of applications. From general big game hunting to military conflicts and tactical applications, the .308 has been put to work for dang-near every scenario under the sun requiring a firearm – and has done a dang good job doing it. Tune in as Ryan Muckenhirn, Mark, and Jim talk through all the great attributes of this fine cartridge.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 225 | Turkey Talk with The Hunting Public’s Aaron Warbritton Mar 07, 2022

The Hunting Public’s Aaron Warbritton talks turkey with Mark and Erik. We cover serious challenges facing turkey populations, important studies THP is participating in, what you can do to positively influence turkey populations, calling tips, hunt strategies and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 7x64 (Listener Request) Mar 01, 2022

Mark and Jim surprise attack Ryan Muckenhirn with the 7x64. Wait, that came out wrong. Ryan is OK…. We invite Ryan to chat with us about the popular-in-Europe 7x64, but don’t let him know the topic at hand until we begin recording. That should clear things up. A listener request, this interesting 7mm cartridge will make quick work of most critters. Listen in to get Ryan’s take on it, as well as hear Jim somehow weave in a challenge to all of Europe. Thanks a lot, Jim.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 224 | Huntin’ Fool Talks Western Tag Draws, Application Strategy and Broken systems Feb 28, 2022

Western tag draws can be convoluted, confusing and downright difficult to navigate. Luckily for hunters, the good folks at Huntin’ Fool dedicate their lives to researching and knowing the intricacies of each states processes – which can change from year to year. Listen in as they cover the different types of draw systems, strategy, and more. From personalized consulting and full-service application to tools like their detailed publication, YouTube channel, podcast, key partnerships, and pool of folks you can contact who previously drew the same tag you hold in your hand, Huntin’ Fool will get you dialed.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - TSS Turkey Loads. Extend your Range and Pellet Count. Feb 22, 2022

Extend your range, increase pellet count, and maximize lethality with TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) turkey loads. This rare-earth metal combined with modern-shotshell design take performance to whatever level is past next level. Expensive? Yes. Worth it? You be the judge.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 223 | The Iconic .223 Feb 21, 2022

In honor of episode 223, we honor the .223, with a full-length cartridge talk. From nearly every conflict since Vietnam, to law enforcement, home defense, competition, prairie dog towns of the west, plinkers, coyote callers, a little big game, and countless other applications, this historic cartridge stands the test of time…Doing serious work along the way. Tune in to listen to Ryan M. talk all about it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Red Dots on Turkey Guns Feb 15, 2022

Maximize your shotgun’s pellet-slinging performance by adding a red dot sight. It’s fast, easy, and relatively inexpensive. Mounting solutions, extending effective range, better sight picture, increased accuracy (even from awkward positions), are just a few of the advantages. And if you’re a “one shotgun to do it all” type of person – have no fear. Taking the sight off for your waterfowl and upland pursuits is a snap.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 222 | Annealing Brass for Reloading – The What, Why, When and How. The Who is up to you. Feb 14, 2022

Vortex’s Scott Parks and Tucker Schmidt guide us through the deepest darkest depths of the reloading equation. Annealing. These guys know their reloading stuff and annealing is no exception. What is annealing? How does it work? What’s happing to the metal? When should you anneal? What makes brass so special. Literally a heated topic, they go through the ins, outs, how-to’s and everything else to get you on your way to annealing glory.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Sturgeon Spearing - Wisconsin's Coolest Tradition Feb 08, 2022

Sturgeon spearing is an ultra-unique fishery on Wisconsin’s Lake Winnebago system. Longtime outdoor writer, Navy man, Wisconsin native and friend of Vortex, Pat Durkin, spearheads this interesting conversation all about the practice. We cover its roots, spearing tactics, and the sense of community surrounding it that’s larger than the fish themselves…And these fish are pretty big.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 221 | Steven Rinella Chats MeatEater and More Feb 07, 2022

MeatEater’s Steven Rinella and longtime friend of Vortex, joins Mark for a great conversation covering trapping, writing, 10 years of MeatEater and its evolution, getting kids into hunting (coincidentally Steve has a book out - “Outdoor Kids in an Inside World”), and more. Steve’s incites on hunting and life in general, are inspiring and thought provoking. His ability to articulate hunting’s nuances in a meaningful, impactful way, not only to other hunters, but to the mainstream public, is a true talent. Tune in for a fun conversation with the MeatEater himself.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 6.5 Swedish…The Original 6.5 Creedmoor? Feb 01, 2022

Vortex’s Jimmy Jordan tags in with Ryan Muckenhirn for this cartridge talk on the extremely capable 6.5 Swedish. Jimmy was the first person to bring this cartridge to my, (Mark B’s) attention many years ago…And is the only person I know to own one. Frankly, when he mentioned it, I thought it sounded French – which doesn’t make sese at all. What does make sense are its numbers on paper, its performance on game in the field, and rabid following seemingly everywhere but the US – possibly because we just weren’t ready for metric 6.5’s back then. But we are today. Listen in to hear all about this fine example of European cartridge engineering.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 220 | Army selects Vortex® for Next Generation Squad Weapon – Fire Control. What is it? Jan 31, 2022

The U.S. Army Selected Vortex® to provide its Next Generation Squad Weapon - Fire Control Optic (NGSW-FC). But what is an NGSW-FC? What is Vortex’s new scope replacing? What weapons will it ultimately sit on? What features/capabilities does it have? What is Active Reticle™? What is Intra-Soldier Wireless? How do the features work? With this much tech built in, is it durable? How was it tested? Is it easy to use? Where will the scope be manufactured? What are the overall implications of our nation’s warfighters having this technology in their hands? Alexander Lewis from Vortex’s secret-squirrel sector answers these questions and more (as much as he is allowed by law). Listen in to get the scoop on this revolutionary smart scope!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Hunting Rifle Slings – Accessory or Necessity? Jan 25, 2022

The team takes 10-ish minutes to chat hunting rifle slings – traditional, modern, and pack-integrated systems. A sling can be one of the best additions to any big game rifle setup. Slings keep your hands free when navigating difficult terrain, hold the rifle to your back while riding a bike on logging road systems, keep your barrel pointed in a safe direction around others, provide stability for offhand shots and more. If you can’t tell, we sling their praises.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 219 | The Micro6X Magnifier – Extend the Effective Range of your Red Dot Jan 24, 2022

Magnify red dot sight performance with the Micro6X. Simple, fast, effective, this optic increases effective range and enhances versatility. Is it right for you?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Carbine Slings – Be More Effective Jan 18, 2022

Carbine slings - accessory or required equipment? Instructor Pete from Vortex EDGE makes his point on two-point slings, and why you need one on your Carbine. If you haven’t been using one, you will after this podcast. There’s just no down-side.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 218 | The Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 – Vortex’s Long Range Stealth Shadow Bomber Jan 17, 2022

Long-range shooters rejoice, the Razor® HD Gen III 6-36x56 sets a new alpha-class standard in optical and mechanical performance. The result – greater long-range capability across the vast spectrum of shooting disciplines. Is this a bold claim? Yes. But when you have product development team member, accomplished long-range shooter, and quite possibly the pickiest/most critical person we know saying this – our very own Scott Parks – we think you’ll agree. Tune in to get the inside scoop and see if it’s the scope you’ve been waiting for.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10(Not)MinuteTalk - Pro Picks: 10 Day Sheep Kit with Paul Neess Jan 11, 2022

In our greatest “ish” ever, this 10-minute talk goes long, way long. But that’s ok, because we’re talking 10 days of sheep kit with in-house sheep guide Paul Neess. We unpack this topic by unpacking Paul’s pack. From soup to nuts – literally – we run through Paul’s kit piece by piece.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 217 | You bought a pistol. Now what? Jan 10, 2022

You bought a pistol. Now what? Good question. You’re not alone. Millions of people are in your exact shoes. We tap into knowledge well of the professionals at Vortex edge to get their take on next steps to make your pistol journey, safe, practical and productive.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Cold-Weather Footwear Jan 04, 2022

Cold feet can ruin a hunt faster than you can say numb toes. Mark and Erik chat footwear options and techniques you can use to keep feet comfortable - and you on stand. Boot styles, to auxiliary warmers, and few things we’re considering experimenting with, tune in for simple tips to keep your feet in the game.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 216 | 20 Questions with MeatEater’s Ryan Callaghan Jan 03, 2022

Simple yet complex, dirtbag yet refined, MeatEater’s Ryan Callaghan is a proverbial onion of interesting. We pulled him away from chasing game to play a little 20 questions. This man knows the outdoors. When he talks, folks listen. Entertaining, humble, genuine, and just a good dude, we tackle the big issues in this one. From his iconic mustache to the best hunting cartridge and capped off with a little “overrated/underrated, this is a fun one worth a listen.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 6.8 SPC: Talk, Talk, Talk. Action? Dec 31, 2021

The future of the modern warfighter or lead balloon. Few cartridges have received more hype on the front end and fallen into near obscurity than the 6.8 SPC. Is it seeing a well-deserved resurgence in popularity? Tune in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 300 PRC: It’s Pretty Much a Missile Strike Dec 30, 2021

This 30-Cal long-range bomber packs a punch and does so very effectively at distance. PRC stands for Precision Rifle Cartridge – and it lives up to its name. Optimized for heavy, high BC bullets, and featuring a big case for plenty of powder, this beauty has the gas to get it done.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - .22 Creedmoor: Nepotism or New Age Performance Dec 29, 2021

Does the .22 Creedmoor capitalize on the popularity of its parents, or does this speedster have merit all its own? Listen in to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 6ARC: You Asked….A Lot!...Here It is! Dec 28, 2021

You asked, we listened – and we are glad we did. The 6 ARC is coming on the cartridge scene fast and furious. Not Fast and Furious 5 fast, but still super-fast. ARC stands for advanced rifle cartridge. That may be an understatement. From precision-rifle work, spotting impacts, making wind calls and knocking deer-sized game to the earth, the positive attributes of this petite, light recoiling cartridge are many. And as per usual, our own Ryan M. tells us all about it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - .204 Ruger: Pure Lightning Dec 27, 2021

If speed kills, at 4200 fps, the 204 Ruger should have every coyote in the county tucking its tail between its legs. This little barn burner most certainly has a home in the cartridge world, but should it be more popular?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 30-06: Is it Still as Good as it Once Was? Dec 26, 2021

Few cartridges stand the test of time like the iconic 30-06. Ahead of its time at its inception and even more potent today, the old ought-six is simply tough to beat. From war fighting to freezer filling, it is as historically significant as it is effective. Mark and Jim grab Ryan, “Mucky” Muckenhirn to discuss what we like to call “America’s Cartridge.”

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Dry Fire for Expert-Level Pistol Performance Dec 21, 2021

Dry-fire practice with your pistol – equally as important as live fire? Vortex Edge instructor Brennan Brennecke breaks down dry firing, what it is, the why behind it, how to properly do it, and all the great benefits. Costs are minimal to nothing – a rarity in the shooting world. Done with intentionality and high-level concentration, what you get from your dry-fire sessions is priceless.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 215 | Cancelled - Washington Spring Bear Hunt Dec 20, 2021

A split vote by a governor-appointed commission, a potentially tie-breaking commission seat slated for a representative from the traditionally pro-hunting eastside of the state mysteriously unfilled, hunting advocates left conveniently unaware the possibility of no season was on the table, and simply not following the science-based recommendation of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, led to the 2022 spring bear season simply not happing. Mark and Sawyer sit down with Sportsman’s Alliance Brian Lynn to chat through how this happened and the much broader implications. This is not a Washington issue. This is not a spring bear issue. This is a hunting issue. Your season, your tradition, and your food source could be next.

Make your voice heard:https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/commission/contact

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Flat Vs. Curved Triggers Dec 14, 2021

Flat or curved….Triggers? One of life’s greatest questions. Well, not really, but it does get asked. Are their legitimate pros and cons to each style? Does it just boil down to personal preference? Listen in as Vortex EDGE® instructor Chris Urrutia gives his take on trigger shape.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 214 | Suppressor Selection with Silencer Shop Dec 13, 2021

We're joined by Dave Matheny, CEO of Silencer Shop. Learn how Silencer Shop provides the most simple buying experience for folks who need a suppressor, all while providing unbeatable service and prices.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 300 Blackout: Discrete, Effective, Versatile Dec 07, 2021

Supersonic loads, subsonic loads, big bullets, and high-level performance when things are up close and personal – the .300 Blackout is an excellent cartridge for the AR Platform, as well as bolt rifles. This cute cartridge serves a variety of roles pretty darn well. Compare it to the 30-30 Win. for hunting and you may take a hard look. Listen in to hear the Vortex Nation Podcast team chat all about it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 213 | Diamondback® HD Binoculars - Do You Need More? Dec 06, 2021

Bang for the buck, the Diamondback® HD binocular series is likely responsible for spotting more bucks than any other in our line. These things are downright performers – and they don’t break the bank. Vortex’s deepest lineup of configurations (8x28 to 15x56), there’s a bino in here to suit nearly any observation application. Listen in as we dip back into the knowledge well of inhouse optics guru Mike McDowell. Are they good enough for how you intend to use them? Find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Elk Shape Camp - A No Bull Approach to Putting Bulls on the Ground Nov 30, 2021

Did you hunt elk this year? Did you get one? Did you get frustrated? If you’re answers are Yes, No, Yes, you’re sitting in the same position as most elk hunters who hit the field this year. Do you want to make changes in your life and hunting strategy in the name of better elk hunting? It’s time for an Elk Shape Camp. We sit down with Dan Staton, a man who has dedicated his life to not only chasing elk, but consistently putting them in the freezer year after year, to chat through his Elk Shape Camps. Tune in to get the rundown. Register to get tuned up!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 212 | Texas Whitetail Hunting – Cable Smith Nov 29, 2021

Texas deer hunting is a culture and way of life. This state is serious about a lot of things, and whitetail deer may be at the top of the list. We sit down with Texas native, host of the Lone Star Outdoor Show, Cable Smith, for a killer conversation on Texas deer hunting. Tine in for a good listen!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Clean a Muzzleloader Nov 23, 2021

Muzzleloaders inherently run a bit dirty. Learn how to clean yours to ensure it runs optimally for years. Take it form a guy who’s sacrificed a couple to the “corrosion gods”, a bit of care goes a very long ways….And it’s not that hard or time-intensive.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 211 | Muzzleloading 101 Nov 22, 2021

There is something incredibly satisfying about pouring a measured charge down your barrel, pushing a bullet on top of it, priming your muzzleloader, and touching it off. It’s the tying-your-own flies of sending a projectile down range. The intricacies of muzzleloading are part of the fun. It is beautifully simple yet complex. One thing is certain, it’s fun and can extend your hunt season, as well as create fantastic opportunities in the woods you otherwise would not get. Listen in for a good old fashioned rundown on muzzleloading.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Firearm Surface Rust Removal Nov 16, 2021

It’s time to knock the rust off. The elements can be rough on rifles, resulting in surface rust on Ol’ Betsy. Vortex’s own Ryan Muckenhirn gives us his tips to help get your rifle back into shape.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 210 | The Heartland Bowhunter Story – and Stories Nov 15, 2021

Buckle your TMA approved safety harness and settle into the tree – or at least one hell of a conversation – with Heartland Bowhunter’s, Mike Hunsucker and Shawn Luchtel. From their unique start in the outdoor television space, to dropping expensive camera’s out of trees, this was a super fun conversation that twists and turns like a rut-drunk buck on a hot doe.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Shooting Sticks – Worth Carrying? Nov 09, 2021

Underutilized, underappreciated, and overly handy, if you’re a rifle hunter, a good set of shooting sticks will improve your ground-game – and put more game in the freezer! Listen for the why and how.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 209 | November Rifle Mule Deer with Jason Matzinger Nov 08, 2021

Rutting Mule Deer and Rifles – what’s better than that? That was a real question. We don’t know. Jason Matzinger from the TV show “Into High Country” breaks down his rifle mule deer tactics during a mid-day break from, you guessed it, hunting mule deer. Use these tips and you might be breaking down your own buck in short order. And if you want watch and learn, head on over to the Vortex YouTube channel to see Jason and fellow outdoor TV Hosts, Willi Schmidt (Pure Hunting) and Nick Ventura (Become One) share a deer camp, make great memories and bring home a pile of buck meat.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Field Kit for Field Care Nov 02, 2021

Field dressing and breaking down big game for transport to the truck requires the right tools to get the job done. But what are the right tools? Mark Boardman and Erik Barber compare notes, well, knives more accurately, in this talk all about what we use to get meat home efficiently, clean, and ready for final processing.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 208 | Multi-Shooting-Sport Athletes - What’s Their Secret? Nov 01, 2021

Competition Shooter Tucker Schmidt and our own Reuben Aleckson talk, you guessed it, competition shooting. If you fall into the category of first-time gun owner or just want to get better, more comfortable and more confident with your firearm(s), participating in a competition is a fun way to train. You may not even realize you’re practicing at an extremely high level with critical internationally – because you’re having fun! Rifle, shotgun, pistol - these guys know their stuff, are passionate about the shooting sports, knowledgeable about the shooting sports and committed to growing the shooting sports. Tune in to get tuned up with some great tips.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Proper Pistol Grip with Vortex EDGE® Oct 26, 2021

Grip it and rip it isn’t good enough when it comes to proficiently shooting a pistol. Pete from Vortex EDGE® walks us through proper pistol grip to help get your mechanics down and bullets on target.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 207 | Southern Deer, with Southern Dude, Parker McDonald Oct 25, 2021

Texas high school football, to kayak rides for Alabama deer, we cover some ground, (Southern Ground that is) with super interesting cat, Parker McDonald. Liberal seasons, hunting club culture, specialized tactics and more, this podcasts twists and turns like a windy creek – a creek you plan to use to take your very own southern buck.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - East vs. West D.O.P.E. Oct 19, 2021

For the traveling hunter or shooter who likes to extend their effective range, you got to have good D.O.P.E. But to have that “’good good” D.O.P.E., you better be mindful of where you came from, and where you’re headed. Ballistics may be dramatically different depending on elevation and atmospherics – Different enough to cause complete misses or a poor hit. Mark, Jim and Ryan M talk geography and things to be mindful of for ultimate accuracy – wherever you find yourself.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 206 | Duck Tips with Heartland Waterfowl’s, Joe Palumbo Oct 18, 2021

A successful duck hunt isn’t blind luck (pun intended). Mark Boardman grabs Heartland Waterfowl’s Joe Palumbo to get some of his favorite duck hunting tips to help bring more birds to bag this fall. We cover decoy spreads, calling, weather, scouting, shot size and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Punch Your Whitetail Buck Tag in October Oct 12, 2021

Is the October lull a bunch of October bull? Jarrod Erdody (NEXTBUK Outdoors), fills us in on how to fill your tag early – leaving time to hunt your home state during the rut, or buy that last-minute tag for an out-of-state adventure. Weather, moon phase, food, water, bedding, hunting pressure, and the size of the property, all play in to how you’re going to approach each hunt. Jarrod is an analytical hunter with a ton of experience and proven track record of putting mature bucks on the ground. Listen up for your next buck!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 205 | Long Overdue – The Fundamentals of Marksmanship Talk Oct 11, 2021

Ask any coach of any sport and they’ll say – “you need to master the fundamentals.” The fundamentals of marksmanship are no exception. Mark and Jim grab coach Nick to get all learned up so they (and you) can become better shots.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 204 | Aging Deer, Before and After the Shot, With NDA Oct 08, 2021

Big antlers, old deer, right? Maybe. A lot goes into accurately aging deer on the hoof and after a successful harvest. Mark and Jim track down (pun intended) the National Deer Association for a biology lessen for the ages. From body characteristics to tooth wear and cementum annuli (the heck is that?), you’ll be a deer aging expert when you’re done.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 203 | Andy May – Kill More Bucks in Less Time Oct 07, 2021

Kill more bucks in less time! Sound too good to be true? Some people are experts at deer management, Andy May is an expert at time management - when it comes to constantly taking quality bucks on quick hunts - in and out of state. He takes us through his hunting origin story and shares his hard-earned process for putting quality bucks on the ground all season long.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 202 | Light and Fast Mobile Deer Tactics with Cody D’Acquisto Oct 06, 2021

One of the most respected whitetail hunters in the space, Cody D’Acquisto from Lone Wolf Custom Gear hunts light and fast with gear to match (what little gear he takes with him). His aggressive, measured, and at times unconventional tactics put big bucks on the ground. Period! He is a true wolf. Tune it to learn how you can be a wolf too.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 201 | DIY Saddle Hacks with Tethrd Oct 05, 2021

Saddle up partner. We rope in the Tethrd boys for a podcast full of tips, tricks, and saddle hacks you can take to the tree this fall.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 200 | Mark Kenyon – Hunting for Opportunity Oct 04, 2021

Wired to Hunt’s, Mark Kenyon, headlines episode 200 for a killer conversation about hunting for opportunity. We cover tactics, becoming a better hunter through broader experience, the Ying and Yang of hunting managed properties vs run and gun trips, shifting your trophy mindset and a heck of lot more!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Sharpen your knife-sharpening skills, with Argali’s, Brad Brooks Sep 28, 2021

A sharp knife is one of the most import tools you carry into the field. We cover field-sharpening, edge assessment, pre-hunt blade care, sharpener styles/materials, leather strops, steel types, upkeep (what’s that?), and more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 199 | Get Up to Speed on Chronographs Sep 27, 2021

Lights, magnets, sound – Action! Get everything you ever wanted to know about chronographs right here. We get the brain himself, Ian Klemm and former sniper, Tony Palzkill, to run through (not physically) the different styles, how they operate, pros, cons, and useful tips…I do wonder how fast they can run now. Maybe we can line that up?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - First Aid Essentials – For Every Hunt! Sep 21, 2021

An extra pound in your pack and basic training, just may save your life – or someone else’s. The podcast team is joined by DJ Struntz, from North American Rescue, to chat first aid for EVERY HUNT. Even the most mondain/backyard/done-it-a hundred-times hunt can go south in a hurry. Are you prepared?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 198 | The TRCP and Public Lands - Are You Getting What You Paid For? Sep 20, 2021

Mark and Sawyer dive deep into our great public lands (metaphorically) with Joel Webster from the TRCP (Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership). What is the TRCP and how does it interact with public-land-related issues? How are public lands funded? Who should care about public lands? And here’s a big one, are their access points and easements buried in filing cabinets that could open even more opportunities for recreation. Lace up your boots and tighten your hip-belt for this super insightful conversation all about YOUR public land!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The .338 Win Mag (You Asked For it!) Sep 14, 2021

It’s a cartridge talk, so you already know Ryan Muckenhirn is joining Mark and Jimmy for 10(ish) minutes to lay down some knowledge and a few opinions. This time we’re discussing the .338 Win Mag, which happens to be one of Ryan’s all-time favorite cartridges, but oddly one he doesn’t own a rifle for which it is chambered? Is this thwomper of a North American game-dropper just “Too much medicine”? The answer as usual is “It depends”. Tune in to find out why! Also – special shoutout to those .338 Win Mag fans out there who follow @Vortexnationpodcast on Instagram. This cartridge topic was chosen based on a vote between our recent two most-requested cartridges and edged out the 6mm ARC. Want to have a say in what we talk about in the future? Keep up to date by following our page over on IG!

Ep. 197 | The T.REX Arms Story – Lucas Botkin Sep 13, 2021

Lucas Botkin from T.REX Arms joins Mark and Jimmy to give us the who, what, where, why, and how of his company T.REX Arms came to exist. How does a farm kid who got his start making AR-15 mag holders with kydex material he stole off his brother wind up creating one of the most well-known companies in the industry manufacturing their own gear in-house, selling their own curated assortment of firearms accessories, and hosting a firearms and shooting YouTube channel with more than a million followers? Good question! The answers over the course of this podcast won’t disappoint!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 10 Elk Calling Tips with World Champ Corey Jacobsen Sep 07, 2021

Top-10 to top-pin, Corey Jacobsen (Elk 101/World Champion Elk Caller) tackles his top-10 Elk calling tips to put tines on your wall and meat in the freezer. You won’t believe what happens at tip #7…Ok, that last part was pure clickbait…but it is a good tip.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 196 | Archery Elk with Remi Warren Sep 06, 2021

Remi Warren empties his quiver of archery elk hunting knowledge in this wapiti-packed podcast full of tips and tricks to get you in the game – literally. Listen in for locating, calling, setup strategies and more. Are you trying to kill “An Elk”? This is the podcast for you!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 17 WSM: What’s More American Than That? Aug 31, 2021

We forgot a tiny cartridge in our “Tiny Calibers” Podcast – and you guys let us know about it. Thanks!...Jim and Mark wrangle the cartridge oracle himself, Ryan Muckenhirn, to find out all about the .17 WSM. Mark was disappointed WSM stands for Winchester Super Magnum - not Short Magnum. Other than that, there’s a heck of a lot to like about this little powerhouse.

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Ep. 195 | Straight-Walls - The Best “Primitive Weapon” For Hunting? Aug 30, 2021

Straight-wall cartridges are surging in popularity as certain state game agencies integrate them into seasons where centerfire rifles were previously not allowed. Increased effective range, better ballistics, better accuracy, fast follow-up shots, clean to shoot, hassle-free loading – all in a super handy rifle – what’s not to like? For a lot of folks, the advantages of a straight-wall rifle over their muzzleloader and shotgun counterparts (in general) are many! Jim and Mark grab the all-knowing Ryan Muckenhirn to chat about straight wall cartridges – old and new. They even shoot you straight on the Crossfire® II straight-wall riflescope. A riflescope designed specifically to optimize the general ballistic curve of these great cartridges - and get you in the kill zone on your next buck!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Mark’s 300 WSM: An Alaska Homecoming Story Aug 24, 2021

A 17-year, three-attempt saga for VTNP host Mark Boardman to take a black bear with his 300 WSM in SE AK finally pays off. Tune in to hear why it took so dang long.

Ep. 194 | ALONE Champion Clay Hayes Tells All Aug 23, 2021

The dust hasn’t settled and Mark and Jim are on the horn with ALONE TV show champion Clay Hayes to get the full behind-the-scenes rundown of his survival experience in the wild, wild, wild Canadian bush. Unforgiving country, a grizzly-choked landscape that’s indifferent if you live or die, 10 minimalistic items, the skills Clay developed over a lifetime of seemingly preparing for this challenge, the thoughts in his head, and what he learned about himself and life as a whole – we cover it all in this unbelievably inciteful post-finale podcast. Tune in to hear all about Clay’s amazing journey, as he once again confirms why he just may be the coolest guy on the planet!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Summer Whitetail Scouting with Jarrod Erdody Aug 17, 2021

Whitetail wizard Jarrod Erdody from Next Buck/Whitetail Addictions drops by Vortex on his way back from a summer scouting mission to chat summer scouting….It just made sense. Tune in to get some solid tips from one of the foremost whitetail experts in the woods.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 193 | Just Go Hunt Aug 16, 2021

Brady Miller from goHUNT Joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn for a run through on their content platforms, insanely powerful hunt planning tool, and new product from Vortex he’s been testing for months. First timer or lifelong hunter, there’s something in here for anyone looking to, well, go hunt.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Go Long-Range: First PRS Match – What Happened? Aug 12, 2021

You approach the stage, get the stage brief, memorize the target engagement order, ready your gear, get asked if you’re ready and the “!BEEP!” go’s off…..What were those targets again? Holy heck that was hard – and fun! Mark and Jim’s trial-by-fire PRS match is in the books. Click play to hear about their experience and get some additional tips from professional precision rifle shooter, Dave Preston, and Vortex precision rifle shooter, Nick Laufenberg. Should Jim and Mark have shot this high-profile match as their first PRS experience? Listen to find out.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Go Long-Range: We Learn PRS from a Real Pro – Dave Preston Aug 11, 2021

Professional Precision Rifle Competitive Shooter, Dave Preston, gets Jim and Mark trained up for their first PRS match, the “Vortex Vengeance”. Dave is a long-range precision master. The level of detail he scrutinizes, practice he puts in, and number of matches he competes in, is truly next level. In this podcast, we go back to basics – or more accurately, start with the basics of a PRS match – as well as cover the things Dave does that will help you with your first match.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Go Long-Range: The Many Forms of Long-Range Competition Aug 10, 2021

Lucky for long range aficionados and newcomers alike, if there’s rifle style, type or configuration, there’s likely a competitive shooting constituent to go along with it. From long range 22 Rimfire competitions like NRL 22, to precision rifle, service rifle, F-Class, and even air gun, the list of long-range competitions available to shooters is, well, long. Tune in to find out more about the many facets and find out which just may be your cup of tea.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Go Long-Range: Not All “Long-Range” Rifles Are Created Equal Aug 09, 2021

From lightweight hunting rifles with long-range attributes, to heavyweight precision rifles that could double as an incredibly expensive boat anchor - and even what the cool kids are using in the Law enforcement and Military world - we cover the fun stuff in this podcast all about long range GUNS!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Single vs Two-Stage Triggers in AR’s Aug 03, 2021

Time to get #Triggered with this 10MinuteTalk on single versus two-stage triggers - in the most triggering of rifles - the AR-15. What’s the difference? Where does each style shine? Is there one that’s best? In-house trigger-puller, Reuben Aleckson, gives us the scoop on this incredibly important aspect of any AR.

Ep. 192 | Can You Hunt With a FFP Riflescope? Aug 02, 2021

First focal plane (FFP) reticles in hunting riflescopes? Aren’t those reticles for all them “Tactical Folks”. Well, no. The benefits of having an FFP reticle in your hunting riflescope are many – depending on where and how you will predominantly hunt. If short-to-moderate distance shots are your norm, an FFP reticle could be a detractor. If you’ll likely encounter longer shots – 300 yards and beyond – it may make the difference between a punched tag or tag soup. Looking for one scope to do it all? FFP could make sense. If you have, or are looking to extend your effect range, listen in to see if having an FFP reticle is right for you. Like sneak-peaks at super cool optics? Listen in or watch on YouTube for that as well!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Why You Shouldn’t Shoot With a Weighted Gun Vise Jul 27, 2021

The weighted gun vise calls to us like a siren’s song. On the surface, they make so much sense. No recoil, your rifle clamped in tight, eliminating the human element for ultimate accuracy. Why not use this modern marvel of rifle-zeroing Zen? The reasons are many, and potential negative repercussions for your rifle and optic strong…Not to mention all the time and ammo you’ll spend diagnosing what the hell went wrong.

Ep. 191 | Get FOC’d – with the Ranch Fairy Jul 26, 2021

Heavy arrow setups with a high Front-of-Center (FOC) percentage and single-bevel, cut -on-contact broadheads built for optimal penetration, bone breaking performance and consistent pass-through’s, are the basics of Troy Fowler’s, (a.k.a the “Ranch Fairy”), arrow philosophy. But why? Can’t you get the same total Kinetic Energy with a light arrow moving faster – and it will shoot flatter too? What about momentum? How is it different from Kinetic Energy and is it more important? What happens to an arrow’s potential for penetration long after it leaves the bow? The Ranch Fairy answers these questions and more in this super informative podcast. Warning: You may be tweaking your arrow setup – or at least rethinking what you thought you knew. Watch on YouTube for the full effect – because Troy shows us telling charts that illustrate his points.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Best Road Trip Gas Station? Jul 20, 2021

Gas Stations are a big part of any road trip. They fuel your vehicle and your body. But what is the best gas station? Opinions on this tough-to-answer question differ greatly. Regionality plays a role on one’s nationalistic view of their favorite petrol peddler. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, Cameraman Cooper Long and the all-knowing Ryan Muckenhirn tackle the tough questions in this riveting 10-minutes of gas-station fury. What attributes make a good gas station? What’s your go-to? Did we miss any? Let us know!!!

Ep. 190 | What Is “Parallax” and Does It Really Matter? Jul 19, 2021

par·al·lax

/ˈperəˌlaks/

Noun: A mysterious phenomena known to cause confusion, mispronunciation, and possible overthinking. Ok, the real definition: The effect whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions. Mark and Jim grab Vortex’s Mike Tassoul and Ryan Muckenhirn to break down parallax as it relates to shooting, how big a deal it is, and if you should be blaming your misses on it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 6.5 Creed Life Hack – You Need to Know This Jul 13, 2021

Mark and Jim were astounded when in-house long-range shooter, Nick Laufenberg, did some simple subtraction and had them hitting targets out to 800 yards with their 6.5 Creedmoor’s - without ever touching a ballistic calculator. Tune in to hear how this mathemagician did it!

Ep. 189 | Misunderstood and Always Under Attack - Hound Hunting with the “Untamed” Jul 12, 2021

Hound hunting for bears, mountain lions and other game where regulations allow, can be a hot-button topic for hunters and non-hunters alike. It’s often under attack, but why? As with many things, education and understanding are paramount when it comes to formulating a valid opinion – no matter where your view ultimately falls. That’s why we brought on Kirk and Josh from “The Untamed” - Two Experienced hound hunters who can speak to their personal journeys with the practice, common misconceptions that surround it, their love for their dogs and the lifestyle, the wildlife management and controlled harvest aspect (if they choose to harvest), and all of the ultra-rewarding interpersonal relationships it fosters along the way. If you are curios about hound hunting, have questions about hound hunting, or have an opinion about hound hunting - good or bad, tune in to get perspective from two good guys who actually do it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10(Not)MinuteTalk - The PERFECT Steak? Jul 06, 2021

Few subjects garner more contention than how to cook the perfect steak. I mean, we are all masters of our grilling domain, right? Mark and Jim sit down with in-house chef, Travis Vogel, to tackle this hotly debated topic? From Sous vide to cast iron, butter to bacon, and the why behind it all, this is a good one for anyone who eats red meat! What are your tips to cook the perfect steak?

Ep. 188 | Competition AR vs Duty AR – What’s the Difference? Jul 05, 2021

Competition AR Vs. Duty AR. Big difference, or semantics? Will a competition AR get you “killed in the streets” due to its guaranteed unreliability? Is a duty AR, selected with considerations that matter not when seeking a podium finish? The answers you seek lye between the ears of our very own Adam Maxwell. Lucky for us, he shares his wealth of knowledge on this all-important matter. Tune in to find out if you are geared up for success. ARe you ready?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 7.62x25 (This one’s for you @glewisecom) Jun 29, 2021

Shout out to Greg Lewis (@glewisecom_) for suggesting…and requesting and requesting and requesting…the 7.62x25 as one of our 10-Minute Talks. This bottlenecked pistol cartridge is flat-out cool-as-heck. Tune in to hear Ryan Muckenhirn enlighten us on this unique, ahead-of-its-time, blast from the past!...Thanks Greg!

Ep. 187 | NRL22/22X - Your New Shooting Hobby? Jun 28, 2021

The only thing hotter than .22 Long ammo on the shelf is NRL 22 and NRL 22X. Fast, fun, family oriented with a lower barrier to entry compared to other shooting disciplines, if you love to shoot, want to get into shooting, and are looking for a good time, this may be for you! From indoor events and casual gatherings with the .22 you grew up with, all the way to matches where the rifles more closely resemble the heavy tricked-out rifles found at a Centerfire Precision Rifle Match, there is something for everyone when it comes to NRL .22. Listen in to find out more about your new hobby!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Clay Hayes Self-Bow Series: How to Shoot a Self-Bow Jun 23, 2021

So you made, have, or are looking into getting a self-bow, recurve bow or similar. But how do you shoot the dang thing? Good question – and good thing we have Clay Hayes of Season 8 of History Channel’s hit show “Alone”, where participants test their mental toughness, physical toughness, and bushcraft in a crazy competition of survival and attrition – to explain it to us. Clay is not only a master of making bows out of trees he fells, splits, dries and crafts into art-like arrow-sending implements, he’s a master of shooting them as well. Follow along as Mark and Jim pick his larger than average brain in an effort to fast track their shooting prowess.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Clay Hayes Self-Bow Series: Building a Self-Bow Jun 22, 2021

Long before Clay Hayes ever appeared on Season 8 of History Channel’s hit show “Alone”, where participants test their mental toughness, physical toughness, and bushcraft in a crazy competition of survival and attrition, he was building self-bows and teaching others to do the same. Folks like Jim and Mark, who made the trek to Florida to tap into clays wealth of hard-earned self-bow knowledge. Making bows, hunting with them and sharing his passion for it are at the heart of who Clay is. Follow along as he details the fascinating process of making a self-bow and much more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Clay Hayes Self-Bow Series: Biologist to Bowyer and Growing Up Feral Jun 21, 2021

In this episode, we sit down with Biologist, Bowyer, and Outdoor Bad-Ass, Clay Hayes (As seen on Season 8 of History Channel’s hit show “Alone”, where participants test their mental toughness, physical toughness, and bushcraft). Clay is one of the coolest, most knowledgeable and capable guys you may run across in the woods. If you do see him in the field, it’s likely you have some grit yourself, based on the fact you are probably deep in the backcountry chasing critters in some nasty hole few dare to go. After talking with Clay and getting to know him while on our self-bow-building journey, one thing is certain, the “Most Interesting Man in the World” title isn’t up for grabs any more. Clay took it! Tune in to get to know Clay and absorb some great self-bow info!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bee Stings – Not allergic, you may not be safe Jun 15, 2021

Bees, small insects, BIG considerations! On this episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast, we with sit down with repeat guest, hunting badass and bee sting survivor, Joey Pyburn, to recount his backcountry bout with an aggressive bee. Just because you may not be allergic to bees now, doesn’t mean you can’t develop a reaction. Follow along to hear how Joey handled it in the field, as well as how he followed up. This is a single account of a single event with a single person. This is not professional medical advice and in no way shape or form should be treated as such. Consult your medical provider for medical advice and treatment specific to you and your medical history. Also, we know yellow jackets and other wasps are of the wasp family, but it was just easier to call them bees and had better alliteration in the copy.

Ep. 186 | Developing the Ultimate Gun Dog w/ Mossy Pond Retrievers Jun 14, 2021

Developing the ultimate gun dog ain’t easy. It takes, work, time, know-how, years of experience and a dog suited for the task at hand. Chad Belding from The Fowl Life TV and Brad Arrington from Mossy Pond Retrievers join Mark and Jim for a doggoned good discussion on gundogs, a few misconceptions and some of their training methods/philosophies. Brad is one of the best in the business! One thing is clear, these guys know what they want out of dog and how to make a dog everything it can be. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to dog training. Every breed is different, and every dog is different. Do you have a new pup? Mossy Pond Retrievers may be your ticket to the dog of your dreams!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Super High Red Dots on AR-15’s Jun 08, 2021

Why is your dot so high bro? Mounting red dot sights what may seem comically high is in vogue these days. But what is the practical reason behind this practice? Tune in to find out!

Ep. 185 | Tiny Calibers Jun 07, 2021

Tiny calibers are fast and fun. These pint-size projectiles push the limits of possible. Punching paper to popping prairie dogs, tiny cartridges abound, filling boutique-like niches sure to make any enthusiast add a new rifle to their collection. Jimmy Hamilton and Mark Boardman tap into the all-knowing Ryan Muckenhirn and, frequent guest, Seth Toy to get the lowdown on these cuties of the cartridge world.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Hold for Wind and Make Long-Range Corrections Like a Pro Jun 01, 2021

One of the biggest things that separates “Great” precision shooters from “Pretty good” ones is how they make corrections and how they maximize their margin for error when dealing with wind. Nick Laufenberg joins Jimmy to discuss utilizing your full target as a means for getting a hit on steel, measuring that target in MOA/MRAD, thinking of wind in terms of MOA/MRAD, and trusting your reticle when misses happen to make a sound correction that will get you on target for the second shot.

Ep. 184 | Long-Range on a Budget – Can You Do It? May 31, 2021

Long Range on a budget – Can it be done? Hell-yeah it can. Jim and Mark sit down with in-house long-range shooters Nick Laufenberg and Scott Parks to discuss options and how to effectively engage in the ever increasing in popularity activity of long-range shooting. We also debut the Venom 5-25x56 riflescope – a budget-friendly, optically-sound and feature-rich riflescope, sure to make any current or future long-range shooter smile. After personally running this scope through its paces prior to launch, Jim and Mark both agree this scope performs like a champ – and you know how mark likes to live that “pinky-up” life, so that’s saying something.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – The 35 Whelen: Old, Not Common, but Still Very Relevant? May 25, 2021

One of the oldest .30-06-based wildcats, the .35 Whelen had enjoyed a brief period of commercial successes, and is still holding on in some circles as an understated champion for medium-sized game. Has this old powerhouse been displaced by modern magnums, or, does modesty prevail? Tune in to learn more!

Ep. 183 | Suppressor Selection – What’s Right for You? May 24, 2021

So you want a suppressor, that’s a no brainer, but which one? What are all the differences between the suppressors we see on the market today and what’s even significant about those differences? All good questions – Mark and Jimmy had the same ones and a whole lot more for Adam and Reuben, our in-house NFA-item nerds. We dive into the three main types of suppressors, rifle, pistol and rimfire, and some of the things you should be aware of when purchasing your very own. Which suppressor do you think Mark should get? We finally got him back into AR ownership, let’s get a suppressor in his personal arsenal, too!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Truing your BDC Reticle to Your Cartridge May 18, 2021

BDC (Ballistic Drop Compensating) Reticles are fast, simple and extremely popular. The hashmarks are based on a general ballistics curve most popular big game calibers follow pretty close out to 600 yards. But what if you want to know exactly where the hashmarks line up for your rifle and the load you’re pushing through it? What if you have a cartridge that falls outside of the “general ballistics curve”? Good questions! Jim and Mark sit down with Ryan Muckenhirn to chat through “Truing your BDC Reticle” for optimum accuracy!

Ep. 182 | Ticks and Tick Born Illness - What You Need to Know May 17, 2021

Getin' Ticky With It! Jim and Mark burrow in deep with E.R. Doc. and tick expert, Charlie Pearce, for an in-depth discussion on everything ticks. Creepy, yes! Fascinating, yes! An ever-increasing problem with serious health ramifications, yes! What is a tick and ticks of interest. How do ticks work? What is their life cycle? Why are ticks so effective as a vector for disease? What is questing? Why is a tick bite painless? What is Lyme disease? Growth of Lyme disease in the US. Spirochetes, what are they? Symptoms of Lyme. Treatments for Lyme. Short and long-term effects of Lyme. We cover all this and more!! If you go outside, this is one you need to listen to!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Reloading Crappy Crimped Range Brass? May 11, 2021

Crimped cases may seem like a pain-in-the-brass, but are actually pretty darn simple to prep for reloading. In this podcast we cover what a crimped case is, how to identify it, and how to get rid of the crimp.If watching on YouTube, you can see us do it. If you’re a “brass rat”, but cull every crimper you come by, you may want to reconsider.

Ep. 181 | The Life of an Optical Engineer May 10, 2021

A day in the life of an optical engineer - arguably nothing more exciting!!! OK, maybe we are optics geeks around here. Join Jim, Mark, Christian, and Todd from Vortex as they take look deep into the world of optical engineers and the science behind it all. From blowing smoke through lasers, to reflection, refraction, destructive interference, moving mirrors, modulating a time domain spectrum, how computers changed the game and all sorts of other nerdy stuff, this one is a mind bender for the ages.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Reading Wind to Execute a Better Shot May 04, 2021

What’s the secret to long-range shooting? The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind. Literally. Much of the challenge, variability, frustration and skill regarding long-range shooting relates to wind. Gravity is a constant, wind is not. Ironically, the “F-ing wind”, as we like to call it is probably one of main the things that keeps us coming back to the range to get better at shooting. A viscous cycle really. Tune in to this long-winded 10-min talk for tips and tricks on how you can make better wind calls.

Ep. 180 | Is the 6.8 the “New” 6.5 May 03, 2021

The new 6.8 Western is a Hot Topic (Jim’s Favorite Store) among cartridge connoisseurs. It’s so new, not a lot of folks have a ton of experience with it. On paper, it looks pretty darn good. Will it be the new 6.5? Is it everything the 270 WSM should have been. Will it knock critters down with authority at long range? Time will tell. Listen in to get our take on this new kid on the cartridge block.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The 45-70 Can Fight Wars, Adorn Mantles and Fill Your Freezer Apr 27, 2021

In this 10 minutes of cartridge fury, Ryan Muckenhirn shoots us straight on perhaps the most iconic straight wall cartridge - the 45-70. This fantastic and storied cartridge is one of Ryan’s personal favorites for myriad reasons. From its military adoption, to reloading and hunting, the 45-70 is straight-up cool! Listen in to find out how cool!

Ep. 179 | Hunting With Modern High Power Air Guns Apr 26, 2021

Small-bore, big-bore, iguanas to impala, modern air rifles aren’t just a youthful introduction to hunting and the shooting sports. Great for that – yes – but a whole lot more as well. These things can pack a wallop, are extremely high tech, and a world unto themselves. Mark and Jim sit down with long-time friend, hunting, firearms and air rifle expert, Mike Schoby, from the Outdoor Sportsman Group, to dive headfirst into the wormhole that is, the Modern Air Rife.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – All Things Morel Mushrooms Apr 20, 2021

There’s Morel to spring than Turkeys and Sheds. There’s morels! These tasty mushrooms are mysterious, delectable and can be dang hard to find…..Which is what makes it so cool when you do find them. Jim and Mark sit down with resident fungal expert and avid forager, Ryan Muckenhirn, to get the scoop on how to scoop up some of these culinary treasures.

Ep. 178 | The Rise of the AK in America w/Dissident Arms Apr 19, 2021

“High end” and “AK 47”are two terms we don’t generally see together. Well, unless you’re talking about the gold-pated ones, but that doesn’t really count….The folks over at Dissident Arms have turned conventional wisdom on its head by taking all of the iconic and very positive attributes of the AK 47 and fully customized the platform, transforming it from reliable blaster to precision competition race-gun extraordinaire. They have also perfected AK 12 Gauge shotguns – which are unique and flat-out awesome. Do you have AR’s coming out your ears and are looking for something different to spice things up? The AK may be exactly what you need! Are we experiencing US AK renaissance? Listen in and find out?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Reaping Turkeys – Should You Do it? with The Breaking Point Apr 13, 2021

Action packed, effective, and with some obvious safety considerations a person needs to account for, “Reaping” turkeys is a tactic a person can consider keeping in their turkey tool box. As the name implies, using this method often results in a dead gobbler. Some folks say you should never do it and are violating every safety rule in the book. Others take several precautions and do it all the time – knowing they are accepting a level of risk. As with a lot of things in the good old USA, we’ll leave that up to the individual. One thing is certain, done correctly, the response elicited from what could be a wary, henned up gobbler, can be nothing short of a full-on turkey charge. Jim and Mark sit down with expert turkey reapers, “The Breaking Point” to get the lowdown on the unique strategies they’ve developed. If you want to see this tactic in action, head on over to the Vortex YouTube channel and click on the “Vortex Selects” series these guys put together.

Ep. 177 | Private Land Management for More Than Just Bigger Bucks! – Land and Legacy Apr 12, 2021

A deer property can be so much more than, well, a deer property. But what’s be best way to create an ecosystem to maximize benefit for all wildlife - including you? Yes, you count as wildlife. Jim and Mark sit down with the team at Land and Legacy to discuss property management, their professional consulting work, habitat and more. Land and Legacy isn’t a one-trick pony. They travel the US and are familiar with landscapes from the Pacific to the Atlantic coasts. Each region and property is unique, and these guys are experts at maximizing the true potential of any property. Hinge cuts to burns, water to food plots, timber harvests and more, there’s a lot we can do to be the ultimate steward to the land. Our legacy extends far beyond dusty shoulder mounts on the wall (which are no doubt awesome). Tune in to get some great tips on what your land and legacy can be.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bear Shot Placement/Methods of Take with Ryan Lampers Apr 09, 2021

There’s more than one way to pursue a bear - spot-and-stalk, baiting, hounds. Choose your weapon too – bow, rifle, or muzzleloader. They all have their intricacies. The good news, all are challenging, fun, and hopefully reward you with a bear for the freezer. We go through all these options with Ryan Lampers in our final installment of our spring bear special. Listen in to the end for some great shot placement advice. It may not be what you’ve heard before.

#10MinuteTalk - Eating Bear Meat with Ryan Lampers Apr 09, 2021

Fried bear, canned bear, bear tacos (burritos if you’re Jim), bear BQ sandwiches, bone-in bear hams - hungry yet? In this installment of our spring bear special, bear chef extraordinaire, Ryan Lampers, dispels bear meat myths, takes us through all the great attributes of bear meat, why it’s his favorite wild game, and hucks out a few of his go-to preparations. Tune in and get your salivatory glands fired up!

#10MinuteTalk - Finding Spring Bears with Ryan Lampers Apr 09, 2021

Hunting spring black bears is growing in popularity! But where the heck do you find these walking delicacies? What should you be looking for? Good questions! That’s why we grabbed spring bear/all-around outdoor expert, Ryan Lampers, to give us a zero-to-sixty crash course on that very topic. Terrain features, water features, food sources, what slope they will likely be on at different times throughout the spring and more are covered in first installment of our 10-minute talk spring bear special.

#10MinuteTalk - Does Pistol Red Dot Height Matter? Apr 06, 2021

Red Dots on pistols are becoming the norm – not the exception. So, what height should your dot sit? Mark and Jim get professional advice on this often-asked question.

Ep. 176 | Building an AR - Where to Spend Your Money and Where to Save Apr 05, 2021

AR component and accessory options abound. Wading through them is part of the fun, but can be daunting at the same time. How can two seemingly identical parts have such an extreme price discrepancy? Jimmy and Mark bring in AR-Gurus Adam Maxwell and Reuben Aleckson to dissect the anatomy of an AR, and where to consider dropping coin like brass on a hot range, or where to save money like cartridges during an ammo crisis (that would never happen). Mark even brings in his plaid-lined wicker basket of AR parts as visual-aid. You can rest easy knowing they have been assembled. Let us know in the comments if you want to see the complete rifles before they are mysteriously lost to the ocean in a tragic, undocumented, boating accident.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Vortex Wear is “Fit For Everywhere” Mar 30, 2021

For years, Vortex has been making optics for looking through. We still do that, but have jumped headfirst into making things for looking good in as well! Join us, as we chat with Brandon and Erin, who spearhead Vortex Wear, to get their take on our lifestyle apparel, the tech built into it, the “Why” behind it, and more. We also debate the hard-hitting topic of, “Are the new Sun Slayer Shorts dress shorts?” Few places are “clothing-optional” these days (probably a good thing). Vortex Wear can help you with that!

Ep. 175 | Best Way to Carry a Pistol? Mar 29, 2021

What’s the best way to carry a pistol? Good question! Spoiler alert, there are several ways, but one might just be the best! Find out from expert instructors Adrian and Pete from the Vortex EDGE™ training center, as we tap into their years of professional experience, training, as well as a heck of a lot of trial and error.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Nebraska Coyote Series: We Shot One in Sub-Zero Temps! Mar 24, 2021

Jim, Mark, and Cooper put their coyote skills to the test during a -18 cold snap, live to tell the tale, and come out successful. They cover their semi-ridiculous 10-hour road trip west, the country they hunted, tactics used, and lessons learned. Perk up your ears and answer the call to listen in!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Nebraska Coyote Series: From Fleshing to Fashion - Understanding the Fur Market Mar 23, 2021

More than 40 years in the fur game, owner of the last fur auction house in the US (Fur Harvesters Auction Inc.), super interesting cat, and wealth of knowledge, Greg Schroeder is a damn national treasure! This country was built on the backs of trappers and the furbearers they sought. Greg takes us through his personal history, ranch fur vs. wild, jobs lost to automation, how the fur market works, fluctuations in fur prices, grading fur, fashion and some solid how-to/best practices/avoiding disease info. Hit play and jump in with all four paws to get the low-down on fur!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Nebraska Coyote Series: Hunt Coyotes Like a Pro Mar 22, 2021

Calling and hunting coyotes is fun, insanely challenging, has a wildlife management component, can make you a bit of coin, and insanely challenging. Yes, we said insanely changing twice on purpose! That was for effect. Coyotes are notoriously tough to trick and built to survive. To figure out how to knock a few of these crafty K-9’s down, Mark and Jim have once again enlisted the help of pedigreed coyote hunter Matt McHugh. This podcast was an absolute knowledge dump. From intentionally stopping dogs in their tracks with your tracks, to calling tips, set-up strategies, management goals, voice-calling demos and more, tune in to get your PHD in Coyoteawoligy!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Is the .410 Becoming a Legit Hunting Round? Mar 16, 2021

From small game, to turkey-takedown specialist, modern shotshell design and components have taken the .410 shotgun to new levels - leveling gobblers in its wake. This untraversable caliber (.410 is not a gauge) can be packaged in petite shotguns, making them super handy, lightweight and easy to carry. It’s the perfect for folks looking for those attributes and an ideal fit for smaller-statured hunters. The fact it kicks like a butterfly, is another big plus, particularly when talking turkey loads. Shotgun manufacturers are meeting this growing trend head-on, producing purpose-bult .410’s with turkey-specific features to optimize the platform. Tune in to see if dusting off the 410 in the back of your gun safe, or investing in a new .410 is right for you.

Ep. 174 | Dehydrating Meals – Tips, Tricks and Tasty Tactics Mar 15, 2021

Dehydrating fruits, vegetables, meats and entire meals is quite possibly the best way to preserve them for future use down the road. And if you’re looking for creative ways to optimize the wild game and fish you worked so hard to procure, a quality dehydrator, along with some know-how and experimentation, may just be your ticket to easy lunches at work (just add water), as well as customized backcountry meals and snacks. For the “Know How” portion of this podcast, Mark and Jim sit down with dehydration guru Joey Pyburn (ESPN Outdoor Line Radio) to pick his brain on how to take the water out, while keeping the gourmet in! Dehydrator styles, tips, techniques, favorite recipes and best practices, Joey has ton of experience and shares it all right here, on the Vortex Nation Podcast!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Box Call vs. Slate Call Mar 09, 2021

Box Call Vs Slate Call – Mark and Erik square off in an epic battle of squawk, while Jim does his best to incite unnecessary drama. For Mark, the decision is like trying to pick your favorite kid. Erik, on the other hand, is adamant the slate is the single and only call you will ever need. From sound-making versatility, ease of use, which one is louder, surface variants, strikers, call care, call prep and more, we go into detail on these two gobbler-getting noise-makers.

Ep. 173 | Long Range 1005 – The True Science Behind Ballistics with Applied Ballistics® Mar 08, 2021

Just when you thought we’d gone as far as we could go with the “Long Range 100_” series, Chris Wienche and Mitchell Fitzpatrick from Applied Ballistics showed up and opened our eyes to a whole new layer of long range shooting and understanding of ballistics. Chances are, if you shoot any sort of long range, you use a ballistics calculator. The beauty in using one of these calculators is all the work has already been done for you and you don’t need to be a ballistician to hit the target. Long before you even hit the range, though, someone does have to crunch all those numbers and take every ballistic variable into account – bullet shape, weight, drag, air density, temperature, ballistic jump, spin drift, when a projectile goes transonic, and so much more it would make your head spin! Speaking of heads spinning, that just might be what happens when you tune in to this one. You’ve been warned! Put your nerd cap on and enjoy some pure science flowing right into your ear holes. Don’t forget, too, it’s the great minds behind the scenes like these guys that did the development of the ballistics solutions inside the Fury HD 5000 AB ballistic rangefinding binocular!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Mirage – What the hell is it and how does it affect me Mar 02, 2021

Mirage: What the hell is it? Where does it come from? How does it affect your optics? How do you deal with it, and can you use it to your advantage? Jim and Mark grab one of the smart guys at Vortex – Engineer, Seth Toy - to get life’s greatest questions answered.

Ep. 172 | How to Hunt Snow Geese – If You’re Up For the Challenge! - The Fowl Life Mar 01, 2021

When spring finally hits, it’s time for snow – snow geese that is! These crafty birds are notoriously tough to dupe. You have to want and earn those magical big-number days - so we sit down with Chad and Clay Belding from The Fowl Life TV/This Life Ain’t For Everybody Podcast and multiple other great content platforms to find out how it’s done! From giant decoy spreads (more than 1000), how to lay them out, electronic calls and unplugged shotguns, to countless hours of windshield time and a network of waterfowling friends to help you find the X, this was an informative and fun conversation we won’t soon forget. If you’re up for big challenge, big fun and another outdoor addiction, or are looking to add to your decoy bag of snow goose tricks, hit play and stack the information high!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Basics of Shooting Off a Tripod Feb 23, 2021

Precision rifle shooting, hunting scenarios, bolt guns or AR’s - Integrating a quality tripod purpose-built for shooting (which Vortex not coincidentally offers) into your system is like having a portable bench and third arm that never gets tired. How they attach to your rifle, positioning of the tripod’s legs, positioning of your legs, shooting techniques to optimize the platform, and more, Nick Laufenberg helps us cover some super interesting ground. Listen in only if you’re ok considering a new purchase.

Ep. 171 | This Birding Enthusiast is Now a Hardcore Shooting Fanatic - Mike McDowell Feb 22, 2021

Mike McDowell, Vortex’s in-house expert for everything birds, bugs and binos, takes us through his journey into firearms, shooting and the “friends” he lost because of it along the way. Any time we chat with Mike, we can’t help but dive into super cool bird stuff. We inevitably do that, tell the story of the famed “Golden Crowned Sparrow Conspiracy” and his “involvement”, as well as cover his new-found passion for guns, shooting and how it affected his reputation in certain circles…It just made you even cooler in our book...Every time we chat with Mike McDowell, it’s a darn good time, and this podcast was no exception.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Metal and Polymer Mags: Why Two Types? Feb 16, 2021

Polymer Vs. Metal Magazines. Is one better than the other? If so, why? Jimmy and Mark tap into frequent magazine user/competitive shooter/Military and LE Account Manager/amateur historian, Adam Maxwell, to get his take on the pros and cons of each. Sometimes, to get the answers we seek, you have to go back to the beginning. And for Adam, that is always “The Cold War”.

Ep. 170 | Steve Rinella’s Near Death Experiences Feb 15, 2021

Steve Rinella - Writer, author, host of MeatEater TV, expert outdoorsman, true conservationist, talented story teller and tons of other complementary traits, sits down with Jimmy and Mark to share some of his “highlight-reel” near-death experiences incurred along the way of this crazy thing we call life. From icy water, to icy roads, with a fair bit of humor (you can always laugh about it later if you live to tell the tale) and a whole lot more, this was a fun one you won’t want to miss! We also dive into Steve’s new book, “The MeatEater Guide to Wilderness Skills and Survival” – a must read for any seasoned or budding outdoorsman. This comprehensive book, packed with incredibly useful information gained through first-hand experience and lessons learned the hard way, is designed to get you into the wilderness safely and effectively. Death by selfie, moss myths, mountain lions, food, water, shelter, OCD packing and unpacking, and tons of other great topics - this book might just save your life.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Vacuum vs. Chamber Sealer - What’s the big diff? Feb 09, 2021

Caught or shot, game and fish might as well be gold bricks in your freezer. So it’s good to make sure it’s prepped for long-term storage. Vacuum and Chamber sealers are two of the best ways to do just that. Jim and Mark go through the benefits of both styles, where they shine, and what style may fit your needs best.

Ep. 169 | Wind, Weather and Ballistics in the Palm of your Hand Feb 08, 2021

Wind, weather, ballistics, technology and more! Jim, Mark, and Reuben sit down with Kestrel long-timer Katie Godfrey to chat through these fascinating devices, their evolution, and Kestrel’s jump into the shooting/ballistics arena. From sailing, rowing, Coxswain’s and how fast air comes out of your hand dryer, to all the tech that goes into these pocket-sized weather statin/ballistic solution marvels, Kestrels are very cool, very interesting and very important for any long-range shooter.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Should You Free Float Your Barrel? Feb 02, 2021

“Free Floating” your barrel seems like the popular thing to do. Whether it’s AR’s, or bolt guns, it seems as though any non-free-floated barrel is automatically doomed to a life of complete and utter inaccuracy… Right? Ryan Muckenhirn, Jimmy and Mark discuss free floated barrels and whether or not it really is the all-or-nothing way to extracting maximum accuracy out of your rifle - and if a rifle that’s not free floated can even shoot well at all.

Ep. 168 | Budget Rifles – What You’re Getting and What You’re Missing? Feb 01, 2021

A “ Budget Rifle” doesn’t always mean budget performance. In fact, in many cases, quite the opposite. Consumers today are blessed with solid options from major manufacturers that deliver accuracy, durability and shootability rivaling their pinky-up counterparts. Jimmy and Mark grab Ryan Muckenhirn and Reuben Aleckson to cover the finer points of these utilitarian powerhouses. What makes a budget rifle a budget rifle? What are you getting? What are you missing out on? Will it do everything you want, or will you need to modify? Is it worth modifying a budget rifle, or at that point, do you simply upgrade? We cover all this and more in this cost-effective episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - One Riflescope Magnification for the Rest of Your Life Jan 26, 2021

Look, if you only had one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment…Wait, in this podcast you only get one magnification for the rest of your life. So what’s it going to be? Jim and Mark take this hypothetical to a group of Hunters, 3-Gunners and Precision rifle shooters to get their take on the single magnification to do it all. You might be surprised by the answers.

Ep. 167 | Night Hunting Coyotes – Guns, Gear, Tactics, and More Jan 25, 2021

Increase your coyote encounters by 10X – Take to the night. Jim and Mark sit down with two-time world coyote calling champion (using his voice) and expert night hunter Matt McHugh to soak up every last ounce of his night hunting expertise. Hunting personally and guiding, Matt spends approximately 150 nights afield each year chasing these crafty critters. To say he speaks from experience is an understatement. We cover calling setups, thermal, night vision, firearms platforms, cartridges, tripod use and more in this night hunting extravaganza. Tune in to up your predator game and put more fur on the ground.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Binocular vs Monocular Rangefinders Jan 19, 2021

What rangefinder is right for you? Rangefinding binocular or monocular style? Do you bowhunt or rifle hunt – or both? How far are you shooting? Paul Neess “The Neess” sits down with Jim and Mark to break down the pros and cons of the different styles of rangfinding optics, in a variety of scenarios, for a variety of hunters. Tune in, identify your primary needs and make the best choice.

Ep. 166 | Rapid Fire Q&A with the Janis Putelis of MeatEater Jan 18, 2021

Jim and Mark get the distinct privilege of having Janis Putelis from MeatEater in the office and take the opportunity to “dive into the mind of a Janis”. We cover blacktail hunting together with Steve on POW, freediving for Sea cucumbers, his hunting origin story (he has two), going from ski instructor to elk guide, behind the scenes MeatEater stuff and more. Habitual handkerchief use, a shared love of the wild turkey, getting surprised by ducks, Janis’s Latvian roots and more - this was a super fun and inciteful conversation with an old friend. Pull up a chair or put your car in drive and join us for the ride.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 165 | Which Tripod is Right for You? Jan 13, 2021

What has three legs, a head, and is arguably one of the most important pieces of equipment you can have on a glass-intensive hunt or at the range? Tripods, of course! Mark and Jimmy hang out with the very tripod-obsessed Ryan Muckenhirn to talk about why these pieces of equipment are so important, how you can choose which type of tripod is best for you, and not only glassing off tripods, but also shooting off them as well! Best of all, we get to talk all about the entirely 100% brand new lineup of tripods in the Vortex line which you won’t want to miss!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 164 | LPVO, Red Dot, or Prism for your AR? Jan 12, 2021

Looking for an optic for your AR? Maybe you already have one set up, but you’re curious about the other options and what makes them so special? Jimmy and Mark sat down with Reuben and Adam, our in-house AR junkies, to talk all about red dots, magnifiers, prism scopes, LPVO’s, offset red dots, etc. What’s so special about each one of these categories? Why would someone want to pick one over the other? Does one option reign supreme as the best overall way to go? Are any of them potentially just outdated at this point?? We also get the chance to talk about some brand new optics in our lineup with the SPARC Solar red dot and the Gen II Spitfire HD prism scopes. Tune in to find out!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 163 | How Rangefinders Really Work Jan 11, 2021

What’s the deal with rangefinders? We did an episode a long while back on some really important tips, tricks and how-to’s when it comes to understanding how they’re used in the field and maximizing their performance (See Ep. 65), but this time we figured it would be best to go even deeper into understanding HOW they actually work. What we all take for granted as an easy “Point and shoot” tool to give us extremely valuable information for our accuracy down range involves some pretty incredible science on the back end. In order to explain it best, we grabbed Nick Vitalbo, who is literally a laser scientist with an impressive background and an equally impressive knowledge of how these things tick. He was a great help in the development of our new Fury HD 5000 AB and now is here to blow your mind with lasers, computers, programming, and so much more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Optic/Ring Height Jan 05, 2021

You’ve got the gun, you’ve got the rifle, now you need to get the best rings to hold them together… But what height? That’s the question we address here in this episode with Reuben Aleckson across the table from Jimmy and Mark. Full disclosure, if you’re looking for a definitive answer for your particular gun and scope combo, this isn’t going to be it, unfortunately. That said, we do go into all the reasons why that is such a difficult goal to achieve and all the aspects of your setup you should consider when making that final decision. Should you be shooting to get the scope as low to the bore as possible? Or perhaps cheek weld is the most important? How about clearing the objective bell or mag ring? All good questions! We hope this podcast can help.

Ep. 162 | The Life of a Special Operations Medic Jan 04, 2021

Jimmy and Ryan Muckenhirn are joined by former special operations medic, James Davenport, and DJ Struntz of North American Rescue to talk all about James’ incredibly interesting life in the armed forces serving as a medic in some of the most hostile environments on the planet. We should note that if anyone out there gets lightheaded from listening to someone talk about traumatic injury and blood, you may not want to listen to this one while operating any heavy machinery! James tells us about why he entered the armed forces, why he chose the path of becoming a special operations medic and gives just a glimpse into the amount of training that was necessary to not only be an extremely effective combat medic, but one that was also a swiss army knife of other skillsets on the battlefield. Finally, we also got the very unique opportunity to listen to his story of not one, but two times encountering improvised explosives in the field, changing his life forever. It truly takes a warrior to have lived through all the experiences James has seen, so when given the opportunity to talk to him all about it, we jumped at the opportunity!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – 6-Mils-To-a-Grand: The 28 Nosler Dec 31, 2020

A cartridge screaming out of the barrel so fast it only takes six Mils of adjustment to get to a grand? That can only mean one thing - we’re talking about the Nosler family of cartridges, and to be even more specific, the 28 Nosler! These cartridges are well known for achieving some impressive velocities and being very flat shooting, but with a guy like Ryan Muckenhirn at the table for the discussion, surely there’s even more to learn about these cool rounds!

#10MinuteTalk – The .257 Roberts: The Classic Quarter-Bore Dec 30, 2020

In a cartridge-era dominated by data tables filled with racy exterior ballistics, is there any room for modesty anymore? The fellas take 10 to pay mind to a fantastic-classic not soon forgotten in hunting camp: The light-recoiling, soft-spoken, and absolutely adequate for North American medium-game .257 Roberts.

#10MinuteTalk – The Incredibly Efficient 6.5 Grendel Dec 29, 2020

The “cutest” cartridge in our holiday series, the 6.5 Grendel, is not to be overlooked because of its size. As our in-house cartridge expert Ryan Muckenhirn discusses with Jimmy and Mark, this little guy is as sweet-shooting as they come with an incredibly efficient design, super light recoil and excellent packaging in an AR platform.

#10MinuteTalk – Evil Roy – Weatherby’s Mighty .300 Dec 28, 2020

After nearly being threatened by one particular listener (You know who you are) for our lack of a 10 Minute Talk around the Weatherby cartridges, Jimmy, Mark and Ryan Muckenhirn finally discuss these unmistakable, round-shouldered magnums, with the 300 Weatherby being our specific focus. We also learn why Ryan calls his 300 Weatherby “Evil Roy”!

#10MinuteTalk – Sharp (Shoulder) Shooting – The .280 Ackley Improved Dec 27, 2020

Jimmy and Mark chat with cartridge man Ryan Muckenhirn about a series of cartridges with one of the most iconic silhouettes - the sharp-shouldered Ackley Improved cartridges. In this case, we speak most specifically to the .280 AI, being one of P.O. Ackley’s earliest mainstream wildcats, and its long journey to becoming an increasingly popular SAAMI spec’d round.

#10MinuteTalk – O’Connor’s Special – The .270 Winchester Dec 26, 2020

By overwhelming demand, we bring you a 10 Minute Talk on the ol’ standby – the .270 Winchester… How have we not done this one yet?? Jimmy and Mark chat with Mr. Ryan Muckenhirn all about what is certainly one of America’s most classic deer cartridges. We address not only where it came from and what made it so special to begin with, but also what it’s future might be as the round seems to be gaining in popularity with the long range community with the development of some new, high-stepping projectiles and loadings!

#10MinuteTalk - The “why” behind extreme distance rangefinders Dec 22, 2020

Why the hell would a person need to range 5000 yards or beyond anyway?...We’ll tell ya. Jimmy and Mark sit down with Paul Neess (AKA “The Neess”) and Ryan Muckenhirn to dissect this interesting question. In some ways the extreme ranging horsepower of an optic like our Fury HD 5000 is akin to when we practice shooting at long range – the fact the unit can hit 5000 well, makes closer work like 2500 yards a chip shot in regard to speed, pinpoint-precision and distance reading accuracy. A person can also route plan, estimate time of travel to get to a specific point and surprise themselves with how close or far a target/object really is. Things can get deceiving out there in regard to distance perception and a good rangefinder can give you the answers you need. Lest we forget, responsibly shooting targets at extreme long rage is damn fun and knowing the range is pivotal. All this, and as per usual, Paul says some other smart stuff…So Neess!

Ep. 161 | Cold Weather Clothing and Shelter Dec 21, 2020

Jimmy and Mark are joined by Ryan Muckenhirn to discuss staying warm in the dead of the late season winter hunts. We discuss everything from clothing to shelter, understanding of course that everyone has their own personal preference for how they like to stay warm, but it never hurts to get a few new ideas now and then. Mark obviously brings up the incredible merits of the puffy jacket (Which we all agree on here), Ryan discusses his extremely well-thought-out cold weather shelter setup, and we toss out a few other tips and tricks based on personal experience for not freezing your you-know-what’s off out there!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Introducing the 6.5 BC – a Wildcat Special: The 6.5 BC takes its first wild game! Dec 16, 2020

Incredibly, the crew has developed a load that not only functions but does so well enough to be worthy of taking on an antelope hunt in Wyoming. In true dirtbag fashion, Mark, Jimmy and our video man Cooper loaded up the Subaru for a turn and burn trip to a unit with limited public land in hopes to shoot at least one doe antelope each. As the title implies, the cartridge worked as intended, but to hear just how it all went down you’ll have to tune in! What do you guys want to see in the future with the 6.5 BC? How about other calibers? We’re hoping to continue to tune it for accuracy and really get it coming out like the rocket we think it can be in the future!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Introducing the 6.5 BC – a Wildcat Special: Loading, Testing and not Blowing Up Dec 15, 2020

In our last episode, Ryan Muckenhirn walked us through the process of getting into wildcatting your own cartridge and also unveiled our concept for the 6.5 BC. This is all fine and dandy on paper, but when the powder starts pouring, how are we going to go about making sure we loading something that works, is remotely effective, and, perhaps most importantly, safe!? In typical Vortex Nation Podcast form, we’re going into this with a good idea, but not a ton of experience, to give you a relatable look at how some regular enthusiasts might go about the process. Ryan tells us how he arrived at the baseline powder charge and seating depth we’ll be starting with, What our testing regimen for developing an initial load will look like, and of course, how we’ll avoid blowing ourselves up… In theory…

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Introducing the 6.5 BC – a Wildcat Special: How to Start Wildcatting Dec 14, 2020

Remember that time after our first podventure when Jimmy and Mark said they’d never reload again? Well, technically we’re not reloading just yet… We’re wildcatting! Wildcatting is essentially the process of throwing caution to the wind, along with all other familiar territory and off-the-shelf parts for loading your own ammunition and attempting to develop your own cartridge. Of course, Mark and Jimmy aren’t going to do this by themselves, so they’ve enlisted our local cartridge expert, Ryan Muckenhirn, to basically do all the work of making a kick butt cartridge. In this episode, we go through what wildcatting is, why you might want to do it, and how one would even go about beginning such a process. We also unveil our concept for the “6.5 BC” (And you know what “B.C.” stands for!)

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Do Monoculars Need More Love? Dec 08, 2020

You don’t need to be a cyclops to enjoy all the benefits a Monocular offers. We grab resident optics expert and coinsure Michael McDowell to break down these handy optics and all the great performance they offer. Light, fast, and mechanically simple, monoculars are easy to carry and always at the ready when you need them!

Ep. 160 | Think Wilder with Your Wild Game Cooking Dec 07, 2020

Jeremiah Doughty from @fromfieldtoplate joins Jimmy and Sawyer (Mark was out on a Blacktail hunt) to talk all things wild game cooking. Jeremiah himself is a self-proclaimed wild game chef and spends his time traveling the world hunting and preparing amazing meals with the meat he harvests. While we can all agree that pretty much anything wild game is going to taste great, you may be feeling stuck in a rut with steaks and jerky time after time following the hunting season and want to venture out into some more culinary masterpieces. Jeremiah not only has the ideas and recipes to get you going, but also the motivation you need to get a little wilder in the kitchen. We also talk great stories from Jeremiah’s experience of hunter recruitment and winning over minds through people’s taste buds and some fun cooking – even a Panda-Express-orange-chicken-inspired pheasant recipe!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 159 | Safari Club International – More than meets the SC I Dec 03, 2020

What’s in a name? We’ll, lots of things – and possibly even some misconceptions. Safari Club International (SCI) has been fighting for hunters, rights, traditions, culture, and essentially our way of life for years. They are all about domestic and international hunting, but make no mistake, it isn’t all lions and zebras. Tune in to this super interesting conversation with Ben Cassidy from SCI as we chat about, what SCI is doing for you, how they are doing it and some serious battles they are fighting right now. Bear hunting, Tahr hunting in New Zealand, and simply hunting on Sunday in some states - which if you do the math is 50% of your weekend - are just a few things they are taking head-on. Even if a threat isn’t in your back yard, it’s important we support our fellow hunters and organizations like SCI. Together we are strong – and eventually it might be you and your traditions that need a helping hand.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – When to Swap Your Spotting Scope Eyepiece Dec 01, 2020

Reuben Aleckson joins Jimmy and Mark to talk about spotting scope eyepieces and when it might make sense to swap your included variable zoom eyepiece for a long eye relief, wide angle, and/or reticle eyepiece. The ability with certain spotting scopes to change the eyepiece allows for the opportunity to specialize your optic to specific applications, making it much more effective for searching, spotting, calling shots or seeing more clearly at different times of day or different distances. We hope to do a more in-depth episode in the future more specifically on spotting scopes as a whole and how they work – if you have any ideas before we record that episode for what you’d like to hear – hit us up in the comments!

Ep. 158 | Land Navigation with Greg McHale Nov 30, 2020

Map and compass: Archaic tools of hunters past or essential kit for anyone navigating the wilderness. We sit down with Greg McHale (Greg McHale’s Wild Yukon TV) to discuss traditional land navigation, all it’s advantages, and get lost in conversation. Bad pun intended. Tune in or get lost. Bad pun number two! Promise no more, but give this one a listen.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 8mm-06 By Our Own Demand! Nov 24, 2020

Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss a cartridge that came up in one of our many “Podcasts after the podcast” conversations, the 8mm-06. While the cartridge itself is intriguing, it’s the history behind why it was made and the people who requested its creation that is so awesome. We’d love to know if any of you out there are using or loading for the 8mm-06. If so – let us know in the comments on YouTube or on Instagram!

Ep. 157 | How Cold Weather Affects Your Hunting/Shooting Equipment Nov 23, 2020

As the temperatures drop, there’s no mistaking the fact that we feel colder and time spent in the woods or on the mountain gets a bit more uncomfortable. Sure, the right gear and a healthy dose of mental toughness can simply get you through the cold temps, but how about your gear? What affects does the cold weather have on your optics, electronics, firearm, bullet, etc? Also, even if you “Feel” fine, what sorts of things can be happening to your body in extreme cold that you should be aware of? Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss all these things and more!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 156 | The 7.62x54R and Mosins – Listener Special Nov 19, 2020

One of our long-time listeners and fellow gun enthusiast, William Elliot, joined us for an episode talking all about the 7.62x54R cartridge and the most famous gun in history to shoot the cartridge, The Mosin Nagant. He even brought some of his own for show and tell! Ryan Muckenhirn was also in attendance to drop his historical knowledge on the platforms and the cartridge. We discuss how Mosin’s went from dirt cheap to expensive in relatively short order, how accurate they really can be, the many merits of the 7.62x54R and the differences between the various rifles that shot the round. William’s collection on the table included a classic 91/30, an M44 carbine with folding stock, and a totally legit sniper model.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Packing Your Pack…The Right Way! Nov 17, 2020

Do you suffer from sloppy pack syndrome? Maybe you don’t even know you have it? There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to properly packing your backpack for a hunt – on the way in with gear and on the way out when you’re hopefully loaded down heavy with meat! There’s an order of operations, spots weight carries best, tricks for utilizing straps and more. We sit down with Joey Pyburn, Outdoor Line Radio Host and frequent packer-outer of big game, as he details the tricks of the trade.

Ep. 155 | Terminal Ballistics 101 Nov 16, 2020

Terminal ballistics, how your bullet performs once it hits a game animal. We talk a lot about velocity, BC’s, etc., but if your bullet doesn’t work how you want it to upon impact, well, F. Mark and Jim connect up with Jason Nash from Federal ammunition to get the rundown on this more than interesting topic. Bonded bullets, polymer tips, bullets that retain weight, bullets that “dump energy” - We cover a lot of ground and ultimately feel like there may be more meat on the bone with this one, so stay tuned for a part two.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Sam Soholt, Stamp it Forward, Duck Stamps and Conservation Nov 10, 2020

We sit down with Sam Soholt to chat through his super unique and impactful “Stamp it Forward” program and all the cool stuff 98% of every duck stamp purchase has done for wild things in wild places. The Federal Duck Stamp - It isn’t just another license. It’s a conservation win for the ages! And one thing is certain, it gets our “Stamp of Approval”.

Ep. 154 | Light Transmission – Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Nov 09, 2020

Jimmy and Mark are once again joined by one of the optical engineers here on the team at Vortex, Christian Benson. Christian schools us on all the questions we could muster around the topic of “Light Transmission” in the optics we use. What is “Light transmission”, how is it measured, what makes an optic better/worse in low light scenarios and all the common misconceptions about light transmission. He also walks us through an optical glass chart and discusses lens design, coatings, size and how all these things play into the systems he and his team engineer. Light is the reason all of our optics work in the first place and it’s a fascinating thing that, as usual, blows our minds every time we talk about it!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Jack Rabbit Stew Nov 03, 2020

Jimmy and Mark try a recipe from Hank Shaw with some surprise frozen jack rabbit found at the back of the podcast room freezer. Why do Jack rabbits seem to get a bad rap for their flavor? Can a bold tasting stew like this one make it better, or did we get ourselves into a pickle by using a half-broken ninja cooker to whip it up? Have you guys tried Jack Rabbit before? If so, how did you do it and how did it turn out?

Ep. 153 | Unorthodox Rut Tactics w/ Zach Ferenbaugh of THP Nov 02, 2020

Zach Ferenbaugh of The Hunting Public joins Jimmy, Mark and Erik to discuss “Unorthodox rut tactics” in what couldn’t be a timelier podcast for deer season! As many who follow the THP crew know, they're a huge proponent of hunting from the ground and can often be seen making moves that break the traditional “Rule book” of whitetail hunting. Zach shares why you should never sit idle and wait for a “locked down” buck to come to you (since it probably won’t), why making noise while hunting might not be the worst thing in the world, and also why bumping deer isn’t the end of the world – it didn’t disappear from the earth, go over and shoot it!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 152 | Turning Your Passion Into Your Career – Mark Kenyon from Wired to Hunt Oct 29, 2020

Mark Kenyon of Wired to Hunt joins Jimmy and Mark remotely from camp to discuss the history behind starting Wired to hunt, what led him to want to quit his “Regular” job and make podcasting and journaling a full-time gig, and why he loves hunting whitetails so much. Wired to Hunt is undoubtedly one of the longest standing and most popular hunting podcasts in the industry and the fact that it was started by a regular guy with a passion for the outdoors and a hard work ethic makes for an even more incredible and oddly relatable story!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Offhand Shooting Tips & Tricks Oct 27, 2020

Offhand shooting in and of itself is skill completely unique and different from shooting with any form of rest. It adds in so many more variables to the equation and we immediately see how unsteady we can be when trying to maintain pin-point accuracy with only our bodies holding the weight of the rifle in front of us. The gun begins to get heavy and our muscles begin to shake, the motion created by our breathing begins to affect point-of-aim and even our heartbeats can be a factor! Ryan Muckenhirn and Erik Barber join Jimmy and Mark to discuss offhand shooting and some of the best tips and tricks they’ve learned over the years to get achieve better accuracy and likeliness of hitting the intended target. This could come in handy for those of us about ready to take to the field for gun deer season!

Ep. 151 | Identical Draw – The New Hunter Project and killer content! Oct 26, 2020

Cool content and taking hunter recruitment by the horns – We sit down with Tom and Nathan Crick of Identical Draw to chat about their revolutionary “New Hunter Project”, where they have dedicated their season to taking folks from 0-to-60 on the bowhunting scale. Multiple states, multiple species, and multiple sets of hunters they’ve never met before will make this a season for the books – and quite possibly transform the lives of all involved in a positive and meaningful way. There is always a lot of talk when it comes to hunter recruitment, but often, that is where it ends. These guys are doing something about that. And oh yeah, if you are into really cool hunting videos, podcasts, etc., check out their YouTube channel and more!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Real Life Defensive Training – Home Defense Oct 22, 2020

Adrian and Pete from Vortex EDGE join Jimmy and Mark after a full day of training home defense scenarios in the indoor shoot house at our facility. In this episode, we discuss mentally preparing for a home defense situation and the many different ways it can present itself. The Vortex EDGE crew explains why “Clearing your own house” is a bad idea, but rather, how you should actually consider movement through your home and prioritizing what’s most important at that given time to develop your strategy for keeping you and your family safe. We also dive into the legal aspects of home defense and the surprisingly reality that someone simply being in your home at night uninvited is almost certainly not enough reason to use deadly force against them. Other topics include; what should you keep by your nightstand for home defense, overpenetration, and how to manage a household with numerous family members in different rooms. If you’d like to learn more and find some great classes to better your own skills in person with professional instructors like Pete and Adrian, stay tuned for more info on Vortex EDGE coming soon! In the meantime, be smart, train as often as you can and stay safe, Vortex Nation!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Real Life Defensive Training – The Body Oct 21, 2020

Kyle McNally, First time podcast guest and our instructor for practical martial arts for the day, joins Jimmy and Mark following a morning of learning the fundamentals of real world self-defense without a firearm. In this episode, we discuss the profound importance of understanding how to defend one’s self without relying on the deadly force of a firearm using basic and intuitive movements from martial arts, wrestling and other hand-to-hand combative disciplines. Kyle explains how the non-deadly-force situation is far more likely for one to find themselves in than a deadly force situation and how understanding these fundamentals can help one keep calm, stay safe, avoid deadly injury to either party, and avoid a legal nightmare after the fact. If you’d like to learn more and find some great classes to better your own skills in person with professional instructors like Kyle, we’ll be bringing in guest instructors like this to Vortex EDGE in the future, so keep your eyes peeled! Also stay tuned for the next episode from this podventure where we dive into the hot topic of home defense specifically. In the meantime, be smart, train as often as you can and stay safe, Vortex Nation!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Real Life Defensive Training - The Fighting Carbine Oct 20, 2020

Pete and Justin of Vortex EDGE join Jimmy and Mark following a full day of working the fundamentals of marksmanship with the fighting carbine (AR-15’s in this case). In this episode we discuss the importance of the carbine and training with it to ensure one’s ability to maximize the capability of the platform. We go over good drills anyone can do at their range to increase their skill and be much more efficient with ammo rather than simply dumping rounds down range without much purpose. Also tune in for common misconceptions around the AR-15, why shooting with a shot timer is great practice for high stress situations and why you should push beyond your comfort level to get better. If you’d like to learn more and find some great classes to better your own skills in person with professional instructors like Pete and Justin, stay tuned for more info on Vortex EDGE coming soon! Also stay tuned for the next episode from this podventure where we dive into the art of self-defense without firearms with some practical martial arts. In the meantime, be smart, train as often as you can and stay safe, Vortex Nation!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Real Life Defensive Training - The Pistol Oct 19, 2020

Pete and Adrian of Vortex EDGE join Jimmy and Mark following a full day of working the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship as well as a classroom session around the physical, mental and legal sides of concealed carry and deadly force. The pistol is perhaps the most common firearm for people to gravitate towards first when considering a gun for self-defense, and for many good reasons. The Vortex EDGE crew goes into the importance of understanding not only how to handle and shoot a pistol, but also how to improve your skills and improve your mind to achieve a better state of readiness for real world encounters. If you’d like to learn more and find some great classes to better your own skills in person with professional instructors like Pete and Adrian, stay tuned for more info on Vortex EDGE coming soon! Also stay tuned for the next episode from this podventure where we dive into the fighting carbine. In the meantime, be smart, train as often as you can and stay safe, Vortex Nation!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Barrel Twist Rates Oct 13, 2020

One of those very important variables in shooting performance and accuracy that so many of us take for granted or never think to check – the twist rate of the barrel in our rifle. What is the twist rate, why is it so important to consider, how do different twist rates affect our projectiles and how can you figure out which twist rate is best for your application? Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to drop some knowledge on the subject!

Ep. 150 | Meat Care After the Shot w/ Ryan Lampers Oct 12, 2020

Bang!!! Flop!....Now what??? Mark and Jimmy sit down with Ryan Lampers (Hunt Harvest Health) to chat through meat care techniques and tricks after the shot - to ensure big game you take makes it to your table as the absolute best product possible. We cover warm-weather hunts, keeping meet cool, gutting Vs. the gutless method, how to take the heart liver and rib meat if you do the gutless method, shot placement, blood-shod meat, contaminants and how to deal with them, intentional all-night pack-outs, loading your pack with meat/gear, meat shelves Vs. putting it in your pack, ageing meat, quarters Vs. boning, keeping your pack clean, kill kit items and more. Life-long hunter, or just getting started, this is a good one to pick up some great tips on getting any four-legged critter out of the field for optimum yield!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – The Ol’ 30-30 Oct 06, 2020

No series of 10-ish minute talks all about cartridges is complete without one dedicated to the ol’ reliable 30-30. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss one of the most popular American cartridges of all time that’s still slaying deer to this day. The history, the performance, and the nostalga! Everyone seems to have a story about a 30-30 at some point in their lives, what’s yours? We’d love to hear about it in the comments on Instagram or YouTube!

Ep. 149 | Social Media Giants and Guns – An Inside Look Oct 05, 2020

Jimmy, Mark, and Erik sit down with Chuck Rossi, avid firearms enthusiast and former Facebook employee where he worked as an engineer behind the scenes and the “subject matter expert” on all things gun related in the company. There seems to be a million and one theories as to why social giants like this have tended to be so stringent upon the gun and hunting industry. Listening to Chuck, some of the reasons likely won’t shock you, but others may be a bit more surprising in terms of the fact that there are many misunderstandings and fundamental lack of education within organizations and groups of individuals. We learn a bit more about “safety regulated goods” on platforms like Facebook and the blocking of buy/sell/trade of firearms and related parts on their site. Certainly a sore subject for many of us in this industry, but luckily Chuck throws out some really great insight into how gun pages on these platforms can promote themselves responsibly, within the rules, and set themselves up to get the best organic reach possible – even if they can’t run ads or directly sell on their page. So, if you like guns and hunting and find yourself on social media frequently, whether it’s for business and leisure, you should definitely tune in to this one!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Angle Compensation: To Use or Not to Use? Sep 29, 2020

Lots of rangefinders have “Angle Compensation” built in, and if you’ve got a Vortex Rangefinder, regardless of the model, this is certainly the case. (We happen to call it “Horizontal Component Distance” or “HCD” mode) But why is angle compensation so important? When should you be concerned about the true horizontal distance between you and a target and when is it actually more beneficial to just get the straight-line distance between your rangefinder and the target you’re ranging? Believe it or not, which you decide to use can determine whether you hit or miss your target in certain situations!

Ep. 148 | SOLO HNTR Tim Burnett Sep 28, 2020

Combining solo hunting with solo filming takes a high level of talent, persistence, patience, creativity, and straight-up grit – Tim Burnett, Producer and Host of SOLO HNTR TV has these qualities in spades. He won’t tell you that about himself though, so we will. Jim and Mark sit down with Tim to chat solo hunting, solo filming, the Vortex Selects series he put together for the Vortex YouTube page, letting our kids figure out things on their own, getting over being alone on a multi-day hunt, paying attention to your surroundings, using all your senses, being ok with screwing up, and more. Listen in for a cool, real conversation with one of our favorite dudes!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 147 | Modern Mapping and Land Nav with OnX Maps Sep 24, 2020

From large tracts, to tiny parcels with unique and difficult access, public land open to all of us dots our landscape like a Jackson Pollock painting, but it’s not always obvious where the different boundaries lye – or that they even exist. Jimmy, Mark and Erik sit down with Dylan Dowson and Jared Larsen from OnX Maps to chat modern mapping and land navigation. Scouting public and private land, using private landowner information for access and always having a GPS on you has never been easier or more effective. We cover couch-scouting, remote hunt planning, dropping icon-specific pins, pin organization, tracking your route in an out of an area, estimating distance, historical burn layers, historical timber harvest layers, landowner information, and even get a sneak-peek into some new game-changing features that make this a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their outdoor game.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - .338 Lapua by Popular Request Sep 22, 2020

You asked and we listened! Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss the almighty .338 Lapua. What is it, where did it come from, what makes it so special, and how has it developed a nearly made-of-unicorn-dust status in shooter’s eyes? On top of that, we touch briefly on the .338 Norma Mag and how the 6.5 creed has very likely been the reason we see fewer commercial .338 Lapua offerings on the market today?!

Ep. 146 | Waterfowl Hunting with Midwest Flyways Sep 21, 2020

In this installment of the Vortex Nation Podcast, we cup up and set down with the fellas from Midwest Flyways, diving into navigating waterfowl hunting on public land – with a few sweet private-land tips thrown in. Pretty sure we limited on puns in our first sentence – oh, that’s another one. We cover finding places to hunt, scouting waterfowl, and some solid techniques to get these flat-billed birds to land in your lap. Waterfowl behavior, puddle ducks, diver ducks, geese, field hunting, water hunting, food sources, traffic hunting and more. Listen in to give yourself the upper hand and bring some of these addictingly fun to hunt and super delicious birds to bag.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Homemade vs Pro-Made: What Happened?! (We shoot PRS-style stages!) Sep 16, 2020

Jimmy and Mark are at the range following a number of PRS-style stages put together by Nick Laufenberg to challenge them and their fancy new custom rifles. We take the time afterwards to review our rifles, their components, their accuracy and all the many things we learned as shooters behind the firearms now that we’ve really had the chance to try it all out in a fairly real-world, practical-use scenario. From shooting off barricades to learning how to diagnose wind corrections while racing between targets and shooting on the clock, these are shooting skills that we feel can help create better shooters across a wide variety of shooting situations and applications. And of course, you’re all probably wondering who won, too, and we will get into that as well!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Homemade vs Pro-Made: DIY or Don’t? Sep 15, 2020

Mark, Jimmy and Nick Laufenberg sit down to discuss Jimmy’s “Entry-level-ish” rifle that he and nick put together here at the shop with a few simple tools, a vise and some trial and error. And no - no engineers were used in the making of this rifle, so you, too, should be able to do it! We go further in-depth on trigger selection and adjustment, lessons learned after our first build, whether or not this actually is the cheapest route in the long run, and the better perceived multi-use factor of this rifle over Mark’s (Yes, of course we get on the subject of “Just hunting”). Following this episode, Mark and Jimmy prepare to take their guns out to the range to shoot through their first “PRS-type” stages both as shooters and for their firearms. Stay tuned to see how they shot!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Homemade vs Pro-Made: Pro Gunsmithing – What You’re really Paying for Sep 14, 2020

Step into the mind of a professional gunsmith who builds precision long range rifles for a living. Isaiah Curtis of Curtis Custom Weapons joins Jimmy, Mark and Nick Laufenberg at his shop in North-central Missouri immediately after building and testing Mark’s ultra-high-end rifle. We get the chance to pick his brain about everything that actually goes into building the gun itself and how to make it as inherently accurate as possible. Cutting the barrel, head spacing, tolerances, and the balance struck between perfect ammo and a perfect rifle. Since we’re comparing Mark’s ultimate gunsmith-built custom rifle to Jimmy’s DIY-assembled Remage rifle (More on that later), we also discuss whether or not the “Entry level” option is actually the best for a brand-new shooter. In our next episode of this podventure, we go even more in-depth on Jimmy’s “Entry-level” custom precision rifle. Stay tuned!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Optic Loadout for Whitetail Hunting Sep 08, 2020

Jimmy and Mark settle in for 10-ish minutes to discuss their top recommendations for optics in the Vortex lineup for the typical midwestern whitetail hunter. Everything from the riflescope choice to binos, rangefinder and… a spotting scope? Who’da thunk! If you’re busy trying to throw together your whitetail gear before fall really hits this year, give this one a listen for starters.

Ep. 145 | Pure Hunting TV with Willi Schmidt Sep 07, 2020

Like hunting itself, producing a hunting television show is full of excitement, passion, ups, downs, the unexpected and everything between. Jim and Mark sit down with Willi Schmidt - host of Pure Hunting TV - to chat about how he got into outdoor TV, what he loves about it, challenges and more. Willi’s show takes viewers on adventures from birds to bucks with family and friends. Check it out on the Sportsman’s Channel – but get the inside scoop right here on the Vortex Nation Podcast.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 144 | Mississippi Mike: Catfish – Everything you ever wanted to know Sep 01, 2020

When it comes to catfish, Mike Valley of Valley Fish and Cheese in Prairie Du Chen, WI. is your guy. Mike has caught millions of pounds of catfish, and still adds to his total commercially for his business, as well as for sport in his spare time (Spare time we still don’t understand how he finds…) Mike schools Jimmy and Mark in the types of catfish, how to catch them, where to catch them, how to process them for a perfectly tasty bite every single time, and how to cook them to perfection. The part we love about Mike is that he genuinely wants to share his love of catfish with everyone he can, so no detail is left unsaid!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 143 | Mississippi Mike: Cats, Clams and Commercial Fishing Aug 31, 2020

Mike Valley, owner and operator of Valley Fish and Cheese in Prairie Du Chen, WI, took Mark and Jimmy under his wing for a peek into the life and history of a commercial fisherman on the Mississippi River. Our initial plan was to discuss mostly just fishing for catfish with Mike, as that seems to be his true passion and specialty, but through time spent on the river and hours processing fish by hand, we heard enough stories about growing up on the river in a commercial fishing family we knew it had to be its own episode. Mike discusses the rise and fall of commercial fishing on the river, clamming for the button and imitation pearl industry, and why fish like sheep head and red horse sucker which most people see as “Trash fish” can be some of the most delicious treats you’ve ever tried. He even goes into a near-death experience he once had 40 feet under the water’s surface that will surely make any claustrophobic listeners out there cringe!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bolt Action Grip Styles Aug 25, 2020

Jimmy, Mark and Nick Laufenberg discuss their theories and experiences between all the many different grip angles/styles on various bolt action rifles. From lightweight and handy hunting rifles with elegant swept-back grip profiles to heavier profile competition long range guns with completely vertical grip angles. Which one is right for which application and why? As usual, we’d love to hear your input on this matter! What’s your favorite stock and grip profile and why?

Ep. 142 | Call in the Dogs – The Art of Recovering Wounded Game Aug 24, 2020

It’s every hunter’s nightmare – a shot that results in a mortally wounded animal that leaves minimal evidence for recovery. You’ll need a little help to remedy this unfortunate reality that you’ll inevitably encounter at some point, and that’s when you need to call in the dogs. To be more specific, game recovery dogs that specialize in tracking and finding wounded game, even when the trail goes dry. Listen up and make sure you add a dog handler and his four-legged friend to your contact list before opening day.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 141 | America's Cartridge - What is it? Aug 20, 2020

You’ve heard it before – “America’s team”, “America’s truck”, “America’s Dairyland” (It’s still Wisconsin no matter what the people from Cali tell you), but how about America’s cartridge? Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to each discuss their opinion of what America’s cartridge is and why. Judging by our past cartridge podcasts, we know there’s bound to be plenty of differing opinions on this one, so we’d love to hear yours in the comments on youtube or on our Instagram page – go let us know your thoughts and whether you agree with any of the three on this episode, or have a completely different cartridge you think should have been mentioned!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Gun Stuff Video Games got Wrong Aug 18, 2020

As far as pure entertainment goes, there ain’t nothin’ wrong with gun-based video games – we’ve all played them and enjoyed them despite knowing they get many of the real life details a bit wrong at times. That said, for so many new shooters these days, their only knowledge/experience with guns and shooting is through these games. So, what are some of the things our crew here has found to be a few of the biggest considerations a video game player should know before getting into real life guns? Tune in to find out!

Ep. 140 | Jerry bein’ Jerry (Miculek) Aug 17, 2020

The last time we had Jerry Miculek on to tell us all about shooting fast, he graced all of our ears with a whole bunch of other amazing stories from his shooting past. This time, we got Jerry on again with Jimmy and Mark solely with the intention of picking his brain for stories, history and experiences once more. Interestingly enough, we learned more about the guy who sold body armor by shooting himself more than 200 times, how to weld a Ford Bronco back together with coat hanger wire, how to build a homemade bullet trap for less than $2.00, why airboats are so fun, and so much more we can’t even list it all – you’re just gonna have to tune in to find out!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The Mysterious H&K G11 Aug 11, 2020

Jimmy and Mark hang out with Ryan M to discuss the ever-mysterious H&K G11. Certainly many of us have seen this fascinating firearm in pictures or videos, but so few have actually gotten to see, hold or shoot one in person. The ammunition, function and form of the rifle altogether is extraordinarily unique. Ryan has done some extensive fan-boy research on the firearm along with some speculation about how it works and why it never really caught on to become mainstream. Full disclaimer – this is just some gun enthusiasts spit balling about a gun they’ve never seen before. We don’t claim to have all the answers, but it still brought about some interesting conversation. There’s also an offer of $60 on the table now, apparently, for any listener that has one and would like to bring it in for us to check out!

Ep. 139 | How to Build Your own Gun Shooting Range Aug 10, 2020

Our friend Josh Froelich just recently finished (or at least reached a point of temporary satisfaction with) a new gun range on his home property in Minnesota – That’s right, a range with a 550-yard shooting lane and a large shooting bay with nearly 20-foot-high berms… In his back yard! And he did the majority of it “DIY”! This was a project for Josh that was many years in the making and after many years of saving up to get the property of his dreams. In this podcast, Josh, our very own Reuben Aleckson, Jimmy and Mark go fully in-depth on how Josh found this dream property, dealing with neighbors and local authorities, range construction, supplies, safety, a few goof-ups, dual-purpose use for hunting, and way more. If you’ve ever thought about having your own shooting range, even if it’s not quite to the scale of Josh’s, this is a must-listen. If you’ve done your own range already, we’d love to see it! Tell us about it or send us pics on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast because we’d love to see what other people are doing out there.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 138 | Riflescope Diopters – Everything you ever wanted to know Aug 06, 2020

Christian Benson, first time guest of the podcast and also one of the optical engineers on the team here at Vortex, joins Jimmy and Mark to talk all about diopters. This was originally set to be a simple 10 Minute Talk about how diopters work, but a quick call down to the engineering team for their approval, followed by a very complicated explanation over the phone about how diopters actually work, made us realize it requires a full length episode for sure. So, what is the diopter on your riflescope, how does it work, how do you set it properly, how is it tied in with your parallax, what’s the difference in how it works with LPVO’s vs high power scopes and way, way more! The optical engineers are fun guys to talk to for sure and we hope you enjoy this one. Want to hear more from the optical engineers? Hit us up in the comments!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – “Bipod Bounce” and its Effect on Accuracy Aug 04, 2020

Reuben Aleckson joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss “bipod bounce” and its effect on accuracy. What even is “bipod bounce” in the first place? Aren’t bipods supposed to help us when it comes to accuracy? Have you ever found yourself shooting off a hard bench or slab of concrete with a bipod and for some reason your groups aren’t what you feel you and the gun are normally capable of? If so, you’ve experienced this phenomenon – here’s why!

Ep. 137 | Glassing 101 – More than Meets the Eye Aug 03, 2020

“Glassing” is a term tossed out there by so many hunters, it almost might trick you into thinking it’s a simple concept, but there’s really so much that goes into every facet of spotting game. What techniques and specific strategies are involved? How about the gear selection behind setting up the best glassing suite of optics and related accessories? Scanning, using a grid system, where to look, which magnification to use, when to bust out the spotter vs the binoculars, etc. Ryan, Mark and Jimmy discuss these topics at length, and admittedly, there’s still much more we could cover in the future. Let us know what you’d like to hear for future glassing conversations!

Check out "10 Tip to Up Your Glassing Game": https://vortexoptics.com/blog/10-tips-to-up-your-glassing-game.html

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – All Things Parallax Jul 28, 2020

We’ve mentioned it in countless episodes prior to this one, but have yet to do a dedicated episode to the optical phenomena that is “parallax”. What is it and how does it affect us when we shoot? Some riflescopes have a “parallax dial” – what does that do? How about red dots and holographic sights that claim to be “parallax free”? When does it really matter and when does it not? We try and cram in all those questions and answers into this quick episode!

Ep. 136 | Alaska archery brown bear hunting with Justin Olk Jul 27, 2020

Justin Olk, of Game of Inches TV, joins Jimmy and Mark following a “Vortex Selects” video special around SE Alaska archery brown bear hunting. Why even try to go after a brown bear with a bow? Isn’t that dangerous? How many bears do you see in a place like that and what tactics are you employing to get in close enough for the take? How about the logistics of even getting there? If these questions are popping into your head right now, tune in and find out here because we addressed these very topics!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – 7mm-08 By Popular Demand Jul 21, 2020

You asked for it and here it is! Jimmy and Mark hang out with Ryan Muckenhirn for a good 10…ish… minutes to talk about the venerable 7mm-08 cartridge. What it is, where it came from, why it exists and what’s the deal with 7mm and why does it so often seem to be looked over? Check it out and as usual, let us know what other cartridges you want to hear about.

Ep. 135 | The Life of a Sniper Jul 20, 2020

If you’re listening to this podcast, chances are you’ve dreamed at some point in your life of being a sniper. The stories we hear, the movies we watch, and the images depicted always seem to show a lone ranger with the uncanny ability to sneak in behind enemy lines undetected, frequently engaging targets with incredible precision at extremely long ranges. Is that really what it’s all about? Tony Palzkill is not only one of the team members of a group within Vortex we can’t talk much about, but also a well-respected former military sniper of just over two decades. He joined Jimmy and Mark to talk all about the life of a sniper and what it’s really like in reality, which may differ from what you’ve seen in the movies. PLEASE NOTE – Tony was very graciously willing to join us for this podcast – he didn’t have to. Speaking about something like this in a public format is not easy and requires a great deal of censorship on his part while speaking in order to keep any details that should remain confidential from hitting the airwaves. Tony values the safety and confidentiality of his sniper community far more than beating his own chest about his experiences or incredible stories. So, enjoy the details we do get to hear, and use your imagination based on this real life information to try and figure the rest!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 134 | MeatEater’s Ryan Callaghan – Carp to Covid, planning for the Unplanned Jul 16, 2020

In this episode, Ryan Muckenhirn fills in for Jimmy, MC Ryan flawlessly navigates his complex suite of electronics and we sit down with MeatEater’s own Ryan Callaghan to chat through how we as sportsmen can navigate rapidly changing plans, shifting on the fly, silver linings of plans that get flushed down the proverbial toilet, learning new skills, taking advantage of less popular seasons, and few things he’s been up to lately. We also cover the super interesting up-tick in hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation as a whole, how that can impact your plans, as well as Ryan’s new, super-cute and spunky yellow lab he hasn’t named yet. Tune in to this fun and interesting conversation with good reminders that as a sportsperson, there’s’ nearly always something fun to do – it just might not be your plan A.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Custom Turrets Jul 14, 2020

Nick Laufenberg joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss “custom turrets” for your riflescope – What are custom turrets, how do they work, what are their limitations, and should you get some for your riflescope? If not those, what are some other ways to get quick ballistics solutions in the field? All these questions and more get answered right here!

Ep. 133 | Remi Warren and Ryan Lampers - Early Archery Mule Deer Jul 13, 2020

Remi Warren! Ryan Lampers! Early Season Archery Mule Deer! Pretty sure that’s all the description you need to click on this and get to learning. Mark connects with this dream team of Mule Deer hunting and Mule Deer knowledge to pick their brains clean of their lifetime of knowledge on this super cool topic! Mature Mule deer bucks don’t like to make mistakes – but these two gentlemen are masters at exploiting any edge they can get. Where do these deer live? What are they doing? Where are they going once they strip their velvet? All questions that get answered. We cover giving yourself enough time, being patient, wind considerations, stalking tactics, gear details, making your move at the right time, anticipating their next move to make the right move, when to back out, picking your hunt area based on terrain, targeting areas with low deer density, targeting areas with high deer density, finding water what to do if you blow a stalk and more!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - All About Co-Witnessing Jul 07, 2020

We see a lot of misinformation/confusion on the interwebs about co-witnessing red dots and holographic sights with the iron sights on AR’s or pistols. Are you supposed to line up your red dot with your irons? Can you use your irons to sight in your red dot? What’s the point of co-witnessing in the first place and how important is it really? Rob Morell joins Jimmy and Mark in this episode to debunk some myths we’ve seen about this topic!

Ep. 132 | Survival Rifles Jul 06, 2020

It’s about time we talk about survival rifles. What’s the deal with these things? They come in all shapes, sizes and even calibers, but yet never really seem to catch fire. In this episode, Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss a bit of the history of survival rifles, many of the different kinds, what cartridge is the best for survival situations, what optic works best on a survival rifle, what the heck are we even preparing to survive in the first place, and much more!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Brush Busting Cartridges - Fact or Fiction Jun 30, 2020

Quick-handling repeating guns firing big, heavy, slow-moving (comparatively) bullets have garnered a reputation for being “Brush Busters” for as long as we can remember. But why? Do the bullets these cartridges fire really bust through brush accurately, delivering their heavy payload on target no matter what lay before them. Are bucks in heavy cover with a screen of brush covering their vitals truly unsafe from these magic bullets? Is this concept fact or fiction? Should we do some experimenting ourselves? Let us know in the comments!

Ep. 131 | AZ Bear Hunting with Josh Kirchner Jun 29, 2020

Arizona may not be the first state you think of when it comes to fall black bear hunting, but it may be one you want to get on your radar. Mark sits down with Arizona resident and expert hunter Josh Kirchner, to talk about this super cool hunt and all it offers. A beautiful and unique region, over the counter tags, the flexibility to choose your weapon, a season that runs concurrently with several others, and the chance you may come home with some delicious meat – what’s not to like. Josh covers tips, tactics, bear behavior, food sources, and more in this ultra-interesting discussion. And you can start in August - a time when a lot of big game hunters don’t have anything on the docket. Give this one listen and you may just find yourself bearing the heat chasing bears in AZ this fall.

Bio:

Josh Kirchner is an outdoor writer, photographer, and the voice behind the blog Dialed in Hunter. His blog not only documents his own journey, but provides gear reviews, tips/tactics for western hunting, and encourages other hunters to chase and achieve their goals. Josh is a passionate bowhunter that has been hunting with his family since he was a small boy, and for the last 6 years has been eating, sleeping, and breathing the hunting lifestyle. When he is not chasing elk, deer, bear, and javelina through the diverse Arizona terrain, he is spending time with his wife, two herding dogs, and mischievous cat.

Links:

Website - http://dialedinhunter.com/

Book - https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Backpack-Hunter-Beginners-Backcountry/dp/B085KS1PBV/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=TTZQ7C06EI6W&cv_ct_cx=becoming+a+backpack+hunter&dchild=1&keywords=becoming+a+backpack+hunter&pd_rd_i=B085KS1PBV&pd_rd_r=fcd5e8ed-5345-4d7a-8af1-fae50bdfe252&pd_rd_w=mmUAH&pd_rd_wg=8gTXW&pf_rd_p=7f71fdcf-aa37-4d97-b40d-864dcfdc13e5&pf_rd_r=WKNV2RYSAPKESQEQKNHW&psc=1&qid=1591987680&sprefix=becoming+a+back%2Caps%2C196&sr=1-1-beb77b32-1078-477f-b152-b09baa1ee7f7

Social links:

https://www.instagram.com/dialedinhunter

https://www.facebook.com/dialedinhunter

https://www.twitter.com/dialedinhunter

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 130 | Solo Filming Hunts with Remi Warren Jun 25, 2020

Remi Warren joins Mark and Jimmy once again to discuss solo filming hunts. After we talked with Wyatt and Erik about outdoor photography, we got a number of requests suggesting going into detail around filming hunts - and who better to talk to about this topic than a man who has been filming his own hunts for years professionally. Not only has Remi put out some incredible videos shot entirely on his own with multiple cameras he’s hiked back into the wilderness, but he also feels it’s made him a better hunter along the way. He even seems to miss the camera when he goes on hunts without it. Remi goes into what to expect when trying to film your hunt, what gear he always packs, how he’s able to think ahead of where to put a camera and what to focus it on, as well as many frustrating times an entire setup went bust thanks to dead batteries, technical difficulties, or uncooperative wild game!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Two Truths and a Lie – Know Your Hosts (2 Year Podcast!) Jun 23, 2020

We can’t believe it’s been two years of podcasting already! After all this time, it seemed like a good idea to do an episode for you all to get to know our hosts, Jimmy and Mark, a little bit better. This breaks the normal trend of our mostly instructional episodes and focuses solely on having a little fun. Don’t worry – we’ll be back to our regularly scheduled episodes right after this. Here’s to another 2+ years of podcasting!

Ep. 129 | Whitetails on the ground with Jared Scheffler/Whitetail Adrenaline Jun 22, 2020

If you like heart-pounding, edge-of-your seat, ground-based whitetail action like we do – listen to this podcast - then go check out the DVD’s Jared Scheffler/Whitetail Adrenaline has been putting out since 07. Yes I said DVDs’, yes they are still making them and yes you should pick one up and have an old fashioned DVD party with your hunting homeys - complete with snacks and a cold one, or two, or……. we’re not your Mom, do what you want. In this episode, we sit down with Jared to talk about how he left the trees to pursue these cagey for-legged ungulates on his own two feet, the tactics he’s developed over the years, the advantages, stories of the ones that got away, ones that didn’t and a whole lot more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Troubleshooting Your Shooting Equipment Jun 16, 2020

Don’t blame yourself, it could be your equipment. Jimmy, Mark and well, pretty much just our beloved Ryan Muckenhirn, talk you through the things you should check on your rifle and in what order to rule out inconsistencies in accuracy. We also cover how and why issues may manifest so you can spot them easier. We’ve all experienced accuracy ghosts – those things that seem unexplainable. You tear your hair out and burn ammo trying to ferret out the culprit and remedy the problem for days and possibly weeks. Maybe even never. You’re not alone. Listen in to this enlightening podcast and you may just regain some sanity and learn how to get that rifle-rig shooting straight.

Ep. 128 | Do Suppressors Affect Accuracy? Jun 15, 2020

The title says it all – Does putting a suppressor on the end of your rifle make it inherently less accurate? More accurate? No different at all? Reuben and Adam, our in house “Can Bois” for all things NFA, discuss the many variables and details that go into not only how suppressors work in terms of making your shot quieter, but also how they influence the performance of your rifle. Notice we didn’t say “Hurt” the performance of your rifle – You’ll have to listen to figure out that part!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Taping your Muzzle – Should you? Jun 09, 2020

Taping the muzzle of your rifle – common practice for some, extreme uncertainty for others. I mean how could sealing the business--end of your rifle not effect accuracy? It has to right? Or does it? Jimmy, Mark and our beloved Ryan “Mucky” Muckenhirn sit down to discuss this very topic. Listen up, it may just save your hunt!

Ep. 127 | “Why am I missing?” – Troubleshooting Your Misses Jun 08, 2020

I’ve you’ve been shooting for really any amount of time, chances are you’ve found yourself in the incredibly frustrating situation where you just can’t seem to hit a target no matter what you do. We’ve certainly been there, too! It really doesn’t matter whether it’s at 1,000+ yards or 100 yards, there are so many variables that go into every single shot, it can happen on any rifle or at any distance. Scott Parks and Reuben Aleckson join Jimmy and Mark to discuss, from some pro shooter’s perspectives, all the many reasons you may be having those frustrating misses. Spoiler alert – a great deal of it has nothing to do with the equipment, and everything to do with the shooter. Don’t worry, though – if this is your case, it doesn’t make you a bad shooter – it happens to all of us. Just learn from those situations for the future!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - “Over-Torqued Rings” Jun 02, 2020

If you hunt, shoot or compete with an optics-equipped firearm, this could be the most important information you hear or that you can give to your friends to create the most reliable, accurate and repeatable setup possible. “Over-Torqued Rings” is a phrase we’ve mentioned in the past on the podcast and one you may have heard about on the internet from time to time. There’s all kinds of different rings/mounts/specs/ideas/theories out there that can make actually getting the right information on how to properly tighten the rings around your scope tube difficult. While it’s nearly impossible for us to go through every single ring/mount ever created, Jimmy and Mark give a breakdown on the most common ring/mount types we see and not only how to set them up properly, but also why it’s so important that you do. We also talk about scope position in the rings, why the use of thread locker is unnecessary for your ring screws, and a bunch more…

*Please note* - When Jimmy discussed the torque sequence for vertically split rings, the “Top first, then bottom” is the specific sequence we recommend for our older “Pro” or “Viper” series of rings, which are unique in and of themselves being that they’re not like other vertically split rings like those from Warne, American Defense, LaRue, etc. For some of those rings/mounts, we will actually recommend doing the bottoms first, to around 25 inch pounds, and then the tops to our recommended 15-18 inch pounds. Like we said in the podcast – there are so many ring/mount types, it’s always worth it to give us a call when mounting up your scope with a non-Vortex ring/mount to get a second opinion before diving in!

Ep. 126 | Submachine Guns – The Coolest Guns Ever?? Jun 01, 2020

What do you do when the tide of a war has changed and suddenly your complicated, pole-vault-pole-length, bolt action rifles are no longer a viable solution to close quarters combat or outfitting a massive fighting force? Get out your sheet metal, some random parts from the hardware store, a few car mufflers and as many hands as you can get to build stuff and start cranking out some submachine guns. Few other categories of firearms come in so many unique shapes, sizes, and chamberings with such incredible stories behind each of their developments. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss everything from the classic Tommy Gun and some other obscure old SMG’s to the more modern designs made famous by James Bond’s and Call of Duty’s on the big screens. If you’re a firearm enthusiast, this one has your name written all over it!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – The 300 WSM… Finally… May 28, 2020

Much to Mark’s delight, Ryan Muckenhirn joins him and Jimmy to discuss the 300 WSM. (Sorry, Texans – there’s a lot of different pronunciations we throw around of “WSM” in this one). All of Jimmy’s joking to poke fun at Mark aside, the 300 WSM is one impressive cartridge and to quote Ryan himself, could be looked at as “The modern day gentleman’s 30-06”. That’s a big claim to make, but could it be true? We talk all about design, performance, comparisons and limitations (Just to bug Mark) in this quick podcast!

#10MinuteTalk - Horns Vs. Antlers - What’s the Big Diff? May 26, 2020

The 4-legged critters we chase are often adorned with impressive headgear…..Not like those back-in-the day tooth-straightening torture devises. We’re talking regal, powerful, impressive, elegant headgear made of bone or hair. Some fall off annually to grow back bigger and can be picked up like Easter-egg-like forest treasures. Some have annuli, grow bigger every year and stay with the animal until the day it dies. And the case of the North-American Pronghorn – commonly called just antelope – kind of do both of those things, falling somewhere in the middle. Jimmy, Mark and Ryan M. sit down with a stack of euro mounts to chat through the unique characteristics of horns and antlers. No matter which camp they fall in, one thing is certain, they are just plant cool!

Ep. 125 | Get the Lead Out, Keep it in….or a Little Bit of Both. May 25, 2020

Get the lead out, keep it in….or a little bit of both. Lead in ammunition is a hot topic these days. Seems we can all agree we want to maintain the health and integrity of the environment. And we certainly don’t want to compromise our personal health, our family’s health or anybody who consumes wild game we bring to the table using ammunition containing lead. But what are the real risks? What does the research show us, so we can make the most informed and practical decisions. What would be the economic ramifications if non-lead became the requirement for all ammunition. What would be the performance limitations of certain firearms? These are the questions we ask Nephi Cole from the National shooting Sports foundation. He cites several studies as we chat through what can be a complex and at times controversial topic. So many things need to be taken into consideration. The good news is, products exist so we can all make a personal choice as it relates to the matter. So we have that going for us – which is nice. What’s your opinion on the matter? Do you have any research data that may sway a person’s opinion pendulum - listen in and let us know.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – 12.7x99 NATO (50 BMG!) May 19, 2020

If you’re familiar with all four official NATO cartridges, you had to know this one was coming as the grand finale to our NATO cartridges series. The incredible 50 BMG – perhaps sometimes looked at as though made of unicorn horns and leprechaun dust – Ryan Muckenhirn explains the origins of this old beast, what its reasonable capabilities actually are, its many applications, and why you should have a half inch gun in your own safe for when SHTF. You simply can’t miss the one about the biggest of them all.

Ep. 124 | Blood Origins – Braxton McCoy May 18, 2020

In this installment of the Vortex Nation Podcast, we sit down with Robbie Kroger and Braxton McCoy to talk about Braxton’s story and the powerful film Robby put together to help tell it. Serving our country, Braxton suffered extreme injuries and was told he may never walk again. He’s battled demons, worked his ass off to overcome challenges difficult to comprehend and put himself in a place most would think impossible. From breaking horses to guiding hunters, the healing process and the book he wrote “The Glass Factory,” tune in for this inciteful, inspirational, and informational conversation. To watch Robbie’s film, head over to the Vortex YouTube channel. As Robbie says, “Everybody has a story to tell.” This is not only a good story, but an important story. Thank you to Braxton and all our Military Personnel for your service and sacrifice.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 20 MOA Bases May 14, 2020

In this episode, we go over 20 MOA bases (Or really any kind of canted base, for that matter - there are other options besides 20 MOA!) What do they actually do, how do they work, how do they actually affect your scope, why would anyone actually ever need one and what are some times when it could actually be the wrong move for your particular firearm and optic combo. Heck - your gun may already have 20 MOA built into the rail it came with! These types of bases can be a great practical tool when used the right way and in the right context. Check it out and let’s us know whether or not you use a canted base and why!

#10MinuteTalk – 7.62x51 NATO A.K.A “Dad” May 12, 2020

Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss the 7.62x51 NATO, and inevitably, it’s civilian cousin the .308 in this episode from our NATO cartridge series. We talk about what it is, where it came from, what it was used for and out of which firearm platforms along with maybe the idea that there could be some conspiracy theories behind this cartridge? Ryan also compares this cartridge to his Dad, earning it the new nickname in our books as just “Dad”. Listen in to find out why!

Ep. 123 | Mental Fitness and more with Greg McHale May 11, 2020

Fitness and Mental fitness go hand-in-hand. They can build each other up – or tear each other down. In this episode, we dive into a great conversation with our neighbor to the north and first international guest, Greg McHale, getting into the nitty-gritty of those topics, extreme mountain hunting, professional adventure racing, poisonous plants and more. Greg has no quit and it shows in the stories he tells on this podcast, as well as the hunts he and his team document. Check out Greg’s Bio below for brief glimpse into that which is the Greg. Listen to this podcast for the whole thing.

BIO

Greg McHale is the host of Greg McHale's Wild Yukon, a hunting television show airing on the Sportsman Channel and available on YouTube and CarbonTV. Greg's background of mountaineering and adventure racing has helped him craft his hard-charging approach to mountain hunting. Living in the Yukon, Greg hunts Dall's Sheep, goats, moose and bison. Using boots, packrafts, a floatplane and snow and all-terrain machines, Greg pushes off the beaten path in search of adventure and the beauty of the wild. Greg is striving to inspire people to live authentic, challenging and rewarding lives, both inside and outside the world of hunting.

Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/gregmchaleswildyukon/

http://www.youtube.com/c/GregMcHalesWildYukon

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – The Ubiquitous 5.56x45 NATO May 05, 2020

Honestly, who doesn’t have a 5.56 or one of the new and fancy “.223 Wylde’s” in their arsenal? This cartridge has become one of if not the most ubiquitous cartridges in our world and we often take it for granted just being there and being what it is. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to take it back to where it all began, what the cartridge has been intended for in its long use with NATO forces, how many different loads there are, what makes it different from its civilian cousin the .223, and what might be the future of this cartridge? Check it out!

Ep. 122 - Ultralight Rifles May 04, 2020

"Ultralight" is in the title of this one so you already know who our esteemed guest is going to be - Lightweight Dave! Dave joins us to talk about his latest ultralight rifle build that he plans to take to the mountain this fall during the unlimited sheep hunt. Ryan Muckenhirn joins as well as we discuss ways to make a rifle extremely light, tradeoffs one may need to face when going so light (i.e. - Recoil?!) and a bunch of other ultralight-type stuff as well. If you've been looking for ways to cut ounces, and maybe even pounds depending on where you're starting out, from your hunting kit - check this one out!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Suppressed Shotguns! Apr 30, 2020

Perhaps you didn’t even know shotguns could be suppressed, or maybe you did and you’re wondering how it works or what shells can work with the can on the end? Reuben Aleckson and Dan Knuth (New guest) join us to talk about Dan’s Benelli M2 shotgun with a Silencerco Salvo on the end. He shoots with it all the time in almost every application and with a huge variety of ammunition types. Check it out if you’ve been curious as to whether or not you should silence your scatter gun!

#10MinuteTalk – The 9x19 NATO Apr 28, 2020

With all these cartridge-based 10 minute talks, we decided it would be a good idea to talk about some of the more common and often forgotten like the remote you lost in your hand cartridges out there, most of those being NATO cartridges. So, the first in our “NATO Series” is the 9x19 – often just referred to as the 9mm. What is NATO, what’s the origin story of this cartridge, what makes the NATO version different from the regular 9mm ammo you get at the store (If at all?), and how has the 9mm evolved over time to become more effective in comparison to some of the larger calibers out there like .45 acp? You’ll find out right here! Stay tuned for more NATO cartridges in the coming weeks, too. We’re doing all four!

Ep. 121 | All Things Shotgun Chokes Apr 27, 2020

By now it’s no secret we love shotguns around here at Vortex, so we’re going to keep the shotgun conversations rolling with this choke-specific full-lengther with Ryan Muckenhirn. If you’ve ever wondered what types of shotgun chokes are available, what they all do, and when you would want to use one over another, this is the podcast for you. Everything from the rare “Spreader choke” to full-on turkey chokes, fixed chokes, rifled chokes and shooting slugs out of a shotgun with a choke in it. Check it out and let us know what your go-to choke is!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Traveling with NFA Items Apr 21, 2020

NFA items in and of themselves can be complicated things to own, but how about what it’s like actually traveling with them out of state? Adam and Reuben join Jimmy and Mark once again for one last “Traveling with” 10 minute talk to discuss some of the considerations you should keep in mind when traveling with your NFA items. Disclaimer – we are not lawyers, nor are we always going to be perfect in our interpretation or verbiage behind every federal law, state law, or in this case, individual airline regulation. You should always do your own research about your own situation at the given time given the complexity and changing nature of these things. Vortex and the hosts/guests of this podcast are not responsible for the actions of our viewers and listeners.

Ep. 120 | All Things Rimfire and Long Range .22’s! Apr 20, 2020

Could the .22LR actually be considered “America’s cartridge”? Ryan Muckenhirn and new guest Seth Toy (From our engineering department) join Jimmy and Mark to talk all about rimfire cartridges, NRL precision .22 LR matches and a brand new scope from Vortex that might just so happen to have the perfect set of features for precision rimfire shooters. If you’ve always been the kind of person to take a fun game and get really competitive about it in a quest to beat literally everyone else on the planet, you’d make a great competitive rimfire guy/gal and should totally listen to this one. Also, if you watch on YouTube, stick around after the podcast to hear Ryan and Seth go on a completely interesting and nerdy tangent about making their own ELR .22 cartridge. Truly revolutionary.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Bore Sighting Your Riflescope Apr 16, 2020

We’re going to try and throw out a couple bonus episodes during this pandemic, so here’s a short one all about bore sighting your rifle. Whether that’s a bolt action rifle or an AR-15, this is an easy step that takes minimal time and zero ammo to help you get closer on your first shots out of a new rifle and optic setup. We also discuss what to do if you find yourself trying to sight in a rifle that has no way of being bore sighted like AK’s, Ruger 10/22’s, etc.

For a printable bore sighting target - check out the show notes: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast-show-notes

#10MinuteTalk - Flying with Ammo Apr 14, 2020

Did you know you can fly with your firearm checked on the plane and even ammo, too? To some that may seem crazy, but to Reuben and Adam on this podcast, it’s what they’ve done all the time over their career in our dealer sales and training department and their own hunts/competitions they’ve traveled to. In this podcast we learn about approved containers and methods of packing your ammo, alternatives to traveling with ammo if the amount of ammo you need exceeds the airline limit, and even the fact that magazines can be an approved storage container on planes! Disclaimer – we are not lawyers, nor are we always going to be perfect in our interpretation or verbiage behind every federal law, state law, or in this case, individual airline regulation. You should always do your own research about your own situation at the given time given the complexity and changing nature of these things. Vortex and the hosts/guests of this podcast are not responsible for the actions of our viewers and listeners.

Ep. 119 | Red Dots on Turkey Guns. The answer is Yes! Apr 13, 2020

We have red dot sights, a big old Tom has a red head. Coincidence - We think not. Today’s modern shotguns, turkey loads and choke tubes make mounting a red dot sight to your gobbler-getter more practical than ever – and just might make your rig more effective than ever! And it’s really not that hard! There’s more than one way to mount your dot, and we go through those methods. And if you have a do-all shotgun for all your hunting applications, mounting your dot and taking it off depending on your upcoming hunt, just ain’t that big a deal. Not only is a red dot sight “parallax-free,” letting shooters get their shot payload downrange to its intended recipient no madder how awkward your cheek weld or shooting position, but they provide a finer aiming point, as well as don’t obscure your target - particularly at longer ranges. Fast and easy, put the dot on the thing and pull the thing. Toward the end we chat through magnified optics on shotguns for big game and turkeys and Ryan hucks out a sighting-in Pro-Tip that will save you $$$! Outfit your turkey gun with a red dot and take a hung up gobbler – and hang his hooks on a limb.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Turkey Loads For Your Shotty Apr 07, 2020

We’ve talked all about the vast expanse of shells available for your shotgun and how you can choose what works best for your application, but being that spring is upon us and folks are looking to socially distance themselves by going turkey hunting, we want to dedicate some time to discussing turkey loads specifically. How they work, what you should look for, the advances they’ve made over time, and much more. There’s a lot packed into this short episode for your spring season so tune in!

Ep. 118 | Reloading and Tuning Competition Pistol Ammo + Season Prep Apr 06, 2020

Dylan Easley, Garrett Grover and Reuben join Jimmy and Mark to discuss tuning pistol reloads for competition. We had no idea so much went into getting the perfect ammunition for not only a specific gun, but a specific shooter, specific competition and even a specific sighting system (Red dot or iron sights) too! These guys bring being one with your firearm to the next level by seeing and feeling the differences between very small changes in their loads to find the one that works best. We also finished up discussing how these seasoned pro’s keep fresh and stay excited for each season coming up after so many years of competition under their belts and much more around season prep.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Worst Stories Flying With Guns and Ammo Mar 31, 2020

Thus far, Reuben and Adam have talked about flying with guns and ammo in two 10 minute talks. What they haven’t covered, however, is that when you travel as much as they do, you’re bound to eventually make a mistake or encounter an awkward/shocking situation. Adam tells the story about when his lateness, a last-minute gamble and lack of planning with his NFA items almost made him miss an important flight and Reuben talks about the time his 2011 wound up skidding across the floor at an airport baggage claim. Truly spine-tingling stuff! Learn from their experiences so the same things don’t happen to you. Disclaimer – we are not lawyers, nor are we always going to be perfect in our interpretation or verbiage behind every federal law, state law, or in this case, individual airline regulation. You should always do your own research about your own situation at the given time given the complexity and changing nature of these things. Vortex and the hosts/guests of this podcast are not responsible for the actions of our viewers and listeners.

Ep. 117 | Coffee – “The Staff of Life” Mar 30, 2020

We drink it every day – if you’re a sane person. It’s part of our morning routines, it’s part of dating culture, and it just tastes damn good – particularly in the backcountry where frills and creature comforts are few. There’s a heck of lot more to coffee than meets the eye! In this podcast, we sit down with Tony Burlison, Master Roaster and owner of Dark Timber Coffee, to talk everything coffee. From the life cycle of a coffee bean, that starts out as a cherry, but is actually a pit, to the best temperature to brew, cupping (that sounds hot), best brew methods (there are many), light vs dark roasts, getting the most flavor out of your beans, the importance of good water – and oh yeah, we top it off with one of Tony’s signature Accent Packs (a compact, lightweight, single-serve pour-over that will leave thinking you brought a barista in your backpack. If you drink coffee, you’ll like Dark Timber. If you don’t drink coffee then.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Pack Your Firearms and Ammo When Flying Mar 24, 2020

Sure, you can legally fly with your beloved firearm and its ammo, but how should you actually pack it? What combo of hard cases, bags, locks, etc do Adam and Reuben recommend? We also briefly chat about what to do if you get pulled over in another state with firearms you’re traveling with toward the end as a bonus. Disclaimer – we are not lawyers, nor are we always going to be perfect in our interpretation or verbiage behind every federal law, state law, or in this case, individual airline regulation. You should always do your own research about your own situation at the given time given the complexity and changing nature of these things. Vortex and the hosts/guests of this podcast are not responsible for the actions of our viewers and listeners.

Ep. 116 | Choosing the Right Riflescope Mar 23, 2020

So right off the bat, we should tell you this isn’t going to be a series of “If/then” statements about “If you do _____, then you should get _____ scope”. Truth is, the possibilities there are endless and it would get pretty boring pretty fast. What Jimmy, Mark and Ryan M really wanted to get at in this episode is how do you determine exactly what it is that you’re going to be doing with your rifle and scope, and then how do you determine exactly what features, level of optical quality, and price range, to name just a few of the variables, you really and truly need to accomplish that task. We see bad advice all over the internet about choosing optics – many times putting down new comers to hunting and/or shooting or making them feel like the sport/lifestyle simply can’t be done without a huge budget or gobs of time and an optical engineering degree. Perhaps a few times we got in “Rant” mode here because of it, but just know, it’s all in the name of helping everyone figure out what’s best for them and simply being comfortable with that choice being different from what another person may want/need. As always, if you have any questions about what riflescope you should choose for your very specific application and situation, we’re more than happy to chat that over with you and you can contact us on social media, via phone, e-mail, or in person if you stop by our showroom here in Barneveld, WI.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Flying with Guns Mar 17, 2020

Maybe you had no idea you could actually even fly with your firearms checked on a flight, maybe you did but haven’t done it before, or maybe you have done it, but still feel a little uneasy about it and aren’t totally sure how best to handle it next time – Never fear! Reuben and Adam join Jimmy and Mark to discuss this very topic. These two guys work in our dealer sales and training department and do range days and competitions and hunts all over the country so they fly with firearms all the time. After all that experience, they’ve been able to boil down how you should approach the situation with no fear of getting taken to that scary dark room in the back. Disclaimer – we are not lawyers, nor are we always going to be perfect in our interpretation or verbiage behind every federal law, state law, or in this case, individual airline regulation. You should always do your own research about your own situation at the given time given the complexity and changing nature of these things. Vortex and the hosts/guests of this podcast are not responsible for the actions of our viewers and listeners.

Ep. 115 | Outdoor Photography – Getting Started Mar 16, 2020

Nothing preserves memories in the field better than a well-taken photo, so we sat down with Wyatt Cole and Erik Barber to talk about all-things “getting started in photography”. Listen in for great tips and tricks on getting the perfect shot. Whether you’re shooting on a fancy mirrorless camera with a lens that costs more than your truck payment, or snapping away on your phone, this episode covers everything you need to capture a wall hanger of a different variety.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Leveling Your Long Range Riflescope Mar 10, 2020

At one point or another, we all have to mount a scope to our rifle. Besides getting good gear and adhering to proper torque specs/sequences, leveling your riflescope is one of the most important things we do in order to set ourselves up for success at the range. The internet is full of differing opinions on how to properly do the job, but the fact remains, you can’t argue with physics, and that’s exactly what Nick Laufenberg used in this 10 minute conversation with Jimmy to explain how to properly level your long range riflescope. Spoiler alert – it may not be perfectly level to your rifle! This was Part 2 of a longer conversation between Jimmy and Nick. If you missed part 1, Nick started by explaining how rifle cant can affect your accuracy at long range and the importance of having your reticle level to the earth when you take your shot. Check it out.

#10MinuteTalk - Rifle Cant and its Effect on Accuracy at Long Range Mar 10, 2020

Nick Laufenberg joins Jimmy to discuss the effect of rifle cant on accuracy at long range. If you’ve ever wondered why some people put bubble levels on their riflescope and whether or not it’s just to look cool with some extra range bling – here’s your answer. Spoiler alert – just a little bit of cant can absolutely cause you to miss! Nick brought charts and specific examples to show you exactly how important a level reticle (notice we didn’t say rifle) for your shot is. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this same conversation as it naturally transitioned into the question – “How should I actually go about leveling my riflescope when I mount it??”

Ep. 114 | Camo, Camo Everywhere, but Not a Hunter to See Mar 09, 2020

The number one reason to wear camo: Conceal yourself from game. The number one reason to avoid wearing camo: Every non-hunter you encounter will hit you with the same unavoidable joke - “Whoa, I didn’t see you there” - forcing you into the same polite laugh you’ve responded with Lord knows how many times. Regardless, there’s no doubt camouflage can have a positive impact on your hunt. In this podcast we cover the importance of camo, how it works, it’s evolution, hunt tactics you can use to enhance concealment, wearing solids, weapon and game-specific considerations and a whole lot more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Barrel Break-in – Does it Even Matter? Mar 03, 2020

Ian Klemm joins Jimmy and Mark for 10 minutes to blow some minds. Does barrel break-in even matter?? Conventional wisdom says “Yes” and perhaps there’s some truth to that, but Ian would argue it’s not nearly as important as the internet wants you to believe and that you don’t need to waste a ton of time/ammo to get your barrel ready to shoot extremely accurately – Even with hand-made custom barrels! Tune in to hear why and let us know your thoughts on barrel break-in, too. This one was in response to a ton of feedback on our full-length Barrels podcast with Ian, so keep those suggestions, questions and ideas coming! Best spot to throw them out is on Instagram by messaging @vortexnationpodcast

Ep. 113 | Make Your Rifle Fit You – Not the Other Way Around Mar 02, 2020

Reuben and Scott Parks (Back from our Long Range series some time ago!) join Jimmy and Mark to discuss the topic of making your rifle fit you. This is a broad topic that can really go in a lot of different directions – proper stock/chassis choice and setup, proper optic setup, and probably most importantly – a good understanding of the fundamentals of marksmanship and plain good shooting. Scott also talks natural point of aim and the fact that shooting a heavier recoiling rifle can often times immediately point out any shooting fundamentals you’re doing wrong or have gotten a little lazy about.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cruisn’ For Coues: Bonus Ep. from Renner Racing Development Feb 24, 2020

Just when you thought they were done, Jimmy and Mark carried on Westward to LA to meet up with Damyan Tuchenishki from Renner Racing Development, a highly specialized Subaru racing shop that helped Jimmy remotely along the way during the Forester build process. They talk even more about why Subaru’s are awesome, what goes into making their record-breaking time attack cars, the history of their shop, and a whole lot more. Stay tuned, too, because the crew at Renner is set to do a little more work on the Forester from here to make it even better for future Podventures!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cruisin' for Coues: What Happened?! Feb 24, 2020

First off – we made it to Arizona AND hunted all four days we intended to hunt, so we can already say this is a marked improvement over the last podventure. Mark and Jimmy sit down in a hotel room on an oddly rainy southern Arizona evening around midnight or so to talk about one of the most challenging but immensely fun hunts they’ve ever done. They give the rundown on how the Subaru performed going cross-country and then offroading around the AZ desert, lessons learned bowhunting coues deer in some seriously brutal terrain, glassing tips, and how effectively stalking deer is a lot like mimicking tigers on National Geographic.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cruisin' for Coues: Extend your Effective Bow Range with Evan Williams of Hoyt Feb 24, 2020

Long rang isn’t limited to rifles. Today’s hunting bows are technologically advanced engineering marvels built to send projectiles to their intended target with astonishing precision. Mark and Jimmy sit down with Evan Williams of Hoyt, to chat through wringing out every last ounce of performance from your compound bow. This is pretty nerdy stuff - all geared toward maximizing your effective range and the capability of you and your setup. We cover everything from the anatomy of your bow, break in, tuning, paper tuning, getting optimal arrow flight/terminal performance to the color pink being cool and a whole lot more.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cruisin’ for Coues: Remi Warren Talks How to Hunt Coues Deer Feb 24, 2020

With the Subaru mostly finished, Jimmy and Mark head to Reno, NV to talk to Remi Warren about how to bow hunt coues deer in Arizona. People don’t call these things grey ghosts for nothing – they’re extremely difficult to spot, constantly on high alert for predators, and during the rut when we’re going in January, quite unpredictable. Remi has a boat load of experience and success spotting, stalking and killing coues deer, so picking his brain for every last bit of information, tips and tricks is incredibly interesting and helpful. As a bonus, the timing and location of this hunt lends itself to bow hunting another unique creature, the Javelina, so Remi also gives us the 4-1-1 on exactly what to do if we bump into them along the way and why it’s usually an incredibly fun and heart-pounding experience! Next up – How complicated could “Bow accuracy” and getting one’s self prepared for a potentially long shot on game really be? (Spoiler alert – Just as complicated as if not more than long range rifle shooting!)

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cruisin' for Coues: DIY Off-Road…Subaru?? Feb 24, 2020

Mark, Jimmy, and Erik sit down to talk about purchasing and rebuilding a $1200 Subaru Forester they found on eBay for their cross-country road-tripping, overlanding, off-road Arizona coues deer bow hunting adventure. Jimmy gets the chance of a lifetime to talk about cars for an entire podcast and tries to get real with folks about what it’s really like for the average guy or gal to search for, purchase, inspect and rebuild their own hunting rig. We also chat about why an SUV most commonly seen as a mundane grocery getter like the Subaru Forester might currently be one of the best options in reliable, comfortable, spacious and off-road capable vehicles on the market that you can probably find for an absolute bargain. If you’re interested in learning about cars, like a challenge and have kicked around the idea of a relatively cheap vehicle you can beat on in the backcountry without worry for scratched paint or a dirty interior, you won’t want to miss this one. If you don’t give a rip about cars and never will – skip to our next episode where we talk how to hunt coues and Javelina with Remi Warren!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Javelina Hunting with Remi Warren Feb 18, 2020

Remi Warren sits down with Jimmy and Mark prior to their next big podventure to discuss Javelina hunting. Remi has extensive Javelina hunting experience in the southwest and passes on his knowledge of calling them, what to expect when they come running in, shot placement, stalking, behavior and one controversial topic – how do they taste and how should you cook ‘em?? Spoiler alert – Remi loves him some Javelina chops! Stay tuned – this is just a taste of the next podventure to release!

Ep. 112 | Shells for Your Shotty – Choosing the Right Shotgun Ammo Feb 17, 2020

So you got a shotgun – good – you own one of, if not THE, most versatile firearms ever created. It’s pretty simple to operate, pretty simple to understand, but what about the ammo? Shotgun aisles at stores are jam-packed with hundreds of different options – are they all really that different? Does it matter what you actually choose? If so (Spoiler alert – it does matter), how do you go about choosing the right ammo for your shotgun, your application, and maybe ever your location? Reuben and Ryan M join Jimmy and Mark to talk about gauges, shot size, toxic vs non-tox, why some shells are super expensive and some are dirt cheap, shell length, how certain loads interact with your barrel and choke, and so much more. We also forget the topic for a hot second and talk all about getting your shotgun properly fitted to you for better accuracy and speed in the field, at the gun club or in competition. Don’t miss this one!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Piston vs. DI (Direct Impingement) Gas Systems Feb 11, 2020

Adam Maxwell joins Jimmy and Mark for 10 minutes (Or close enough, right?) to talk about piston vs direct impingement (DI) gas systems in semi-automatic firearms. What’s are they, what do they do, why are they different and are there pro’s and con’s to each of them? You’ll have to tune in to learn those answers!

Ep. 111 | To SBR or Not to SBR? Feb 10, 2020

Jimmy and Mark are joined by Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell to talk SBR’s (Short Barreled Rifles). Why are they so hot right now? Why do so many people assume they’re impossible to attain? With pistol brace “Technology” making pistol AR’s closer and closer to their rifle counterparts these days, is it still worth it to SBR your lower? Do people just do it to be cool or are there serious practical applications to a shorter barrel? And of course – WHAT ABOUT VELOCITY?!? Answers to these questions and so much more are ready to fill your ears in this episode!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - The FN 5.7 Feb 04, 2020

Jimmy and Mark stand up for way more than 10 minutes with Ryan Muckenhirn to discuss the mighty little FN 5.7. This cartridge has been around for a long time but still seems new and exciting every time it finds its way into a new firearm brand’s handgun or rifle. Ryan breaks down its performance, both in some of the professional loads and guns FN originally designed it for, and in some of the civilian firearms we see on the market today with civilian ammo. Could it be used for hunting? Is it a viable self-defense cartridge? Is it the cartridge itself or the guns its chambered in that make this little devil so dang cool??

Ep. 110 | Optics Care – Cleaning, Maintenance and Best Practices Feb 03, 2020

Jimmy and Mark got the unique opportunity to talk to two of the technicians from the Vortex binocular repair team, Scott and Cody, so they could answer many of the questions we’ve received about how to properly care for, maintain and generally be good owners of one’s optics. These guys spend every day working on binoculars, spotting scopes and other observation optics that have been used, abused, rode hard and put away wet. Many times they’re using professional optical equipment and years of know-how under their belt to fix a given product, but many times the problems could have been avoided or can be remedied with patience and some simple procedures you can do yourself at home or in the field.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Best Backcountry Snacks Jan 28, 2020

What’s your go-to backcountry snack to pack for fuel? Jimmy, Mark and Erik hang out for 10 minutes to each give their number one go-to snack from canned fish to candy bars. Tune in to hear what they are and why they pick them!

Ep. 109 | Long Range Muzzleloaders?? Jan 27, 2020

Jimmy, Mark and Ryan Muckenhirn are joined by Luke Horak from Arrowhead Rifles to chat about long range muzzleloaders. That’s right – you didn’t read that wrong – we’re talking about rifles you load from the front just like they did well before even the 1900’s that can also shoot accurately out to 1,000 yards. To get a frame of reference, we also take some time to talk about the more classic forms of muzzleloaders and what makes them different from the high performance builds Luke makes in his shop.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Cheap tools you can’t live without - Vaseline and cotton balls Jan 21, 2020

It’s been a minute since we last brought up some cheap tools you just can’t live without in the backcountry, but we’re back with Mark and Jimmy to discuss Vaseline and cotton balls as a dang good fire starter. Combined, this cheap DIY will give you easy ignition and super long burn times considering how small and lightweight they are together. They’re easy to carry around and the Vaseline even doubles as a good protectant for dry skin or wind burn to keep you comfortable in the wild.

Ep. 108 | Calling all Coyotes with Dustin Butler Jan 20, 2020

Looking for a howling good time – look to calling coyotes. Jimmy and Mark sit down with Coyote calling expert (he would be humble and deny the title “Expert”, but we insist) Dustin Butler to chat through how a person goes about calling one of these masters of their surroundings into gun range. These crafty critters will test a hunters mettle every time they head afield. Coyote hunting can be a year round pursuit, licenses are cheap, and there is typically no bag limit (obligatory always check the regulations before heading afield.) And, if you get into putting up and selling hides, you may even make back a little gas money. There’s so much to chasing these buggers. Tune in to hear all about it.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Still Hunting (Tactic) Jan 14, 2020

Jimmy, Mark, and Erik spend 10 minutes talking about a tactic in hunting that involves walking at a painfully slow pace through the woods, utilizing each and every one of your senses to their max, and possibly getting crazy close to wild game without them even realizing you’re there – Still hunting.

Ep. 107 | Let’s Talk LPVO’s (Low Power Variable Optics) Jan 13, 2020

Adam Maxwell and Rob Morell join Jimmy and Mark to talk all about LPVO’s (Riflescopes that go from 1x to a higher magnification) their rise to huge popularity with the shooting community these days and one very exciting new product coming out from Vortex in the category for 2020. If you like to be in the know on new and exciting stuff, you won’t want to miss this one!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 375 Ruger - Snappy yet Sophisticated Jan 07, 2020

Looking for a new “Do-All” big-game cartridge. Don’t ignore this medium-bore darling of the modern era. Modern case design took all the big pill hucking qualities of the 375 H&H and put it in a standard length cartridge sans the belt without sacrificing a thing in the performance dept! The result - an easy-to -carry, 600-yard capable bomb dropper. The smart phone is to the Rotary dial as the 375 Ruger is to the 375 H&H. Extreme – maybe? Listen and decide for yourself.

Ep. 106 | Remi Warren Talks Survival in the Wilderness Jan 06, 2020

Remi Warren is an all-around badass, so when we get the chance to podcast with him following up a bizarre conversation over sushi about the time he tried eating a slug as part of a survival course he was doing “Just for fun”, we had to jump at the opportunity. When he’s not remembering last minute that slugs aren’t exactly… “Edible”… Remi is a master at surviving in the wilderness. It’s not just the gear that he carries with him (In fact, you’ll find he doesn’t carry a whole lot) but simply the know-how of how to use his surroundings to keep him alive. So hunker down and “Get bushy” with Remi here for this great episode!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - 2020 New Year’s Resolutions Dec 31, 2019

Mark, Jimmy and Erik take 10 minutes to go over their hunting and shooting 2020 New Year’s resolutions. In typical Mark fashion, he has about 20 of them, all of which we need your help keeping him accountable for. What are your hunting and shooting New Year’s resolutions for 2020? We’d love to hear what you’ll be working on this year!

Ep. 105 | Barrels – The Most Important Part of Your Gun? Dec 30, 2019

Ian Klemm, previous guest from some some of our most popular podcasts of all time in the Long Range series, joins Mark and Jimmy to talk all about barrels. Are these the most important parts of your gun? Why are there so many different kinds? Materials, fluting, twist rates, types of rifling, lengths, coatings, tuning, free floating, the list goes on and on! Ian discusses all these topics in-depth in the way only a mega-genius gun-nerd engineer could. Whether you’re looking for a barrel to complete your ultra-custom long range rifle or simply want to know what all the hubbub is around these things, this podcast is perfect for all you gun nuts!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - How to Survive the Holidays - For Hunters and Shooters Dec 24, 2019

“It’s the holiday’s – we’re all miserable!” OK, maybe not all of us, but the holidays certainly bring some of us a great deal of stress and time consumption doing things we, quite frankly, would rather not be doing. Jimmy, Mark and Erik discuss some of their best tips and tricks for hunters and shooters to make it through this time of year. From “Sneak hunts” to last minute squirrel sniping and showing up at the front door with a bucket of AR parts, these will make the time fly by!

Ep. 104 | Pass the Eggnog & Fill the Freezer – Your Guide to Hunting Through the Holidays Dec 23, 2019

If you can avoid holiday parties, schmoozing the in-laws, and consuming enough calories to comatose a sasquatch, the holiday season offers plentiful hunting opportunities. This episode is all about the seasons still in full-swing during the waning months of hunting season. Jimmy, Mark, Ryan, and Erik fill you in on big and small game species you can chase from the upper-Midwest to the southwestern desert. Even better - most of these hunts come with tags at affordable price points that are very attainable on a DIY hunter’s budget. Sit back, turn the volume up, and enjoy this articulated conversation about pursuing grey ghost, a northern rabbit the size of a housecat, and everything in between.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Cross-Eye Dominance and Riflescopes Dec 17, 2019

It happens more often than you’d think. Someone is right handed, for example, but not necessarily right-eyed. Everyone has an eye that their body naturally relies on as its dominant eye, and if it happens to be opposite of your dominant shooting hand, people are often left scratching their head as to how they should go about shooting. Switch to the other hand to take advantage of the better eye? Try to train the weak eye? There are different answers to this question depending on the reasoning behind your eye-dominance (Some people simply don’t have a properly functioning eye on their strong hand side) but Reuben joins Jimmy and Mark here to discuss his recommendations for the majority of people he sees with this issue.

Ep. 103 | The Unexplainable Reasons we Hunt Dec 16, 2019

In this episode, Ryan Muckenhirn says he feels sad for people who live and party in big cities, Mark says “Intimate” an uncomfortable amount of times, and Jimmy talks about cars more than hunting. It’s hard to sum up this interesting podcast where we go deep into the human DNA to try and figure out why it is that we hunt. Mark and Ryan are die hard hunters who want to do and think about nothing other than chasing game (Or picking berries for Ryan, too). Meanwhile, Jimmy enjoys hunting, but has his own hard-wired obsession outside the sport. Is it bad to not be a hunting fanatic? Do we live in a much more specialized society today that has weeded out all but the most fanatical hunters? Are some people, regardless of exposure, simply more predisposed to become cold blooded hunters than others? What are your thoughts after listening to this one? Plenty more left on the table that could be talked about when discussing the human mind!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – The 220 Swift by popular demand Dec 10, 2019

After many requests to discuss the .220 Swift, Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy and Mark to do a 10(ish) minute dive into the cartridge, its history and application. As always – it is phenomenally interesting not only to learn about the cartridge but to get a peep into the cartridge encyclopedia that is Ryan’s brain.

Ep. 102 | Riflescopes – Everything you ever wanted to know (Part 1) Dec 09, 2019

We didn’t expect to need two parts for this topic, but there’s just so dang much to talk about when it comes to riflescopes! Lightweight Dave joins Mark and Jimmy once again, this time not to talk about sawing his toothbrush in half, but to discuss all things riflescopes. How they’re made, how their optical systems work, how our eyes interact with the light they funnel through their many lenses, what parallax is and what parallax adjustable scopes do when you spin their dials, and so much more! Minds were blown for this one as usual and we’d love to hear from you about what further riflescope topics we can discuss in Part 2. Let us know!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Bullpups – What’s up with these things? Dec 03, 2019

Bullpup firearms have long been the choice of sci-fi movie heroes (or villains) and middle schoolers playing their friends in Call of Duty. They look crazy cool with all the common features of a regular rifle or shotgun, seemingly thrown into an engineering blender, coming out on the other end with parts in weird places that look nothing like their more traditional gun cousins. Adam Maxwell joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss what all the fuss is about these unique looking firearms, why they exist and their various pro’s and con’s of operation and ownership. What do you think about Bullpups? All about ‘em? Or are they just cool to look at?

Ep. 101 | The 6.5 Revolution Dec 02, 2019

You’ve seen it at the range, your local gun store, long range matches, and now you’re even seeing it in the military - it’s hard to deny 6.5’s are here in a big way. But while we all look to prom-king cartridges like the 6.5 Creedmoor as a new and totally exciting, 6.5mm rounds have actually been a part of the cartridge landscape for quite some time - and there are seemingly countless variants of cartridges all pushing 6.5 mm bullets down barrels. Ryan Muckenhirn, the cartridge version of a beautiful mind, joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss where all the fuss of the 6.5 revolution comes from, some interesting bullet history and also gets into some proper bullet selections for hunting that may surprise some people. If you’re a cartridge nerd, want some clarity on which 6.5 is right for you, or just enjoy learning things about the shooting sports we all love while getting a bit of history, this is most certainly one you don’t want to miss!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Painting Your Riflescope Nov 26, 2019

People often ask us if they can paint their riflescope without causing any kind of rip in the VIP-Warranty-Time-Continuum. The answer is yes – you’re still covered even if you paint it. Unless it’s ugly… Just kidding! But what are the different methods out there for painting or “Coating” your riflescope? Whether it’s just for looks or for a specific application like camouflage for a hunting rifle, coating your scope (and gun) can be a ton of fun and give you a very unique looking package. Just make sure if it’s a Vortex scope to send us some pics when it’s all done!

Ep. 100 | 100th Episode Special – Hunting, Shooting, and Good Food! Nov 25, 2019

What better way to ring in 100 episodes than with a series of 10 minute talks back-to-back about all our favorite things – hunting, shooting, and good food. Reuben Aleckson, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Erik Barber join Jimmy and Mark to discuss why the world needs to “Make the 30-06 great again”, “will CWD turn humans into zombies?”, what’s the ideal 3 Gun setup if there was no budget, which type of grill is best, some of the craziest VIP warranty stories we can remember, and the ultimate showdown of “Whitetail vs. Mule deer – which is best?”. There’s also an unexpected surprise at the end of this one, too. Check it out and thanks to all our listeners who have been around since the beginning! Here’s to another 100!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Long Range Riflescope Choice – Competition vs Recreation Nov 19, 2019

We see it all the time – New shooters come to the internet for advice on a riflescope for their first long range rifle and are instantly berated by all the gear junkies who look to the absolute top of the top competitive shooters for all their gear with super expensive and complicated options that they apparently “Have to get” to somehow avoid utter failure and frustration. Nick Laufenberg joins us for this 10 minutes (Plus a bonus at the end) to explain the differences between what a recreational target shooter might actually need at the bare minimum vs what a competitive tactical long range shooter would require for their matches. In the end, he also discusses a riflescope’s theoretical maximum capable range with any given rifle based on its available travel and subtensions in the reticle.

Ep. 99 | Wild Game Burrito Cookoff Nov 18, 2019

Taco’s may have won our debate of “Taco’s vs. Burrito’s”, but when it comes down to hosting a wild game, Mexican-inspired cookoff, burrito’s just felt like the right thing to make. Jimmy, Mark, Sawyer Briel (New guest!) and Colin Hornback each had their own idea of what the all-time best wild game burrito would be, and we had quite the variety for our returning food critic, Rebecca, but only one would be named the winner! Tune in to hear Mark’s struggles after winning the wild game burger cookoff, Jimmy’s strict burrito construction techniques, Sawyer’s unique Asian-inspired burrito and Colin’s never-ending pursuit of back-to-basics, total food freshness.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – The 25-06 is a Deer Slaying Machine Nov 12, 2019

Why get a 25 when I can get a 30??” – Mark Boardman. What’s the deal with this “25-06” cartridge that so many of you have requested we do a 10 minute talk about and why is it so great? Could it even “Stomp the 6.5 Creedmoor” within 500 yards on deer? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Ep. 98 | What, What in the Rut with Pat Durkin Nov 11, 2019

Rut’s here! Make sure you’re ready to tag your buck by joining us for big rut questions and small talk with outdoor writer and all-around hunting encyclopedia Pat Durkin. We’ll touch on what makes the rut so special, all-day rut hunts, and general strategies for whitetail success.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk - Does Goose Meat Suck? Nov 05, 2019

You’ve heard it before – “The best way to eat goose meat is to wrap it in bacon, cook it, throw the goose meat away and eat the bacon.” – Is the bad reputation for their meat well deserved? Could it just be that a lot of people cook it wrong? Mark and Jimmy, after our Boats and Bows adventure, where we shot down two Canada Geese, set out to decide for themselves once and for all if goose meat sucks. Armed with salt, pepper, their favorite garlic powder, a hot plate, a cast iron skillet and some oil, they cook it up live on this podcast as straight up rare/medium-rare steaks for a final verdict. What do you think about goose meat? Any other great recipes in your arsenal?

Ep. 97 | Beer - This Might be Our Best Podcast. With Wisconsin Brewing Co Nov 04, 2019

Seriously, folks, this is one you don’t want to miss. Mark and Jimmy had the unique opportunity to join Wisconsin Brewing Company Brew Master, Kirby Nelson, their director of operations, Mike McGuire and Wisconsin distributors’, Ryan Sprague, to talk about something we all hold near and dear (At least we definitely do here in Wisconsin) – Beer! WBC is located just down the highway from Vortex and has one heck of a cool culture, we just couldn’t help but get them on the podcast to learn more about our favorite adult beverage. We discuss how the beer industry works behind the scenes, why canned beer is better than bottled beer, how beer was used as water sanitation for the pilgrims on Plymouth Rock, How some monks in an Abbey in Germany are producing some of the world’s best beer, tracing beer’s roots back to the ancient world, and so much more this list could be endless! So crack a cold one, kick back and prepare to be the coolest person at the bar this coming weekend when you drop all these knowledge bombs on your friends. Want to hear more beer history? Let us know! We wouldn’t mind another trip back to WBC in the near future 😉

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10(NotReally)MinuteTalk – DIY Custom Pistol Frame Oct 29, 2019

First off – Should you decide to take the plunge into reducing, stippling, or modifying your pistol frame in any other way, use the tips given in this podcast to help, but know what we’re not liable for any accidents that may occur by attempting to customize your own pistol. Also always ensure that anything you do to your own firearms is legal and doesn’t create an issue with your own state and local laws. With that said, modifying your own polymer pistol frame is relatively inexpensive, fun, not that hard to do and can result in a better feeling pistol when it comes time to head to the range or competition. Jimmy has done a few of his own and goes through his process. If you’d like a custom pistol frame that looks like all the stunning ones on Instagram, perhaps you’d consider sending it to one of the pro’s with much more experience and better tools, but this way certainly gets the job done, too!

Ep. 96 | Pistols of the Early 1900’s Oct 28, 2019

OK so we had to start with two super cool rifles on this one, but the rest are some really awesome handguns of the early 1900’s. Nick Rowden from our previous WW2-era rifles podcast and his friend Greg join us with an impressive collection of handguns from a 1911, to a Luger, some revolvers, even a PPS-43 and much more. All these guns have impressive stories and equally impressive history behind their creation and application in conflict times in our world’s history. If you’re a gun nut, this is one you don’t want to miss. As always, if you want to see these guns we talk about, check out the podcast on Youtube, too!

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Boats ’n Bows – What Happened?? Oct 24, 2019

Wait… Why are Mark, Jimmy, Erik and the camera guy, Nate back at HQ? Wasn’t this podcast supposed to be from the banks of the river at a remote campsite? Well… Yes… And as the guys will quickly explain – you’ll find that the boat didn’t exactly make it as far as we hoped. BUT! Was it a complete failure? In this episode we dive into the massive debacle that was our 24 hours on a river in “Up North” Wisconsin. Though we experienced many failures, (and did finally determine that, indeed, we did get the wrong boat) we experienced a few triumphs and learned a whole heck of a lot along the way. Had we sat on our butts all day dreaming of adventure and agonizing over making everything perfect, we never would have had this much fun, nor would we have learned quite this much to make for an even better river hunting trip next time. Speaking of which… “Next time” might just have to be a thing in the future! Stay tuned as always for more podventures and if you have any ideas of your own for a podventure you’d like to hear/watch, please let us know!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Boats ’n Bows – How to Not Die w/ North American Rescue Oct 23, 2019

DJ Struntz of North American Rescue joins Mark, Jimmy and Erik for a reality check into the world of trauma response in the backcountry. He dives into the equipment, knowledge and mindset needed to avoid finding one’s self in a traumatic situation in the first place, but also how to keep each other alive should one occur. Cuts from broadheads, fractures from tree falls, blunt trauma from river rocks, fire burns and even eyeballs getting ripped out of their sockets from fishing hooks… Feeling queasy yet? Hopefully this is all information that you, too, can arm yourself with for all your future adventures and, of course, that you never need to use!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Boats 'n Bows – Up Nort’: What to Expect Oct 22, 2019

Months of speculation, hours poring over aerial maps and a somewhat impulsive boat purchase have led Mark, Jimmy, and Erik to the office of DNR Wildlife Biologist/Area Expert Bob Hanson, to find out if their hypotheses’ about the region are overly optimistic, or on target. Is this river the mecca of fish and game – or a barren water wasteland. Spoiler alert, there is a heck of lot going on in the area if you’re willing to work for it. From bass to bucks, waterfowl to wild rice, and so much more, Northern WI is an outdoorsman’s paradise. If you’re one of those folks who consider Wisconsin a fly-over state, we would selfishly like you to keep on thinking that. Oh yeah, do we have the right boat? Bob says, “That depends”.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Boats 'n Bows – Hunting From a Boat With “The Hunting Public” Oct 21, 2019

Few folks know whitetails and water access tactics like “The Hunting Public”. Jim, Mark and Erik tap into their vast knowledge and experience to aid in planning an upcoming multi-day river hunt. From low-impact speed scouting to backdooring low-pressure areas, this is a podcast worth listening to. Did we choose the right boat for the job? Well, they didn’t say it was the wrong boat.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

#10MinuteTalk – Why a Lightweight Rifle isn’t Always Better Oct 15, 2019

Say it ain’t so!? Jimmy, Mark and Nick Laufenberg get 10 minutes to explain why, contrary to popular opinion, lightweight rifles are not always the best way to go. In this case, we’re talking specifically to precision long range rifles.

Ep. 95 | Which Optics For Which Hunt? Midwest, West, Southwest, and Alaska Oct 14, 2019

The hunter in pursuit of whitetail east of the Mississippi requires a different arsenal of optics than the elk or mule deer hunter in the American West. Likewise, both those two have different needs than the Alaskan caribou or moose hunter, and the Southwestern elk or coues deer hunter. Jimmy and Mark are joined by Paul Neess and Ryan Muckenhirn, each given a region of the country to speak to in terms of optic recommendations for the bulk of their hunts, to explain what our top recommendations are and why. Performance, budget, weight and convenience considerations are all taken into account and this conversation gives you the fully in-depth look into the mind of one of our optics experts when they make a recommendation for what is often someone else’s hunt of a lifetime.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – Freezer Alarms Oct 08, 2019

After a catastrophic meat loss from freezer failure this year, Mark has been on the hunt for a freezer alarm. In an effort to help anyone else avoid the same fate, we wanted to do a quick 10 minute talk to discuss what kinds of freezer alarms are out there and how much they can save you – not only in dollar value of the meat in your freezer, but of all the non-monetary value we place on our wild game as well.

Ep. 94 | Fishing 101 Oct 07, 2019

Rods, reels, line, bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, sinkers, spinners, spoons, worms, braid, monofilament… Holy smokes! These fishin’ folks seem to be speaking in a completely different language! If you have next-to-no fishing experience like Jimmy in this podcast or have maybe done some in the past but lost touch with the hobby and want to get back into it, this is a great podcast to start with. The topic of “Fishing 101” isn’t easy because the equipment and tactics for each type of fish, water and location will vary. That said, for the beginner just looking to get some casts in and catch something, our guests Ben Schneider (30 years fishing experience) and Larry Wipperfurth (52 years of fishing experience) from the office as well as Mark (nearly 37 years fishing experience) break it down for a noob like Jimmy with a great do-most-things, reasonably priced, easy-to-understand rod, reel, line, bait and bobber setup. They also bring up some great tips for where to go, how to fish and what to expect. We plan to do plenty more fishing podcasts after this one that are more in-depth and advanced, but wanted to bring everyone up to speed before taking the plunge so stay tuned!

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – How to Properly Maintain your BCG Oct 01, 2019

After listening to our full length episode on proper maintenance of your firearm, many of you may be wondering “Shoot… My BCG is pretty old – Does it require maintenance?”, “How the *** do I actually take this thing apart?” or “Does this mean I’m gonna have to go to a gun smith to fix it??”. Rest easy – it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, Adrian was able to do it in just a smidge over 10 minutes while podcasting with us to show how it’s done. It’s simple, inexpensive, can save you the money of buying a whole new bolt carrier group and can also be integral to the reliable functionality of your AR.

Ep. 93 | Forecasting Buck Movement – Jeff Sturgis Sep 30, 2019

We brought Jeff Sturgis of Whitetail Habitat Solutions back to pick his brain on some next-level whitetail techniques: Namely, using the weather to improve your chances on filling that whitetail tag. Jeff will cover different weather-related factors including how you can utilize weather tech to scout at home, how to use what’s happening in the sky to improve your ground game, and how to avoid pressuring deer. Many hunters follow “quantity over quality,” which Jeff debunks, saying you can harvest bigger bucks by spending more time on your couch. Although it can be hard to exercise the patience to wait for the perfect weather day, your friends, family, and career might be thankful. And who knows? You may even be rewarded with a huge buck. Get ready for another deep dive as Jeff walks us through how to find the best whitetail weather, and how to combine it with deer behavior and your scouting intel to form a weather-smart plan for your next hunt.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – The 22-250 is Small but Mighty Sep 24, 2019

After we discussed the .243 in a previous 10 Minute Talk, many of you requested a similar episode on the venerable 22-250 round. A popular varmint, coyote and even potential deer/antelope cartridge with an incredibly cool backstory, the 22-250 is still a popular cartridge to this day, and we owe it all to some wacky wildcatters in their basements for devising this little beast. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark and Jimmy to discuss the who, what, where, when, why of this lean, mean, varmint-huntin’ machine!

Ep. 92 | Waterfowl 101 Sep 23, 2019

With a seemingly endless variety of birds, questions on where to go, what to wear, what to bring, which gun to shoot, how to be in the right place at the right time, how to effectively use decoys, etc., Jimmy and Mark are joined by Ryan Muckenhirn, long time waterfowl enthusiast, Mike McDowell, resident bird expert, and Erik Barber… for relatability to discuss waterfowl hunting. We’ve wanted to do a number of different waterfowl-related podcasts, which we’ll surely get to in the future, but figured before we dive in the weeds on these topics, we should do a 101 episode for those who aren’t yet up to speed (Jimmy being a prime example). Even if you’ve been waterfowling for years, it’s a great conversation to have, and with the crew we got together here, you may still even learn something new! Tons of people get stoked out of their minds every year for this sport – now you can hear what all the fuss is about.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

#10MinuteTalk - Burritos vs. Street Tacos Sep 19, 2019

Following a heated Instagram debate as well as some internal division amongst our own team here, Jimmy, Mark, Colin and Brittani (New guest, long time behind-the-scenes coordinator) take a bit more than 10 minutes to duke it out in a 2 vs. 2 battle of Street Taco's vs Burrito's. We learn burrito's are pretty much the pinnacle of American culture according to Colin, Brittani eats bananas weird, Taco's are better because they have their own day, and Lance Armstrong claimed the moon... So what are your thoughts? Street Taco's or Burrito's? Which do you prefer?

#10MinuteTalk – Beers Sep 17, 2019

Jimmy and Mark are joined by our very own Tom Cody for his first ever podcast to talk about, you guessed it – Beer. Tom is our in-house beer connoisseur, traveling the state of Wisconsin to try as many different beers as he possibly can and matching new brews to his favorite wild game recipes for years. To discuss the all-important topic of beer-pairings, Tom brought in a venison and a pheasant recipe from his mom’s recipe book to give us the rundown on which type of beer compliments each dish the best and why. Undoubtedly, we could go on about the topic of beer for a lot longer than 10 minutes (As you even saw in this episode) so if you like this one, let us know and tell us what else you’d like to hear about everyone’s favorite adult beverage and we may just need to do a full length episode!

Ep. 91 | 2011's vs Polymer Framed Pistols Sep 16, 2019

2011's are sooo 2019" - Mark Boardman. In this episode, Jimmy and Mark sit down with Adam Maxwell and Reuben Aleckson to discuss the fuss about these fancy 2011 pistols and why so many competitive shooters and even other marksmen are becoming so entranced by their performance vs the classic polymer-framed options. What is the best type of pistol to start shooting with? Are 2011's unreliable compared to their polymer counterparts? At what point can someone say they're "Good enough" to get a nice custom 2011 pistol? What the heck even is a "2011"?? Just a few of the many questions we get to on this podcast!

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

#10MinuteTalk - Top 3 Truck Tools and Recovery Gear Sep 10, 2019

With great trucks comes great responsibility. Mark, Erik and Jimmy are on the road in Jimmy's truck preparing for the next podventure and took a break to discuss important recovery gear and tools to keep on hand in the truck to be ready for any situation. Jimmy goes over his personal top 3 in each category with some real life situations that have occurred in the last few years to back each one up. What are the tools and gear you keep in your vehicle to be ready for anything? Bonus points to those carrying this kind of gear in cars that aren't trucks/SUV's, too - even a compact vehicle can come in handy in emergency situations!

Ep. 90 | Jerry Miculek - Fast and Fancy Sep 09, 2019

Shooting fish underwater in Louisiana, finding Mil-Surp rifles in garbage cans at Sears and ultimately, becoming one of the most respected and most famous competition and world-record breaking shooters around, Jerry Miculek has had quite the interesting life. That's why it was our pleasure to host him on this special podcast where we not only attempted to scratch the surface of his life story, but also asked him what it is about that super-computer-of-a-brain of his that allows him to shoot so darn fast and how he actually goes about getting himself in the right mindset to be one of the best shooters in history. Whether you shoot competitively or not, this is one you absolutely don't want to miss.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

#10MinuteTalk – Magnifiers for Red Dots Sep 03, 2019

Rob Morell from our Product Development team joins Jimmy and Mark once again to give us the 10 minute crash course in magnifiers for red dots. In the wake of our fresh Micro 3x Magnifier release, we ask Rob some of the technical questions behind magnifiers, what they are, how they work and what’s so special about this new Micro 3x? A few misconceptions even get debunked in this short amount of time. Want more magnifier conversation? Let us know! Maybe these deserve a full episode, too?

Reloading to the Extreme – What Happened?! Aug 30, 2019

In typical “One, Two, Skip a few” fashion, Jimmy and Mark fast forward you back to HQ after the Vortex Extreme to give a run down on everything that happened from the moment those reloads left the press to the moment they crossed the finish line at the Vortex Extreme. How did it go? What tips/tricks would they give to the next group of newbie reloaders looking to take their new-found skills to a competition? Would they actually ever do this again? And as we answer those questions, it brings us to the conclusion of our very first podventure. What did you guys think of the series? Are you looking forward to more? Hopefully so, because, well… Whether you like it or not, we have more of these in the works! If you loved this, we’d love to hear your feedback, too, on ideas for future podventures – They could be competition-related, hunting-related, food-related, who knows!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Reloading to the Extreme - We’re Doin’ it Semi-Live Aug 29, 2019

Semi-Live! Jimmy and Mark are joined by Ryan Muckenhirn to actually go ahead and reload their very first cartridges on the single stage press. We take you through every step of the process, from taking a once-fired piece of brass, spent primer still in the pocket, to dropping in a fresh, red-tipped Hornady 140 grain ELD Match bullet and adding it to the “Done” bin. No practice rounds were done before this one – this is literally Mark and Jimmy’s first ever reloaded rounds. Let’s hope they shoot!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Reloading to the Extreme – Experimenting With Explosives Aug 28, 2019

Jimmy and Mark are joined by Nick Laufenberg, Ryan Hey of Magnetospeed and Tony Palzkill of… Well, we can’t say what Tony does… To talk about the best way of going about reloading to find the absolute best ammo for their particular rifles. We got the stuff to physically reload a round of ammunition, but there’s a lot of strategy and testing that actually goes into making sure you’re loading the right round. Rarely does anyone toss together a perfect recipe for their exact rifle and application in reloading on the first try. Sure, you can always follow the factory recommended loads to get something that works, but that will almost surely leave room for further improvement. If you’re like us, you know you want to load the most precise, consistent and predictable rounds possible – These guys explain exactly how to get there and make that happen.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Reloading to the Extreme – Every Single Thing You Need Aug 27, 2019

Jimmy, Mark, Ryan Muckenhirn and listener as well as two-time guest, Trent Brenny, go into detail on the pencil dive, the cannon ball and the full-on head-first swan dive (Good, better and best) of reloading kits, detailing literally every single piece of gear necessary for you to get the job done. This has been one of Jimmy and Mark’s classic go-to excuses for not reloading – “It’s too complicated”, “There’s too many pieces of equipment to buy and I don’t know what to get”, “Everyone we talk to says we need something different”, etc. No more excuses – You can even get the job done with a $30 Lee Classic Kit and a hammer, which we even demonstrate in this episode!

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Reloading to the Extreme – Cautiously Optimistic Aug 26, 2019

Jimmy and Mark express why they’re feeling cautiously optimistic going into one of their biggest challenges yet – Reloading their own ammo by hand in preparation for one of the toughest long range shooting events around in the Vortex Extreme. Both have had a loose interest in the hobby and have admired from afar for quite some time, but have yet to actually take the leap until now.

Intro to Podventures Aug 25, 2019

You’ve heard the full-length episodes, you’ve tuned in for #10MinuteTalks, now get yourself ready for an all-encompassing, fully-in-depth experience with Podventures. What’s a podventure? The story of a hunt, competition or anything else hunting/shooting/food-related told over the series of more than one podcast to dive deep into nearly every single detail, each adventure having its own unique twist, most likely putting Jimmy and/or Mark completely out of their comfort zone for your learning and entertainment. Each series will be released over the course of just a week, making for a truly binge-worthy listening experience.

#10MinuteTalk – Same Gun, Same Ammo, New Location… Different DOPE? Aug 20, 2019

Coming to you from just beside stage 10 of the Vortex Extreme 2019 on the Wagonhound Ranch in Wyoming, Mark, Jimmy and Nick Laufenberg take a moment to discuss changing ballistics with changing locations. Us flatlanders in Wisconsin came from around just shy of 900 feet of elevation at sight-in prior to heading out for the Extreme long range shooting competition in Wyoming, which is at an elevation of about 6,000 feet. Despite using the same guns and the same ammo controlled by the same shooters, the new location and different atmospherics gave us a significantly different ballistic solution to shoot with. Without updating, we’d have been shooting over the top of nearly every target! This is important information for every shooter, whether a competitive shooter or a hunter traveling away from home.

Ep. 89 | Why Don’t We Ever Talk About Bow Hunting? Aug 19, 2019

OK, so bow hunting has loosely been a part of some of our podcasts in the past, but never the sole focus of an entire episode. In this one, Jimmy, Mark and Erik go right at the subject, explaining the advantages, disadvantages, gear and strategies behind bow hunting and why, if you haven’t tried this form of hunting yet, you’re missing out on a HUGE portion of your potential hunting season.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

#10MinuteTalk - MOA and MRAD for Ranging Targets Aug 13, 2019

A few weeks back, Jimmy discussed the basic differences between MOA and MRAD, and what these two units of measure actually represent. In this episode, Jimmy is reunited with Mark to talk to another Jimmy (Stick with us here on the names…) from Vortex all about using MOA and MRAD for more than just holdovers and wind calls, but actually estimating the range and sometimes size of a target through your reticle as well.

Ep. 88 | Is Midwestern Hunting Easier than Hunting the West? Aug 12, 2019

Episode 88 of the Vortex Nation Podcast goes against the grain – rather than explaining the challenges hunters face when heading west for the first time, we dive into the intricacies western hunters encounter when coming to the Midwest for the first time. Small properties with limited space to roam, lots of hunters, and vastly different tactics can make bagging Midwestern critters a daunting task. Mark and Erik join Jimmy to explain some of these tactics, the gear you need, and proven tactics that’ll stack the odds in your favor.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

#10MinuteTalk - A Very Mini Camp Stove Aug 06, 2019

Jimmy and Mark join Ryan Muckenhirn for 10 minutes to talk about his ultra-mini camp stove, the Optimus Crux. When hunting in the backcountry, one needs a way to boil water, cook food and even warm a blind or a tent at times. Ryan, always a fan of tiny little tools, carries this incredibly small kit including his stove, fuel, cup and lighter with him on all his adventures. Hear how he chose this one, how he uses it, how quickly it can boil water and some of the other options out there that may be of interest to you!

Ep. 87 | Learn, gear up, and hunt for free – WDNR Learn to Hunt Aug 05, 2019

If the idea of stocking your freezer full of free-range wild game and trying hunting for yourself is something you’ve been debating, a Learn to Hunt event is a great place to start! Emily Ihel, R3 Coordinator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources joins us on episode 87 to explain what a Learn to Hunt event is and why they’re a great resource to try hunting for first time hunters, especially those without prior experience or gear. Since we’re losing hunters faster than we can recruit them, these unconventional educational opportunities are shaping the future of introducing newcomers to the hunting lifestyle. In a matter of weeks, these hybrid courses combine classroom and field work to take newbies throughout the entire process, concluding with a hunt accompanied by a mentor.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

#10MinuteTalk - Are Red Dots Truly Parallax Free Jul 30, 2019

You’ve seen it discussed in marketing material, forum conversations and asked about in comments sections all over social media but it’s still kinda confusing. What is “Parallax Free” when it comes to red dots and holographic sights, why is it important, how does it work and is it truly actually “Parallax Free”? Rob Morell, director of Vortex product development, joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss the engineering and physics behind that phrase and even some of the common misconceptions revolving around it.

Ep. 86 | First Gun Stories – Vortex Edition Jul 29, 2019

You’ll never forget your first. BB guns to shotguns – we dive into a quintet of first guns and the stories behind them. From sentimental to downright silly – every gun has a tale worth telling. What’s yours?

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Wild Game Cooking Fails Jul 23, 2019

Wild game is a prized commodity for hunters, which creates anxiety for many over simply not screwing it up when it comes time to cooking for yourself and the family. Rest assured, we’ve all made mistakes in the kitchen when it comes to our quarry. Mark, Jimmy and Erik discuss some of their biggest fails in the kitchen in 10 minutes to hopefully relieve some of the pressure you’re putting on yourself to always be a perfect chef, and perhaps, to help you avoid the same mistakes they made in these stories as well. What’s your biggest wild game cooking fail if you care to share?

Ep. 85 | Venison Burger Cook-off 2019 Jul 22, 2019

It’s grilling season and that means time to break out those packs of frozen grind, thaw them up and pound out some patties for family and friends. Mark, Erik and new guest Colin, armed with ground moose, whitetail and elk, respectively, entered into a burger battle to see who had the best recipe, grilling skills and overall execution with yet another new guest, Rebecca, judging their creations to some pretty high standards. Jimmy begs the question – is it sacrilege to make venison in any way other than salt, pepper and fire? The three competitors breakdown their full recipes and cooking methods, and Rebecca takes us through the evaluation of foods through culinary and sensory methods she learned over her professional food packaging career. Tune in to find out who won this epic cook-off and why! Have your own amazing burger recipes with wild game? We’d love to hear them.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – Jimmy’s First AR Jul 16, 2019

Jimmy and Mark mull over Jimmy’s first AR. They laugh to themselves about how a gun that had every state of the art part from 6 years ago can now seem outdated or generally less exciting in many regards at this point in time, and ponder the question – what will the next “AR-15” be? The AR platform as we know it, or at least the bones by which is has evolved around has remained largely unchanged for decades and “New” firearms continually base their structure and functionality on the AR’s modularity and compatibility with its many parts. Will an 18 year old kid in 30 years still be idolizing the idea of building an AR-15 like Jimmy did, or will they be looking at a totally different platform we’ve never even dreamed of by that point? Mark suspects ray guns – how about you?

Ep. 84 | Binoculars: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Jul 15, 2019

Mike McDowell, our in-house binocular expert and collector, sits down with Jimmy and Mark to discuss the topic of binoculars. What are they, how do they work, what are the tradeoffs as you move between configurations, which one is the right one for any given user and how can you even tell the difference between different models at different price points? We also get the chance to pick his brain about the new Razor UHD’s and their comparison to the current Razor HD’s, as well as the newly upgraded Crossfire HD’s and Diamondback HD binoculars. If you ever have any questions about binoculars, give us a call and ask for Mike! He’s one of our fantastic technical support staff who has been with the company for the last 30 years and is a wealth of optical knowledge.

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – MOA vs MRAD Jul 09, 2019

Up North we love the card game of Euchre and no challenge is greater than “Going alone” without your partner across the table. In this episode, Jimmy takes a chance and “Goes alone” with Mark out of the office to discuss MOA vs. MRAD for beginners in 10 minutes. If you’ve been looking for your first optic or even have been shooting for quite some time but are caught up by modern scopes and all the extra choices to make between MOA and MRAD, give this podcast a listen to get your bearings. Bottom line – don’t make it more complicated than it is. In the end, regardless of what you choose, they’re both going to be doing the same thing and it really just comes down to your own personal preference of which form of angular measurement you want to live with. Got more thoughts on MOA vs. MRAD you’d like us to devote more time to? Let us know!

Ep. 83 | Baiting Bears Jul 08, 2019

Hunting bears over bait is pretty much a sure thing, right? Wrong. Dan Staton joins us in Episode 83 to discuss baiting bears, how it works, the effort it requires, and whether or not it’s an effective tactic for duping them. With food seemingly everywhere, convincing a wild omnivore to stray from secluded, natural food sources and visit an artificial bait site isn’t easy. Add swirling, mountain winds and thermals that are constantly changing into the mix, and you’ll quickly understand how bears pinpoint your ambush before stepping out of cover. If extending your big game hunting season into the usually dormant spring and summer months is on your bucket list, consider planning a trip to Idaho next spring.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Would You Shoot Sasquatch? Jul 02, 2019

Three buffoons (Mark, Jimmy, and Erik) discuss whether or not they’d shoot squatch if they saw it in the wild. What are your thoughts? Would you pull the trigger? Maybe it depends? If so, what would it take for you to make the shot if at all? When you’re done with this episode, make sure to check out the “Podcast after the podcast” on Youtube where we discuss what it would take for Mark to put a squatch down!

Ep. 82 | Hunting For Plants - Foraging With Ryan Muckenhirn Jul 01, 2019

It’s fun, it’s healthy, it’s a great way to get outside during the off season and if it’s not a phenomenal way to do some serious public land scouting for critters before fall comes around then we’re at a loss for good scouting tips. Ryan Muckenhirn is a foraging fiend who avidly hunts for wild berries, grapes, mushrooms, ramps, onion, garlic, maple syrup and so much more to scratch that off-season hunting itch and make delicious meals and treats. He answers mostly Jimmy and Mark’s questions about foraging, while Erik stuffs his face with freshly made jams and ramp butter, regarding where he goes, how he finds patches of goodies, how to identify what can and can’t be eaten, how to prepare foraged goods and pretty much anything else you’d ever want to know about finding and eating plants and fungi.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Mark’s 10/22 - The Revival Jun 25, 2019

What once was old became new - then back to old. Thank goodness for that. Jimmy and mark take 10 minutes and talk through the metamorphosis of Mark’s Ruger 10/22 and its return to glory.

Ep. 81 | Mark’s IntARvention Jun 24, 2019

It finally happened, Vortex Nation. Jimmy lured Mark into a gripping conversation of large mouth vs. small mouth bass to get his mind settled, and then Ryan Muckenhirn, Erik Barber, Reuben Aleckson, and Jamison Schleicher came in with the surprise of the century – Mark’s very own AR. You’ll have to listen to hear just what was so special about this particular AR, but we can tell you, there really was no other option out there for our dear friend Mark. On an also-serious note – what are your thoughts on the whole “Small Mouth Vs. Large Mouth Bass” thing? Genuinely curious

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Don’t Forget the .243 Jun 18, 2019

Per request of Ryan Muckenhirn, we sat down for 10 minutes to show a little love to the .243 Winchester – The 6mm before the 6mm was cool. This nifty little cartridge is very versatile and it would seem that in recent years it’s become somewhat forgotten, perhaps incorrectly so. What are your thoughts on the SAE 6mm? What other calibers do you think deserve a little 10 minutes of love? We’d love to get your thoughts.

Ep. 80 | Prince of Wales Alaska Bear Hunt Jun 17, 2019

Words can’t describe the beauty and how flipping awesome a coastal - Alaska black bear hunt actually is - unless of course you have Jessy Knock (@ak_mtnbound) Rob Endsley (@robendsley), and Mark B. taking 1 hour and 22 minutes talking in excited tones about this absolute gem of a place/hunt - doing it pretty good justice. If you’re into adventure, pristine wilderness and giant black bears, this is the podcast for you. Follow along as they recount four different stalks on bears, the unique terrain and how these bears are using it (think beach), what these bears are doing/eating, opportunities in the region outside bear hunting, the different ways you can do this hunt and more.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – Angled vs. Straight Spotting Scopes Jun 11, 2019

Ryan Muckenhirn joins Jimmy to chat about the real differences between straight and angled spotting scopes in 10 minutes. We get this question all the time from hunters, shooters, and recreational observers and figured it was high time we addressed all the most common points of confusion or mystery on the topic. Have more questions that we didn’t get to? Hit us up on Instagram or via any other social media/e-mail/phone method and we’re happy to help you out.

Ep. 79 | Is Turkey Hunting Like Elk Hunting? Jun 10, 2019

What started out as a laughable conversation topic between Mark, Erik and the guys from The Hunting Public, Hushin, Born and Raised Outdoors and Sam Soholt off air suddenly became a legit topic to discuss for the podcast. Can hunting turkeys actually be compared closely to hunting elk? Of course there are inherent differences, but listen to these guys, all of which have extensive experience hunting both species, and you’ll likely be as surprised as we were to realize how many similarities actually exist. What are your thoughts? Have you done both or just one? If just one – has this podcast gotten you excited to try the other? Special thanks to this superstar group of guests who came up to Wisconsin to join us in the driftless region for a big-time collab turkey hunt, which was both an awesome adventure (Go check out their pages for some behind the scenes as well!) and a great learning experience as well, as you’ll hear in this episode! @thehuntingpublic @gethushin @bornandraisedoutdoors @samsoholt

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – 45 Degree Offset Red Dots Jun 04, 2019

Competition, duty use and certain hunting scenarios can all benefit from the utilization of a 45 degree offset red dot. Why? Reuben and Adam join Jimmy for 10 minutes to give you the quick and dirty behind offset red dots, their history, their applications in numerous shooting scenarios and why you might even want to use an offset red dot even when your primary optic is also a red dot! This episode comes to you via a listener request. We love getting listener requests for these talks, so keep them coming, Vortex Nation!

Ep. 78 | Video Games and Guns – Good or Bad? Jun 03, 2019

Violent first person shooting/hunting video games and guns in real life – Good combo or bad combo? Jimmy, Jamison and Erik, three millennials who have spent a great deal behind the controller of some of the biggest names in first person shooters like Halo, Medal of Honor, Big Game Hunter, Call of Duty and Battlefield to name a few, discuss their personal experiences having played many of the most controversial video games as kids and then getting into firearms, recreational shooting and hunting as adults. This particular topic should hit close to home, even if you don’t play video games yourself, because many of the arguments against video games like these have angles back towards the firearms that so many law abiding citizens own and use responsibly today. The fact is, there are a lot of people engaged in hobbies and lifestyles now that they wouldn’t have gained interest in had they not played it in a video game as kids. In our industry, we should be excited about the idea of more people getting involved in, but we should also take ownership for helping all these budding enthusiasts get started responsibly whenever we can. Give this one a listen and let us know what you think about video games and guns on Instagram or wherever you listen.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 77 | 90% of PRS is Half Mental May 29, 2019

Regina Milkovich and Jim See join Nick Laufenberg and Jimmy in this episode to discuss the important mental aspect of PRS shooting. In a competitive sport that combines skill, precision, using gear to its maximum capability and endurance with many competitions lasting two days, staying in the right frame of mind to execute shots properly and ultimately end up on the podium is paramount. Drawing on years of experience in shooting PRS and other forms of competition, Jim and Regina talk about breaking down the sport into its simplest form, staying confident, preparing yourself as a shooter before a match, trusting your gear and even important aspects of safety at matches as well. If you’ve been shooting PRS for years, just started or are even contemplating getting into the sport, it’s time to quit stressing over single-digit SD’s (Standard deviations) in your loads and start preparing your mind for success.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - The Evolution of Scope Tube Sizes May 28, 2019

In today’s day and age, it can already be hard to imagine a time where 30mm tubes were borderline unheard of. Ryan Muckenhirn and Jimmy buzz in for a 10 minute chat to talk about the evolution of scope tube sizes since Mr. Muckenhirn started in this industry not that long ago in relativity. It begs the question, will scope tubes continue growing? Will scopes of the future even be tubular at all? When will we go back to SAE in terms of measurement and quit using all this “Millimeter” crap? (Just kidding on that last one). We’d love to hear your thoughts!

#10MinuteTalk - Cheap Tools You Can’t Live Without – Bone Saw May 21, 2019

Wood and bones – two things you very well may need to cut when you’re out in the field, and doing so without a proper saw can be a real pain in the tush. Thankfully, small saws like the one we talk about in this podcast are inexpensive, can be delivered to your door free via Amazon Prime in one day and will help you enjoy one of the best cuts of meat very few other people enjoy – The ribs.

Ep. 76 | Reticles 2: How do You Actually Use a “Christmas Tree” Reticle? May 20, 2019

Reuben and Justin Lipska, new guest to the show and also new employee here at Vortex in our shooting range, join Mark and Jimmy to take a deeper dive specifically into the technical reticles (You know - The cool looking ones) we commonly see in long range riflescopes. More specifically, three of the reticles we focus on in this episode are the EBR-7C reticle and the Horus H59 and Tremor3 reticles. How can you use these reticles to their maximum capability, Is one better than the other for certain situations, what situations would one find themselves even using these seemingly “Busy” reticles, and much more. What’s your favorite reticle for long range shooting? We’d love to hear it!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 75 | Gas Guns Vs. Bolt Guns for Long Range May 15, 2019

The long-standing perception amongst shooters is that bolt guns hands-down out shoot gas guns in terms of accuracy and long range capability. In the past this was certainly true, and gas guns were simply held to a lower standard in accuracy than bolt guns were. But now, have gas guns made enough strides to match their bolt gun counterparts? Are they a more viable solution for long range precision shooting? We grabbed Dillen Easly, competitive shooter of many disciplines, and Garrett Grover of Rise Armament, manufacturer of gas guns, to chat about this very topic. You’ll also learn the difference between mechanical and “practical” accuracy (A term admittedly just made up by Garrett on the spot) and how they affect your groups and performance at long range, as well as how it may even affect the barrel life for your gun for you individually.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Slingin’ Rick’s .270 Ruger M77 May 14, 2019

After drooling over the famed Ruger M77 in a Petersen’s Magazine as a 12 year old boy, Rick just couldn’t help himself and begged his dad to get one as his first deer rifle. After 16 years, he still breaks it out every season to fill the freezer. We got 10 minutes with him to chat about this rifle’s story, why Rick chose one chambered in God’s cartridge of .270 Win (The answer involves an old computer game), and how he’s modified its sight mounting system with a Weigatinny rail and precision matched rings to squeeze a little more reliability and accuracy out of it. What was your first hunting rifle? Is it still in your rotation or still your primary go-to rifle today? We’d love to hear about it!

Ep. 74 | Rimfire Competitive Shooting With Cheyenne Dalton May 13, 2019

Dust off that old 10/22, go buy a bucket o’ bullets and prepare to have a ton of fun. Thought rimfire was just for kids and squirrel hunters? Think again, Cheyenne Dalton joins Mark, Jimmy and another special guest and frequent listener, Trent Brenny, to talk about the world of competitive rimfire shooting. Cheyenne started out her competitive shooting career in rimfire with a purple 10/22 she got at a WalMart and wound up going all the way to win the rimfire world championship in her division. From cowboy action rimfire shooting with lever actions to NRL precision .22 with bolt guns that mimic full-size precision rifles, there’s a cheap and super fun way to stay frosty and better your overall skills as a shooter with rimfire.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 73 | Chad Mendes – MMA Fighter. Public Figure. Hunter. May 08, 2019

Chad Mendes is a very recently retired professional MMA fighter (Still toweling of the sweat from his last fight and not retired at time of this recording), former collegiate wrestler, public figure in sports and at the risk of damaging his outwardly tough-as-nails appearance, a really nice guy. To us, perhaps the coolest thing about Chad is that he has been an avid hunter his entire life. From making time in his busy wrestling career as a kid to head to the mountains with his dad and family to now running an organization called “Finz and Featherz”, giving regular folks like you and us the opportunity to hunt with some of their favorite high level celebrities and professional athletes that also share a love for the outdoors and hunting. It was great to get Chad away from his intensive training regimen of preparing to knock other professional fighters unconscious to talk to us and all of you about his biggest passions. If you haven’t checked him out on social yet, hit him up and support him amidst some of the backlash he receives when he posts pictures and videos from his hunts. We can show him and the rest of the world that the hunting community has his back!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Astigmatisms May 07, 2019

The topic of astigmatisms comes up more times than you can shake a stick at when people are discussing red dots. It seems everywhere you look there are people being affected by “Starbursts” or “Clusters of grapes” in their red dots, but why? In 10 minutes, Jimmy, Reuben and Mark discuss just what an astigmatism actually is, the issues most commonly experienced by users with an astigmatism, ways you’ve possibly misdiagnosed yourself with one, and what you can do to avoid negative effects from an actual astigmatism when shooting.

Ep. 72 | Red Dots on Pistols – The More You Know May 06, 2019

If you only remember one thing from this podcast, it’s probably how good Mike Love, new guest to the podcast and range instructor here at Vortex, sounds with his perfect radio voice. Anyway, in addition to Mike, Adam Maxwell joins Jimmy and Mark to discuss the “Wild West” world of red dots on pistols. With no convenient standard to adhere to like our beloved AR-15’s with their “Mil-Spec” parts, there seems to be about a million and one ways to mount a red dot to your handgun, thoughts on proper technique for their application and opinions on reliability or viability of red dots in competition or duty use. These guys also touch on the history of red dots’ application on pistols and some of the common mistakes people make when transitioning from using the traditional irons to a red dot sight, being such a relatively new technology to most.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 71 | Couse Deer Hunting With Chris Denham May 01, 2019

Chris Denham, Arizona resident and recognized expert of “Grey Ghosts” from Western Hunter Magazine, joins Jimmy, Mark and Paul Neess to talk Couse deer hunting in the Southwest. If you’ve never heard of these deer before, imagine a scaled down whitetail living in the desert mountains that has mastered the art of blending in with its surroundings and remaining hidden. Why would anyone ever want to go after a small whitetail? Well, if you ask Chris (And us), there’s just something special about these critters that makes them arguably one of the coolest deer to hunt, completely regardless of size. In fact, their petite stature almost adds to the allure. In this episode, we chat best practices for getting into Coues deer (Spoiler alert – it ain’t huntin’ ‘em from the road!), the optics-intensive nature of hunting these tough-to-find creatures (Cue eyeroll because Vortex is stressing the importance of optics), run-ins with border patrol down south, navigating rough terrain and the fact that going on this incredible hunt doesn’t have to be a 9 year waiting proposition at all.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Red Dots vs Prism Scopes Apr 30, 2019

Reuben joins Mark and Jimmy for ten minutes to discuss the basic differences between 1x prism scopes like our Spitfire AR and red dots. More than just what the technical differences are between the two and how they work, but what might make you want to choose one over the other and what scenarios you may find one to be more advantageous over the other.

Ep. 70 | Long Range 1004: ELR Apr 29, 2019

How much farther can we take the long range 100_ series? There are plenty more long range topics to cover out here, but this one might be the grand finale for the series, discussing simply shooting out to 1000 yards to now sitting down with Ian Klemm and Jeff Heeg, Extreme Long Range (ELR) competitor, to discuss taking rifles out to some truly mind-boggling distances. Whether it’s a .22 beyond 500 yards or a souped up CheyTac cartridge at 2 miles and beyond, this particular shooting sport requires a great deal of science, excellent team communication and some pretty neat guns. Give Long Range 1004 a listen and let us know what you think!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 69 | DIY Elk with Zach Bowhay of Hunt DIY Apr 24, 2019

When the word Bow makes up half your last name, it’s pretty much destiny much of your life is going revolve around chasing elk with stick and string. That’s good news for the rest of us. We sit down with Zach Bowhay from Hunt DIY to tap into his vast elk knowledge - focusing on a first time elk hunters perspective. Don’t kid yourself, elk hunting is hard. Zach will tell you that first hand. Armed with the right knowledge and a lot of sweat equity, it is possible. Turn your ears on and brace yourself for some dang good elk advice.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk - Cheap Tools You Can’t Live Without – Chapstick Apr 23, 2019

Whether you need to condition your bowstring to prevent it from drying out, avoid potential blisters, enjoy the ambient glow of a candle, or start a fire, there’s one tool for that’ll do it all – Chapstick. Heck, you can even moisturize your lips, if that’s your thing. Regardless, we jammed the many uses of Chapstick all into one 10-minute talk, solidifying its minuscule place in your pack.
Got an ultra-affordable piece of gear that wears many hats for your adventures? Let us know and we just might feature it in an upcoming episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast.

Ep. 68 | Listener Special – WW2 Guns & History Apr 22, 2019

Nick, a frequent listener of the Vortex Nation podcast, reached out to us after our first WW2(ish) podcast revolving around a few historic firearms and not only explained how the M1 Garand’s grenade launcher system actually worked, but also explained that he and his dad are avid (Understatement) WW2 era firearms collectors and reenactors. Jimmy, Mark and Ryan Muckenhirn were lucky enough to sit down with these two as they went through 14 different firearms (And a WW2 era grenade launcher) from the allied, axis and neutral countries during the war. These incredible pieces of history literally shaped the landscape of the war and history as we know it, so to have pieces like this in our presence and be able to talk about them with some knowledgeable folks was a gift we won’t soon forget. Nick and Ray own, regularly shoot, reload for and maintain these rifles, so it was also great to see some historical tools still being used to this day many decades later. We also discussed some of the ways these firearms plowed the way for more modern (Or sometimes just direct rip off!) rifle designs we know and use today. Check it out and like Nick, if you have something super interesting you’d like to talk about with us, feel free to bring it up in the comments on one of our social media platforms and maybe we’ll have you on the podcast some day as well!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 67 | The Western Tag Game Made Simple Apr 17, 2019

Navigating Western Tag applications, Draws, Preference Points, Bonus Points, Odds, Over The Counter Options – #AlreadyOverwhelmed. It’s not your fault. This stuff is more confusing than trying to understand the opposite sex. Not anymore. We sat down with Brady Miller and Trail Kreitzer from Go Hunt to break down this topic using the advanced tools they offer. GO Hunt has compiled all the info you need into an easy-to-use, filterable, digital platform. Unit descriptions, photos of terrain, historic weather patterns, harvest trends, number of tags, number of applicants, draw odds for antlered and antlerless game and more are all ripe for the researching. If you have them, you can even plug in your points to see where you fall. These guys are professional data miners and they are sharp. You’ll learn about hunts and units you didn’t even know about – but will be glad you did. If you have a phone, this info can be at your fingertips 24 hours a day. Been in the big app game for years, the info GO Hunt offers is for you. Been dreaming about your first western hunt, but haven’t gone - Go on that Hunt using Go Hunt.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

#10MinuteTalk – Turkey Vest Vs. Backpack? Apr 16, 2019

Mark, Jimmy and Erik argue the pros and cons of wearing a turkey vest vs simply taking a backpack afield for hunting turkeys this spring in 10 minutes. Maybe this will help you decide which you choose or maybe it will leave you in exactly the same undecided state by the end, but hey, it’s only 10 minutes! As long as you’re out chasing gobblers, is there really any wrong answer? What’s your preferred gear for turkey hunting? We’d love to hear about it in the comments on Instagram!

Ep. 66 | Bowhunting the ‘Burbs with Taylor Chamberlin Apr 15, 2019

As the glowing orb of sunlight pierces the horizon, sounds of sirens, kids at play, and bumper-to-bumper traffic overwhelm Taylor Chamberlin’s audible senses. These aren’t conventional sights and sounds associated with bowhunting whitetails, but Taylor’s swaying from the treetops of suburbia, Washington D.C., keeping the growing whitetail herd at bay and filling his freezer in the process.

While the Midwest is traditionally looked at as the mecca of whitetail hunting, deer are living a fat and happy lifestyle in suburban areas around the country as they mow down pricey landscaping projects and over-browse trees and shrubs – especially in Washington D.C. The tricky part is gaining hunting access and landowner permission on sub-acre sized lots, but Taylor has broken that process down to a science by educating landowners about the destructive tendencies that an overpopulated whitetail herd can have on a property. His systematic approach of accessing new hunting ground has resulted in landowners calling him directly, requesting his service of backyard bowhunting. In some cases, he’s even converted non-hunters into the hunting lifestyle by showing them the benefits of harvesting free-ranged venison and feeding friends and family a healthy meal. By combining a seemingly endless amount of suburban hunting access and taking advantage of extended seasons, Taylor puts a lot of deer in his freezer and donates even more to Virginia’s Hunters for the Hungry program.

Whether you want to learn about the nuances associated with suburban bowhunting, such as shot selection or crazy stories of recovering downed game in the backyards of major politicians, this one is a must listen! As always, if you have any suggestions for guests or topics that you’d like to hear on the Vortex Nation Podcast, hit us up on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast and we’ll try our best to make it happen.

Ep. 65 | Rangefinders: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Apr 10, 2019

Mark and Jimmy join Paul Neess and Rob Morell of our product development team to discuss laser rangefinders for this special episode. Not only do we dive in to the history of the laser rangefinder, how they work, tips and tricks to maximize the performance of your laser rangefinder in the field and the different types of features and their applications, but we also discuss a brand new, never-before-seen rangefinder from Vortex. You’ll have to tune in and listen to hear about this new product, but it is a very exciting one to add to the lineup. For our YouTube viewers out there, Jimmy greatly apologizes for forgetting to hit the “Record” button on the cameras, but at least we managed to snag the audio!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 64 | Feel Better - Hunt Better Apr 08, 2019

Plug in your headphones and grab a bowl of garden fresh vegetables as we visit with Ryan Lampers and Doc. Hillary Lampers from Hunt Harvest Health.
We talk fasting and Doc Hilary uses words like Autophagy (because she is smart) - which basically means taking the garbage out of your body’s cells. We also cover eating good on the mountain and making your own backcountry food/meals (way before your hunts), Leptin Resistance (shutting down your “I’m Hungry” signals), eating to reduce inflammation and SUGAR. Feeling as good on day 7 of a hunt as you did day 1 is not easy – but apparently, it is possible (Still working on it). Can Jim still eat his beloved Burritos and be healthy? You’ll find out.
Looking to be healthier and hunt harder – this podcast is packed with great recommendations and inspiration.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 63 | New Jersey Public Land Bear Hunt Taken Away Apr 03, 2019

How political is hunting these days? With the stroke of his pen, Gov. Philip D. Murphy signed an executive order effectively ending the state’s planned 2018 bear hunt on all state-owned lands. For the public landowners out there – that happened on YOUR public land!!! No consulting of biologists, no scientific or ecological reasoning. Simply the fulfilling of a campaign promise to do everything possible to eliminate the hunt. If you’re like us, you’re saying to yourself “I didn’t even know you could do that. ” We sat down with Sean and Evan from the Sportsman’s Alliance to chat about how they work to defend our ability to engage in the activities that define who we are, how we live our lives, feed ourselves, and raise our families.

We talk through who/what is threatening hunting and trapping, the strategies these groups use, their reasoning, the role politics play in determining outcomes, how to get involved and more during this insightful conversation. These threats/groups aren’t the proverbial boogieman. They exist, are highly funded, incredibly organized and actively fighting to chip away at hunting and trapping until it’s gone. Our “death by 1,000 cuts is happening.” Together we are strong! Together we can stop the bleeding.

Ep. 62 | How to Properly Maintain Your Firearms – Not Just Clean Them! Apr 01, 2019

If you find yourself guilty of not properly maintaining your firearm after listening to this podcast, don’t worry about it too much – you’re not the only one by a long shot! Unfortunately, so few people are aware of the actual proper methods of maintaining a firearm that our head of range operations at the Vortex shooting range, Adrian Alan, and head firearm instructor, Pete Schreier, suggested this as a great topic - it turned out to be a great one. These two explain the very important difference between simply cleaning your firearm and actually inspecting and maintaining its critical pieces and functions in order to maintain the utmost reliability. You may find having that spotless rifle in your safe isn’t nearly as important as having a dirty rifle that is meticulously maintained and cared for at a regular interval. Listen in to see just what we mean and then go give your guns some proper TLC when you’re done! Or… Just be like Jimmy and get an AK-47 😉

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 61 | Aggressive Elk Tactics - Born and Raised Outdoors Mar 27, 2019

Buckle your hip belt and hold on tight as we join the Born and Raised Outdoors crew for an upbeat conversation on how they consistently call and kill bulls year after year.

Bugle, rake, repeat. It sounds like a simple concept, but Trevor, Trent, and Kody and the rest of the crew at Born and Raised Outdoors have been filling their OTC elk tags with beautiful bulls on pressured public land by perfecting this tactic - now known as the “Cat Road Shuffle.” Their aggressive hunting style takes the fight to bulls that want to fight. They target bulls that will play their game – not the other way around. Throw in an immediate sidetrack on how millennials shouldn’t order pizza unsupervised and you’ve got a podcast for the ages.
Not convinced? Check out the Land of the Free Project (1.0 and 2.0) on their YouTube channel where they travel to 5 states spanning 50 days, hauling lots of meat and in the process.

Whether you’re a seasoned vet in the elk woods or a total newbie, you’ll learn a ton about calling elk, identifying terrain and habitat features on a map, and a unique calling sequence called the “bark-scream.” Kody even does some calling on air! Bottom line – if you’ve been putting off a DIY archery elk hunt - don’t. Add these tactics to your hunting toolbox, drive west with a full quiver, and go for it.

Ep. 60 | Why Suppressed? Mar 25, 2019

Why suppressed? Consider the fact that if you’re listening to this podcast, that’s courtesy of your functioning ears, which we should all be doing everything in our power to maintain. For some the answer to the question of “Why suppressed?” is obvious, but due to some unfortunate misinformation in popular and social media, suppressor ownership and use can be scary, seemingly unnecessary or just plain confusing to a great deal of hunters, shooters and budding enthusiasts. In this episode, Jimmy, Mark, Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell discuss why shooting suppressed should be looked at as a great benefit to shooters, hunters, our neighbors and even the habitat which we hunt in. We discuss generally how most states go about their suppressor transfers, how a suppressor works and all the many benefits of owning and using a suppressor in a wide variety of shooting scenarios. Then when you’re done… Get one… or two… Or a bunch for all your firearms!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 59 | Large Predator Management – Bears, Cougars, and Wolves Mar 20, 2019

We’re joined by Scott Walter, Large Carnivore Specialist at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to discuss bears, wolves, cougars, and other predators in the Upper Great Lakes on Ep. 59 of the Vortex Nation Podcast. Did you know cougars are known to travel from South Dakota’s Black Hill as far eastward as Connecticut? How about the fact that humans are increasingly living in close proximity to wolves? If this is news to you, tune in to get the full scoop on these nomadic, solitary creatures straight from a biologist who manages them at a statewide level. In addition to management practices, we’ll talk hunting and find out why we’re unable to hunt wolves in some states, and what needs to change in order for a season to take place. Scott even provides additional information for listeners to submit feedback to management plans that are taking place right now – so if you want to make your voice heard, now’s your chance!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 58 | The Classified’s 3 Gunner – Gunnin’ on a Budget Mar 18, 2019

Dave Hartman of the 3 Gun Show joins Jimmy, Mark, Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell to talk 3 Gun gear. Borrowing the theme from our “Classifieds Hunter” (Episode 43) podcast, we set out with the mission to acquire every single thing a person could need to compete in a 3 Gun match, assuming they’re literally starting with nothing, for less than $1700. Yes, this includes all three firearms and every single piece of equipment. Tune in to find out how Dave came up with our $1700 budget and hear each person’s detailed list with plenty of commentary about what is absolutely necessary and what might not be mandatory for your first few matches. We’ll also explain how getting all the gear for 3 Gun will also set you up for a ton of other competitive shooting leagues and sports. Make no mistake – you won’t be getting a list of the absolute best gear in 3 Gun here, but you’re absolutely certain to be surprised at what you can get for a (relatively) reasonable budget. As we mention in the beginning, take an inventory of gear you already have, too – You very well may have a lot of the tools we already mention here and can save even more money for nicer gear! After you listen, also check out Dave Hartman’s podcast, The 3 Gun Show (@3gunshow) for more great info on the sport.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 57 | Long Range 1003: We Got the F-Class Guys Mar 13, 2019

Our original intent was to have just a podcast about the sport of F-Class shooting, but when you get these brainiacs (Ian Klemm and Niles Richardson) talking about their obsession... er... "Hobby" you better believe it's going to turn into a full on long range shooting information assault to the brain. Fact of the matter is, in F-Class, the only thing that matters is long range accuracy - and when we say "Accuracy", we're talking about sub-MOA groups on paper at 1000 yards with .308's. Every single aspect of an F-Class competitor's game is completely dialed in for long range accuracy. We talk about the guns, their bipods, wind, mirage, barrel harmonics and the special scopes F-Class competitors need for their rifles. Ian even goes so far as to tell us how much his rifle has moved prior to the bullet leaving his 30 inch barrel. Just a simple equation involving acceleration, terminal velocity, moment of inertia of the rifle and coefficient of friction of the bipod and rifle on the ground. Kindergarten stuff. Prepare to learn more about ultra-precision long range shooting that you ever thought possible!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 56 | Shed Hunting: East vs. West Mar 11, 2019

Eric Chesser (@gethushin), Ben Dettamanti (@ShedCrazy), Shawn Luchtel and Michael Hunsucker (@heartlandbowhunter) joined us in this East vs. West episode all about shed hunting. We break down what shed hunting actually is, why people do it, how they do it, what they do with the antlers, how it plays into their hunting strategy and many other little nuances of this off-season pastime from the perspective of two Utah shed huntin' fools as well as two heartland whitetail hunters that have hunted sheds in their own area for many years as well. Hard to believe we could talk about bones falling off deer and elk's heads for almost an hour but this one is packed with information all about sheds and antlers with a super fun group to talk to. Here's hoping you can make it out in your area, whether on your own piece of private or on some public to find a few sheds of your own this year!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 55 | Life of a Guide - Remi Warren Mar 07, 2019

Remi Warren - Part man, part beast and all balls. Mark, Jimmy, and Paul sit down with the one and only Remi Warren to chat about the life of guide. We cover sleep deprivation, hallucination, Remi’s first guiding job and how he got it, untimely heart attacks, making a-dollar-an-hour and loving it - and a heck of a lot more. If you’ve ever thought about becoming a guide, Remi breaks down the three ways you can go about it, what he loves about it - including completely transforming people’s lives where they become a better version of themselves - all with some great stories along the way! One of the true greats and a genuine inspiration. Turn your ears on for an audio experience you won’t soon forget.

Ep. 54 | Baiting Deer Vs. Baiting Fish?: Rabbit Trails 1 Mar 04, 2019

What happens when you get the crew together on a Friday afternoon with buffalo fried squirrel and an off the wall question to kick off some conversation? A whole bunch of rabbit trails about hunting and fishing. Jimmy, Mark, Ryan and Erik talk about the difference between baiting deer and fishing with bait, sturgeon spearing, smoke pole (muzzleloader) fishing, different styles of fishing, GMO corn, GMO dogs and the Chronicles of Narnia even popped up once, too. As random as this podcast was, it brought about some enlightening conversations that one could only appreciate by listening in!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 53 | Battlefield to Backyard: North American Rescue - DJ Struntz Feb 28, 2019

Jimmy got the chance to sit down with DJ Struntz, former world traveler and surf photographer, and now Minister of Propaganda at North American Rescue - A business dedicated to developing and distributing life saving tools to our nation's warfighters as well as the every day citizen. While no one likes to live their lives in a constant state of fear for the worst, DJ explains some of the reasons hunters, shooters, concealed carriers and just plain Janes and Joes should consider at least carrying the bare essentials when it comes to emergency trauma care gear. What training is necessary to learn the necessary skills to potentially save yours or someone else's life? Can someone who gets queasy around blood do this? What are some of the wildest stories a man in charge of the social media for a company dedicated to emergency trauma care gear has seen or heard? We talk about all this and more in this episode. Stay safe out there, Vortex Nation, and if you have any questions about emergency gear, how to use it or what you need, hit up North American Rescue and keep your eyes peeled for learning opportunities in your area during Stop The Bleed Month in May.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 52 | It All Started With Boat Foam: Adam Weber of Weber Tactical Holsters Feb 26, 2019

What started as a hobby to blow off some steam after his night shifts as a law enforcement officer turned into a full kydex holster business operation for Adam Weber in a fairly short period of time. Jimmy and Reuben sat down with Adam at SHOT show this year to talk about his story - From attempting to make his first holster using boat foam and an upside down bench grinder from a salvage store to his newest holsters employing science-backed design and manufacture for ultimate reliability and functionality in competitive shooting as well as duty use for our LEO’s. If you’ve been kicking around the idea of starting your own business venture or are just curious how much blood, sweat and tears it takes to get into making kydex holsters on a large scale, tune into this episode and you won’t be disappointed!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 51 | Hunting Alaska: Planning Your First Trip with 60th Parallel Feb 25, 2019

In this episode we sit down with the cool dudes from 60th Parallel (@60thparallel - If you're not following them on IG right now, you're missing out!) to talk about hunting the last frontier for the first time. According to John and Casey there's two kinds of people out there considering their first hunt to Alaska - Those who are completely overwhelmed by which quarry to chase, where to go and how to get there and those who are entirely too confident and in for a world of hurt once arguably one of the nation's harshest states finds every way to kick their butt. Hopefully listening to this episode can help you be somewhere more in the middle. Alaska isn't for the faint of heart, but it's absolutely doable for any avid outdoorsman/woman with the appropriate amount of time and resources dedicated well in advance. Being that there's so much to talk about like quarry, locations, logistics, gear and much more that is specific to this state, we're hoping to get these guys on for a part 2 based on the same subject. If you have ideas of more questions we should ask these two Alaskan residents and hardcore hunters, please shout them out in the comments so we can address them on our follow up in the future.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 50 | The Vortex Story Told Through Our Biggest Product Hits and Misses Feb 18, 2019

Ever wonder what things looked like at Vortex back in 2002 or maybe what some of the biggest hits and misses have been over the years when it comes to product? Mark and Jimmy join Paul Neess, frequent guest to the podcast and Vortex employee since darn near day one, and Joe Hamilton, new guest and one of the very first members of our sales team. We chat business and marketing from the perspective of an emerging small family business and what the relationship between product development and those pesky sales guys is really like. You'll hear some of our most notorious screw-ups as well as some of the biggest bright spots that ultimately led to the Vortex you know today. With only an "About You" section to read on our website and little information about our history elsewhere, many of you have asked for an episode just like this. In the end, the reason we're still around to this day and able to have this conversation is thanks to you, Vortex Nation, so the biggest shoutout and thanks goes to you!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 49 | Crawl into the Mind of a Whitetail Habitat Master Feb 14, 2019

Buckle those brains up, folks. Jeff Sturgis is about to drop more knowledge on whitetail habitat in an hour and a half than you ever thought possible. In addition to understanding the premiere habitat that whitetails prefer, we’ll dive into daytime locations vs nocturnal areas, what these areas are comprised of and how you can create them on the property you hunt if they don’t already exist. Most hunters who manage land for deer hunting tactfully plant food plots to attract deer to strategic ambush locations, but you’ll learn why sometimes doing so can actually have a negative impact on your property. Instead, there’s plenty of other tactics that can be used to create your own deer mecca – including waterholes, hinge-cutting, and more. Jeff has dedicated his entire career to understanding whitetails while hunting them on small properties and public land all across the country, so settle in and sink your teeth into this ultra-dense dish of deer hunting know-how.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 48 | WW2(ish) Guns Show and Tell Feb 11, 2019

Mark and Jimmy join Ryan Muckenhirn, Ian Klemm and Adam Maxwell for some good old fashioned American show and tell. This time to the tune of WW2(ish) era rifles. This era in firearms has to be one of the most exciting, as powers from across the world called on their most intelligent minds to create better weaponry in order to outgun their opponents. Firearms we discuss in this podcast include Ian's "Cigarette rifle" - a sporterized Mauser 98 chambered in a cartridge you wouldn't expect, Adam's Springfield 1903 bolt action rifle, Mark's single shot US Army .45-70 1873, Jimmy's Lee Enfield No. 4 Mk 1*, Ryan's M1 Garand and the backup gun, a .22 LR replica of an STG 44. As we've said many times, if you like hunting, shooting, competing in shooting sports, or anything else involving guns, we'd have a hard time believing you don't think these things and their history are cool. Check this out and by all means - if you hear anything we missed or have any interesting pieces to add about any of these firearms or firearms of your own, shout them out!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast..

Ep. 47 | Semi Live: Functional Fitness for Backcountry Hunters with Brian Austin - Train to Hunt Feb 07, 2019

Mark, Jimmy and Erik join Brian Austin, a local fitness instructor and big partner of Train to Hunt, to talk functional fitness for backcountry western hunting along with some of the awesome and intense archery challenges they put on throughout the year to get hunters in shape to enjoy their time more in the wilderness during hunting season. Jimmy draws on some of his experience as a former track & field athlete to point out the differences he's seen transitioning to the fitness necessary for hunting and Brian breaks out his pack, sandbags, wooden box and his bow to do some semi-live exercises and instructions for those of you looking to get off the couch this winter in preparation for next fall. We talk where to start, avoiding injury, exercises you can do at home with relatively minimal equipment and how you can even put your work into a competitive outlet with Train to Hunt's archery challenges all over the country. We do our best to explain the exercises Brian is doing verbally, but if you get the chance to watch this one on Youtube, you'll see exactly what he's doing while we record.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 46 | Are Deer Hunters Really Weird? Feb 04, 2019

"As deer hunters, are we doing more harm than good in the way we talk about our sport?" If you've ever said this yourself or heard others say it and got to wondering - "What really made that a nice buck?" This is the podcast for you. Mark, Jimmy and Erik dive in on the tricky topics of trophy hunting, naming deer, scoring bucks, the context (or lack thereof) that we put on social media as hunters, an interesting letter we received from an anti-hunting 3rd grader, killing a buck that someone else had history with and a ton more. The point of this episode is not to say that our opinion is 100% correct or that we hold all the answers by any means, but rather to shed light on a great deal of the behind-the-scenes work and respect for wildlife that goes into each and every hunt for those who are not as familiar with our sport. As hunters, we can always work to improve our messaging to the public, especially in this day and age of social media, to properly give our highly complex and incredibly vital pastime and role in conservation its full justice. What are your thoughts on the matter? We'd love to hear from you after listening to this episode!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 45 | Reloading 201 - Powders, Bullets, BC and More Jan 28, 2019

There could be infinitely many more podcasts dedicated to reloading and its seemingly countless talking points, but we did our best to cram some more advanced reloading knowledge into this 201 level reloading podcast with Mark, Jimmy, Paul Ness and in-house reloading guru Scott Parks. Ever wonder how ambient temperature can effect your load and its accuracy? Can having the highest possible BC bullet actually cause problems with your accuracy and consistency? Should reloaders choose a rifle first, then develop a cartridge around it, or is the opposite order of operations the best course of action? One of the most asked for episodes is finally here. If you haven't listened to our first episode as part of this "Mini series" yet, check out Reloading 101 for a basic introduction to the topic before Scott Parks infiltrates your brain with some serious knowledge in 201.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 44 | The Life of A Brand Ambassador - Josh Tarrant Jan 24, 2019

Our favorite hobbies tend to have two things in common - They're tremendously addictive and often times expensive. To many, a great way to ease this burden would be becoming sponsored by one or more companies in the industry or joining them as a brand ambassador to aid in some of the gear and financial aspects of our addiction - er - "Hobby". Mark, Jimmy, Adam Maxwell and Reuben Aleckson sit down with Josh Tarrant, competitive shooter and Vortex brand ambassador, to talk about what it's really like being in his position as an extension of the brand. It may come as a surprise to a great deal of people to learn that the life of a brand ambassador isn't all free products and casual Instagram posts. Josh explains it as an additional part time job to his regular full time employment and Adam Maxwell says "The cheapest piece of equipment you'll ever buy is the one you went to the store and paid full retail for." eluding to the large amount of sweat equity and work one would need to do in order to receive that product for "Free" as part of a brand ambassador program. If this line of work is something that's peaked your interest, we also talk about dealing with controversies on social media, choosing the company you wish to represent and some of the ways you can catch their attention in your field.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 43 | The Classifieds Hunter - Ballin' on A Budget Jan 21, 2019

Ball on a budget – The cost/perceived cost of gear, can be a barrier for those new to hunting. It doesn’t’ have to be! Jim, Mark, Erik and Ryan scour the web for 20 minutes and give 4 comprehensive, incredibly inexpensive, gear breakdowns to get you fully outfitted for a field foray you’ll never forget. We also cover gear buying tactics geared toward minimal impact on your budget and maximum impact on your freezer, offsetting gear costs with meat procurement, a $15 treestand, and more. If you’re new to hunting or just love a hell-of-a-bargain, listen up. This one's for you!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

Ep. 42 | From Scratch - Making a Riflescope: The AMG Story Jan 14, 2019

How do you make a riflescope? The idea, optical design, mechanical design, machining, finishing, tolerancing, metrology, assembly, testing and ultimately producing an optic in a commercial setting - Have you ever wondered just what it takes to make this a reality? Sam Hamilton, chief engineer of a special military-focused division within Vortex joins Mark and Jimmy to recollect the entire process of developing the AMG 6-24x50 riflescope from beginning to end. Many of you have asked how this process works, so we went to the source of what is now, to our knowledge, the most American made riflescope on the market today. Not only do we get an in-depth idea of what goes into the development of any riflescope, but also the daunting task of actually manufacturing that product from scratch to be a top-tier, ultra-precision optic. We discuss how your eye is actually a critical part to the optical system, misconceptions about "Glass" in optics, machining processes and incredibly tight tolerances, tough lessons learned by engineers that can only be learned through experience, how riflescopes work and so much more. If you've ever wanted to dive deeper into how your riflescope works and what it took to ultimately put that piece of equipment atop your riflescope, you won't want to miss this episode!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 41 | HYR December – Nebraska Muzzleloader Deer on Public Land Jan 07, 2019

After battling some stomach issues, Jimmy, Mark and Ryan hammer out another HYR episode on late season Nebraska muzzleloader season. Commonly thought of as an “Old school” means of hunting big game, these guys brought out the technical gear from apparel to even the firearms themselves, rocking some very special, high precision, long range capable muzzleloaders. We also discuss buffalo, hunting in groups, learning experiences behind an unfortunate but clean miss and why you should never leave your ribs in the field! Check it out and maybe next December you, too, can add a special late season muzzleloader hunt to your schedule.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 40 | What is The Mammoth Sniper Challenge? Jan 03, 2019

Jimmy, Mark and Nick Laufenberg join Chris Andrews of Best Targets and Kristina Pugh from Grunt Style to discuss one of the most grueling and challenging shooting matches ever spawned – The Mammoth Sniper Challenge. This 3-day event takes place in early January and tests shooters’ endurance, skill and willpower as they ruck nearly 10 miles every day with precision long range shooting stations dispersed amongst their route. In the evening, those who opt for the tough-guy challenge are also required to camp out overnight, carrying all their gear on their backs throughout the entire challenge. Chris and Kristina have played an integral role in developing this year’s match which will be the first sniper match that is both open to civilians and takes place on an active duty military installation. Check it out and if you’re thinking this sounds like the match for you, start preparing for next year’s event right now!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 39 | Not all Public Lands are Created Equal – With Land Tawney and Jason Meekhof of BHA Dec 31, 2018

Land Tawney, President/CEO of Back Country Hunters & Anglers (BHA), and Jason Meekhof, BHA Great Lakes Chapter Coordinator, sit down with Mark and Jimmy to talk BHA’s history and mission, as well as breaking down the huge variety of state, local and federal public lands at your disposal and their different attributes. We discuss BHA’s current main objectives, the differences between state and federal public lands, the politics and behind-the-scenes action behind each type of public land and what you can do to protect and serve the public lands in your area and around the country. BHA is an organization committed to ensuring there’s ample access to public land and waters in the U.S. and healthy fish and wildlife habitat when you get there. Land and Jason were kind enough to join us for a morning of rabbit and squirrel hunting, followed by a podcast and one heck of a pint night locally in the Madison, WI area. If you’re not part of BHA, listen in to this podcast to hear what they’re all about and decide if joining is right for you. If your state has a local chapter, keep an eye out for their own pint nights to get together with fellow outdoors men and women for good times and great conversation. Your state doesn’t have a local chapter? Grab some like-minded buddies and contact BHA to see what it takes to get one started!

Ep. 38 | Semi-Live: How to Sight in Your Riflescope – It’s Easy! Dec 24, 2018

Ever listened to a podcast where the hosts are also shooting while talking? Continuing with our semi-live series on setting up your rifle, we’ve gone from mounting the optic to getting things zeroed in and ready to go at your first trip to the range. Proper equipment, bore sighting, 3-round groups, making adjustments and troubleshooting potential road bumps are just a few of the things we discuss in this podcast at the range. Sighting in a riflescope can be intimidating to newer shooters venturing out on their own, and can even bring unnecessary stress or frustration to seasoned shooters who dread this crucial step in assuring your rifle’s longevity and reliability. It may come as no surprise that we’ve sighted in a riflescope or two in our time here at Vortex, and with all those scopes have come a host of tips and tricks that can make your zero-in process a snap and set you up for ultimately accuracy and a long time of success with your rifle and optic combination. Listen on your commute, or tune in on YouTube to see the video recording of this very podcast!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

Ep. 37 | Gear Gurus and Our Ever-Evolving Hunting World Dec 20, 2018

Judson Jennings and Kendall Card from Camofire, Blackovis, Crispi Boots USA and a host of other outdoors and hunting related entities sit down with Mark, Jimmy and Paul to discuss their history in the outdoor hunting gear and apparel business and the ever-evolving world of hunting from tactics to the gear we wear in the field. Not only do these guys get out and use the very products they sell to the max, but so do their employees, who are always ready to answer calls and e-mails to help fellow hunters and outdoorsmen conquer the backcountry. It can be difficult to get to know the behind-the-scenes workings of any business so customer-focused, so we took this opportunity to get to know two of the very important people behind their operation and their history with the company from the very beginning. On top of that we learn a little about goats and pack llamas, elk hunting from a tree stand and mentoring new western hunters. As always, let us know what you think of the podcast and if you have any ideas for future topics or guests to join us, let us know!

Ep. 36 | Ultralight Hunting – How Light Can You Go? Dec 17, 2018

Ultralight hunters make up a strange mix of total nerds and freak athletes – almost all bound to conquer some of the roughest terrain on the planet in search of rare and unique game. If you’ve ever been forced to listen to their endless stressing over ounces or studied their kit and all its strange gadgets and wondered to yourself – “Why don’t you just do more pushups and carry normal stuff?” – Perhaps this podcast will change your tune. International man of mystery and ultralight hunter extraordinaire Dave Hamilton joins Jimmy, Mark, Erik Barber (Not known for his ultralight-ness), Ryan Muckenhirn and long-time western guide Paul Neess to discuss this highly technical, nerdy and awesome topic. From tips to keep your pack contents to a minimum and extreme ultralight gear that gets the job done – all the way to dehydrated water - we cover some serious ground here.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexnation.wordpress.com/vortex-nation-podcast/

Ep. 35 | Gun Season Deer Tactics Dec 10, 2018

"Sit day one, drive day two." What more could there be to gun season deer tactics? Amidst all the chaos in some states, how can you still manage to set yourself up for a successful hunt? Is it even worth it to go out after opening day/weekend? What exactly is a deer drive anyway and is there really a "right" way to do it? These are just a few of the topics discussed in this episode dedicated to gun deer season primarily in the midwest with our special guest, Jake Huebschman, from the Hunting Public. A lot of what we focus on here is Wisconsin's iconic gun deer season, being ours and Jake's home state, but we'd love to hear about gun season in your neck of the woods, too! Drop us a comment on IG @vortexnationpodcast after you listen!

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

Ep. 34 | Hey! That’s My Spot Dec 03, 2018

Full disclosure – this can be a touchy subject for a lot of hunters. The topic of public disclosure of hunting “spots” came up after a past episode and Jimmy, Mark, Ryan and Erik all have some varying thoughts on the matter. Do hunters of public land gain too much of a sense of ownership over certain hunting areas? Hunter recruitment is lower than ever, but are some hunters actually happy about it? Is this more an issue of opposing sides simply not wanting their counterparts to have “Too easy of a hunt”? Are we helping state and local wildlife agencies and management if we’re keeping our stories and locations “Hush hush” from the outside world? These are just a few of the topics discussed in this podcast. We completely understand that there are a variety of opinions on the topic and fully respect everyone’s thoughts on the matter. In fact – we’d love to hear what you think about this very topic, too. As always, let’s work to keep the discussion positive for everyone and respectful because in the end, we’re all on the same team.

*Edit: Hey, we wanted to try and clarify a point/information we interpreted incorrectly or was originally communicated to us incorrectly. Either way, here we go. Big game tag number allotment in Wyoming isn’t dictated by state or federal funding opportunities….First and foremost, the status and health of game populations and the predicted harvest they can support while maintaining the management objectives of each population are. Determining the number of licenses to issue for a given species and area is a very complex process that involves analysis of a lot of biological information and social factors. Since most of the Wyoming agency funding comes from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, they are often accused of being all about money. However, the biologists and game wardens aren't looking at revenue projections when they make season recommendations. There is enough demand for hunting licenses in Wyoming that they could actually sell a lot more of them, but would they be providing quality hunting opportunities and doing what is best for wildlife? The answer is most assuredly no. As a service to hunters, access or a lack of access can be taken into consideration when determining the number of available tags. In areas where access is limited, in an effort to not mislead hunters there may be more opportunity than what is realistic, tag allotment may fall at a number under what a game population in a specific region could sustain while maintaining optimal health.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 33 | Obscure Guns Show-and-Tell 1 Nov 26, 2018

For nearly all of us (With the exception of Mark) firearms are more than just tools - They’re engineering marvels with interesting origins and stories associated with their creation and applications throughout history. Jimmy and Mark sit down with firearms enthusiasts Ryan Muckenhirn, Jimmy Jordan, Adam Maxwell and new guest Ian Klemm to talk about a whole host of obscure, interesting, historical and downright awesome firearms from their collections and the numerous rabbit trails that inevitably follow when you get a bunch of gun nerds in one room with visual aids. Everything from unique cartridges, oddball designs, requirements of end users in different times than our own and much more are discussed in this special “Show-and-tell” episode. Let us know what you think and if you’d like to hear more in the future. Also, if you have any suggestions of interesting firearms to discuss, we’d love to hear them so we can maybe add more to our next special!

Ep. 32 | UML: The New Traditional (3 Gun) Nov 19, 2018

Adam and Reub get back from UML (United Multigun League) Traditional Nationals Match and sit down with Jimmy and Mark to discuss all manner of things 3 Gun. First off – we’ve never really talked about where the sport of 3 Gun even came from! What’s the deal with these different divisions of 3 Gun and what is this relatively new and quickly growing division called UML? What was it about this UML Traditional Nationals match that made Reuben say it was his “Favorite match of the season”? And why the hell hasn’t Mark finished his AR yet?? So many questions, so many answers and it’s all packed in less than an hour.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 31 | Difficult Blood Trails Nov 12, 2018

With so much focus on the hunting strategies and tactics that lead up to the shot, it’s easy to overlook the most important events that follow – picking up the blood trail. The sound of the hit, animal’s body language, and sign left behind like hair and color/texture of blood all dictate your next move to recover the animal. Jimmy, Mark, Paul, Ryan, and Erik all sit down to discuss some of the craziest blood trails and the wild-goose chases they were led on and what they learned from the experience on this episode. Spoiler alert: stick around to the very end to hear Paul explain a tracking job that ended in the most unpredictable way imaginable.
You’ve probably had some interesting takeaways from blood trails of your own, and we want to hear all about it! If this is a topic you want us to dive further into – let us know! We could certainly dive into a second part of this one. As always, if there’s anything else you want to hear about, just hit us up on one of our many social media platforms using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 30 | The Winter Shooting Rut: Real, Easy Tips, Techniques, Activities and Hunts to Stay Sharp Nov 05, 2018

Days are getting shorter, snow is starting to fall, old man winter is making it harder to get to the range to hone our skills and practice our favorite pastime of shooting... If you're in the North that is... Jimmy and Mark chat with Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell, two top-level shooters who manage to shoot and practice year round despite living in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, about methods for honing one's shooting skills during the winter months indoors. Dry firing, practicing motor skills, joining indoor pistol leagues, performing maintenance on critical pieces of equipment and mental/physical preparation for competition if applicable are all things that could even take your game to the next level despite limited access to shooting ranges and minimal rounds down range. So get that fire roaring, pour up a cup of hot chocolate and take some notes. Even if you live in the southern states and have more range time during the winter, these tips and tricks are things you can do in your basement and will almost surely make you a better shooter.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 29 | Squirrel Hunt and A Dang Good Huntin' Talk With Pat Durkin Nov 01, 2018

After hitting a local piece of public land in search of squirrels (Much to no avail) Mark, Jimmy and Pat Durkin, a man of many talents, loads of hunting knowledge and a slew of cool life experiences sit down for a good, classic huntin' talk. From the rise of big game hunting and the related fall in small game hunting licenses sold to first time hunters, cross-cultural differences in food norms and changes in common hunting practices from the 70's to current times, if you make hunting a part of your lifestyle, chances are there's a lot in this podcast you're going to relate to. Pat is an outdoor columnist, former magazine editor for several publications and currently does some writing for the MeatEater crew as well, so if you like what you hear, give him a quick Google search and you're sure to find plenty more interesting and thought-provoking pieces to distract yourself from work with.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 28 | Reticles: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know Oct 29, 2018

Let’s face it – without reticles, riflescopes would just be gun-mounted spotting scopes. Reticles are supremely important to shooters and hunters by delivering critical data from 100 yard zeroes to bullet drop, range estimation to improved speed and accuracy up close. They’re also one of the biggest question marks when it comes to purchasing a new riflescope or learning how to use one you already have. Jimmy, Mark, Jimmy (Not a typo) and Nick do a deep dive on reticles from traditional and simple duplex-style reticles to the most complex “Christmas Tree” First Focal Plane precision reticles and everything in between. We also touch on caliber-specific BDC’s, MOA vs MRAD and clever tricks for using some of the Vortex reticle offerings in different scopes. If you’ve ever wanted to get the maximum potential from your scope’s reticle, check out this episode, read up on the reticle manual for your scope if you haven’t already and get to the range to get shooting!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 27 | Hunt Year 'Round - Weekend South Dakota Bowhunt - DIY Adventure Oct 25, 2018

In the Backcountry Hunting 101 podcast we eluded to Erik going on his first western hunts this year. This episode recaps his opening weekend South Dakota mule deer hunt from September. If you think you need to block off a ton of time from your work calendar or honey-do list, think again - this entire out of state hunt took only 3 days!

In addition to Erik’s biggest takeaways from the hunt, we’ll also dive into some tips that you might find helpful while planning your own hunt outside of your home state. We’ll discuss several mapping software that are incredibly useful for e-scouting your next honeyhole, even though it might be several states away.

Hopefully you’re making some hunting stories of your own, and if you are - we want to hear them! Let us know what you’ve been chasing and any interesting tips you’ve got, and we just might share them on an upcoming episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast!

Ep. 26 | Wisconsinites Can Now Ask the Question, “Did You Draw Your Elk Tag” Oct 22, 2018

Jim, Erik and Mark sit down with cool-ass-dude and Wisconsin DNR big game ecologist Kevin Wallenfang, to chat about an elk hunt 23 years in the making, bull on bull crime, submarine communication, and 17000 (give or take) amazingly interesting facts about Wisconsin’s elk herd. Kevin’s been at the heart of this wildlife success story from the start. And when we say heart – we mean it. Kevin loves these elk and all the folks who’s hard work has paid off in such a big way – giving Wisconsin a sustainable elk herd. Hang on tight. This is a good one.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 25 | Cheesy, Baconey jalapeño Snow Goose Popper Tacos Oct 18, 2018

Snow Goose often gets a bad rap for its gamey and greasy flavor. We beg to differ, and with a little forethought in your in-the-field game prep and a handy dandy recipe like this one, maybe you’ll find yourself saying otherwise, too. This recipe takes a suggestion we received from a customer for a venison roast brine and applies it to 30+ birds-worth of snow goose breasts from South Dakota. After 24 hours of sitting in the delicious solution, we seasoned them up and tossed them on the Traeger smoker-grill to get a good medium finish. Ordinarily, our very own Ken Calhoun turns these into Jalapeño poppers, but when you need to feed an army at work, it’s easiest to just turn it all into a self-serve line of taco’s.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 24 | PRS (Precision Rifle Series) – What is it and do You Want to Join? Oct 15, 2018

Getting tired of the same old range day – setting up at the bench and lobbing a few rounds down range at targets really, really far away? It’s great therapy, but why not add a little adrenaline and even further skill to your repertoire by entering into PRS competition? It’s not as tough as you think. Scott Parks, Reuben Aleckson and a new guest for the podcast – Nick Laufenberg join the crew to talk what PRS is, how one can join, what equipment you need to compete and the mental hurdles to clear to be successful. Scott also goes in-depth on proper shooting form, “Driving the gun”, follow-through, loading the bipod and much more. All key elements to make you a better precision rifle shooter, a better carbine shooter and even a better pistol shooter, too. We had a ton of fun with this episode and hope to have maybe inspired some of you to try out a PRS, NRL or other “PRS-Style” match one of these days!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 23 | Reloading 101: What is it and Should You do it? Oct 08, 2018

Some do it for therapy, some for precision and others for mass quantity. Reloading or just regular loading ammunition is nothing new to the industry, but looking from the outside in, it can seem like an intimidating task to take on. Our two newest guests, Jimmy Jordan and Tom Leatherberry, as well as Ryan Muckenhirn have all been reloading for years and all for different reasons. We chat with them about what it is, why someone would want to do it, how you can get started and why "Saving money" is probably the worst reason you could ever get into the hobby.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 22 | Hunt Year ‘Round – “Hunt Scouting” South Dakota in September Oct 03, 2018

From HQ, Mark and Jimmy are joined live via Skype by Ryan Muckenhirn at the tail end of his September archery hunt and "Scout Hunt" in pursuit of mule deer. The Slim Butte region of South Dakota is a difficult tag to draw for rifle and Ryan has been accumulating points for the last 7 years. Thinking he's surely due to draw any year now, he decided to get the far easier to draw September archery tag for the unit to scout things out and possibly arrow a deer while he's at it. We talk terrain, deer behavior this time of year and the sheer difficulty of trying to sneak up on one of these suckers pre-rut.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 21 | Backcountry Hunting Tips From the Pros Oct 01, 2018

Gathering upon… “Lots” of experience (Math is hard) combined between Mark, Ryan Muckenhirn and Paul Neess, Erik asks his last-minute questions before heading out to South Dakota and Montana in search of mule deer. Hitting the backcountry can be a daunting task. In a mess of seemingly endless gear optiions, preparation and in-the-field tactics, how can one be sure they know what they’re doing? Well, first thing’s first, it’s not like assembling an Ikea table – You probably shouldn’t just grab a bunch of random pieces and “figure it out along the way”. From clothing to temperature regulation, or communication with the outside world and game care/storage in the field, the crew discusses proven practices that can help ensure success, survival, minimal frustration and maximum enjoyment of the overall adventure. Have any other questions you didn’t hear asked in this podcast? We’d love to hear them and maybe we’ll answer those in our next podcast about backcountry hunting. Stay safe out there, Vortex Nation.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 20 | Turkey Leg Street Tacos Sep 27, 2018

What do you do after raiding a crockpot full of delicious braised turkey leg meat for turkey leg street taco’s? Podcast about it so the whole world can know how good it is. Turkey legs don’t get a lot of love thanks to the myriad of ultra-tough tendons running throughout their meat, often making cooking and eating a complete nightmare. Erik and Mark braised up a few legs from their spring turkeys while Jimmy whipped up some fresh-made salsa to top it all off and gosh darnit if it didn’t turn out amazing. We’ve got the recipe for those looking to recreate this masterpiece, and discuss the process here in this food special of the Vortex Nation Podcast.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 19 | Josh Froelich – World Champion IPSC Shotgun Shooter Sep 24, 2018

The crew sits down with Josh Froelich, Open Division competitive shooter and 2018 IPSC Shotgun World Champion, to talk open division shooting, why he runs so many red dots on his guns (Yes – more than one on each gun!) and the overall experience competing in the IPSC Shotgun World Championships in France. We learned even more about his reasoning for switching from fighting MMA for years to transitioning into the 3 Gun arena and also how his new eating habits have helped take his shooting game to the next level. Josh also explained the awkward high-school-prom-like tradition of World IPSC Shotgun shooters trading jerseys at the big match!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 18 | Hunt Year ‘Round – DIY Sitka Blacktails Over the Counter Sep 17, 2018

Some hunters spend summer months yearning for the crisp crunch of fall leaves and a brisk northerly breeze. Rather than counting down the days to hunting season, why not get started in August? In this month’s rendition of Hunt Year 'Round, we’re joined by Jesse Knock to get the scoop on hunting Sitka blacktail deer in Alaska’s Alpine. Chasing blacktails in arguably the most unforgiving terrain on the planet will test you mentally and physically, and will certainly reward you with an incredible experience regardless if you fill your tag. Better yet – it’s an over-the-counter tag available to anyone! Tune in to get the full scoop, and as always, let us know what you think! If you have an awesome hunting opportunity near you or idea for Hunt Year 'Round, let us know - we'd love to hear it!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 17 | Did Long Range 1001 and 1002 Help Erik? Sep 13, 2018

After listening to Long Range 1001 and 1002, Erik decided it was time to really give long range a try at the Vortex Extreme 2018 in Wyoming. He sat down with Mark and Jimmy to discuss the practical application of his “Lessons” in going from a regular Wisconsin whitetail hunter to a full-blown long range precision competitor in just one weekend. If you’ve listened to our long range podcasts, but are still nervous to actually put it into action, perhaps Erik’s story will help get you ready for what to expect when you actually get behind the trigger.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 16 | Wyoming's Connection to the Vortex Extreme Sep 13, 2018

Nephi Cole, Policy adviser for Wyoming Gov. Mead and Doug Miyamoto, Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture join Jimmy and Mark at the Vortex Extreme 2018 as they discuss the decision to make shooting sports a larger focus of their Wyoming State Fair. It seems rare these days to hear public officials voicing their support for firearms and the shooting sports industry, so to hear from these two about Wyoming’s dedication to preserving and even further igniting their state’s firearm culture was refreshing. They also talk to the interactions they’ve had with other elected officials across the nation regarding firearms and the second amendment. It was truly an honor to be a part of the WY state fair with the Vortex Extreme and if this discussion is any indication of the future of the event, we hope to see many more of you in Wyoming at the Wagonhound Ranch for years to come!
As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 15 | What is the Vortex Extreme? Sep 12, 2018

Slightly delirious from days of preparing the Vortex Extreme competition in the Wyoming elevation and heat, the Vortex crew sits down in the Wyoming State Police Academy to explain just what the Vortex Extreme is. An event 8 years in the running, the Extreme made the move to Wyoming this year for the first time to be held on the historic Wagonhound Ranch outside of Douglas, WY. Combining the endurance of hiking your rifle and gear nearly 9 miles through the mountains with the accuracy needed to engage targets from 100 to over 1200 yards, the Extreme is a true test for any long range shooter. All are welcome to compete and we encourage beginners or first time competitors to join us for good fun and one heck of a butt-kicking to get in shape right before hunting season begins. If you’ve thought about joining us in years past but haven’t yet made it out, what’s holding you back? We’d love to know so we can continue to grow the match in future years!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 14 | Semi-Live: Scope Mounting – It’s Easy! Sep 10, 2018

Jimmy, Mark and Erik gather round the gun bench as Ryan Muckenhirn mounts up a brand new Diamondback Tactical FFP on Erik’s rifle to compete in the Vortex Extreme 2018. Follow along in your own gun room as Ryan actually does the entire mounting procedure and explains all the steps in detail while podcasting real-time. Even though we’re mounting up one scope on one gun with one type of ring, the crew discusses the many different varieties of rings, mounts, scopes and rifles on the market and how their differences may or may not factor into the process. From bolt guns to AR’s, many shooters would be surprised how a relatively simple set of tools can get the perfect mount every time and avoid the hassle of having to take everything to the store or a gun smith. Heck – you’ll probably even be able to do it better and more accurately yourself, too!
Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 13 | Man Behind the Mic - Dave Hartman’s 3 Gun Show  Sep 04, 2018

Dave Hartman, host of the 3 Gun Show, joined us as we asked him a little about his past and how he got started in the world of 3 gunning and podcasting. From shooting guns without instagram to engine swapping rockets and even sleeping through a nearby tornado in his mobile trailer, we got all kinds of crazy awesome stories from this incredibly interesting dude. If you frequent his podcast, which now features a library of over 200 episodes, you know he doesn't often talk about himself so this opportunity was unique and exciting! If you 3 Gun or are interested in the sport and haven't checked out his podcast yet, you should do so as soon as you get done listening to this one for tons more info on the competitions and the community.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 12 | The Hunting Public - Aggressive Whitetail Tactics Aug 27, 2018

Aggressive whitetail tactics can arguably yield more mature buck sightings than any other method used for hunting these elusive critters. Aaron Warbritton, Greg Clements and Jake Huebschman from The Hunting Public join Mark and Erik on an in-depth discussion that dives into tactics that can pay off for heavily pressured whitetails on public land, and even small acreage private properties when implemented at the proper time. You’ll learn about:

Hunting specific buck beds – how to identify them and why setting up in close proximity to these “bedrooms” yields encounters during shooting hours, even during timeframes like the October lull when bucks traditionally display nocturnal tendencies.
Using observation sits to identify bedding locations from afar, and then moving in for a close-quarters ambush when similar conditions present an ideal opportunity.
The “bump and dump” strategy, which involves spooking a buck from a bed and then hunting it again at a later date. Even if the buck ran off scared and alerted to your presence, he’ll be back to his core area. When he returns, you’ll be waiting.
Unconventional tactics, like still hunting and using ghillie suits to ambush whitetails in areas void of trees.
When you should make an aggressive move and dive into a sanctuary.
Mobile hunting tactics and why being able to adapt on the fly can be the difference when hunting over fresh, hot sign or sitting on the sidelines, unlikely to cross paths with your target animal.

Want to see these tactics in action? Head over to The Hunting Public’s YouTube Channel and see how hunting aggressively helped them tag several mature bucks on public land. You can also follow along this year’s Deer Tour where the crew will hunt public land in states all across the country. Find that right here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzlnaIrdxwJITyrESOReqxg

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 11 | Long Range Shooting 1002 Aug 20, 2018

Jimmy, Ryan Muckenhirn, Paul Ness and Scott Parks further expand upon the topic of long range shooting from our first "Long Range Shooting 1001" podcast. If you've overheard the pro's talk about BC's, G1 vs. G7, wind, mirage, the importance of leveling your riflescope or density altitude before and wondered "What the h%ll are they talking about?" - This "1002" level discussion might just answer that question. Most importantly, we can't stress enough that arguably the most important thing you can know and do to become a better long range shooter is gain more experience... That means SHOOT MORE! There are a million and one variables that go into each and every shot. The only real difference between an "OK" shooter and a great shooter is the great shooter has thousands of rounds worth of previously gained knowledge to base their estimation upon, making them more likely to be more accurate. No one will ever truly master long range shooting to the point of perfection, but with enough trigger time, you can gain a level of intuitiveness that will greatly help your long distance accuracy. Listen here and get shooting, Vortex Nation!

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 10 | Gould Brothers - Pursuing the Exhibition Shooting Dream Aug 13, 2018

Maybe you’ve seen them throw and shoot a fistful of clays at one of their live exhibitions, or maybe you’ve watched them snipe a balloon with a crossbow at 680 yards on Youtube, but have you ever wondered who the Gould Brothers are and where they came from? Steve and Aaron Gould came up for a visit to the Vortex HQ and after putting on an impressive and… explosive exhibition in the parking lot, jumped on for a podcast about what it took to get where they are today, and some of the behind the scenes of their live shows and trick shots. These two brothers are as real as it gets and have proven that with enough time, practice, dedication and stubbornness, anyone can make a living doing something they love, and can use their talents to make other people’s lives better.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 09 | FFP vs SFP Aug 07, 2018

From HQ - Jimmy Hamilton, Mark Boardman, Paul Ness and Ryan Muckenhirn talk First Focal Plane (FFP) Vs. Second Focal Plane (SFP) - A hot topic in riflescopes that has left many shooters, both new and experienced, wondering "What's right for me?" Tune in while we talk about what these two styles actually are, how they work, why you might want to use one or the other, and some applications in which each have come in handy in our experience - from long range hunting to target shooting at the range. If you stick around 'till the end, you might even catch an audio-glimpse at a new product from Vortex for 2018.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 08 | One Giant Leap in Wisconsin CWD Research Jul 31, 2018

If you've ever hunted deer, enjoyed a fresh venison backstrap or have an appreciation for nature and its natural order, then CWD (Chronic Wasting Disease) should be a topic on your radar. That topic is certainly on the Wisconsin DNR's radar as the state is plagued by the largest concentration in the country of the always-fatal disease. To combat this, WDNR has started a five-year initiative called the Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator Study. It is the most comprehensive deer research project ever undertaken in Wisconsin to understand mortality rates and ensure the long-term health of the state’s deer herd, which has been affected since the early 2000s. Jimmy, Mark, Erik and even MC Ryan had the unique opportunity of joining special guest, Dan Storm, and other WDNR researchers in spring while they searched, chased, captured, tagged and released newborn fawns. Dan, Research Scientist and Wildlife Biologist for the WDNR, explains CWD in depth, what the DNR is doing to control the disease and how the public can join the efforts of wildlife agencies nationwide to do their part to ensure the health of our deer and maintain the lifestyle we all love for many generations to come.

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 07 | Hunt Year 'Round - June Spring Bear Jul 24, 2018

Think you can only hunt in the fall? Think again! We have a little thing around here we like to call "Hunt Year 'Round" where we search near and far for opportunities to get out and go hunting every month. This June, Mark went on a later-season Spring Black Bear Hunt in Idaho and hops on the podcast with Jimmy to give you the lowdown on how he got the tag (Surprisingly easy and affordable), the tactics used on this type of hunt, and the type of country one has to work with in Western Idaho. Tune in, and as always, let us know what you think! If you have an awesome hunting opportunity near you or idea for Hunt Year Round, let us know - we'd love to hear it!

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 06 | Long Range Shooting 1001 - The Foundation Jul 18, 2018

Shooting a tiny bullet at a small piece of steel 1000 yards away might look easy when the pro's do it, but there's a lot that goes into each shot before the shooter even pulls the trigger. Fortunately, none of it is overly complicated. It just takes a little time, skill, patience and the right equipment for the job. Jimmy, Mark, Ryan Muckenhirn and Paul Neess dive into a "1001" level explanation of getting yourself outside the 100-yard-sight-in range and into some long range scenarios. From terminology to equipment, and the precision art of dialing your shots, this should get you on the right path to maxing out your range's linear capability. Listen in and let us know what you'd like to hear for our next, "1002" level course - where we go into a deeper dive relating to how our environment can affect our shots and how we can compensate to remain on target.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Ep. 05 | Over the Road Turkey Hunting ft. The Hunting Public Jul 09, 2018

Jimmy, Mark and Erik join The Hunting Public's, Aaron, Jake and Zach on the tail end of their epic 2018 Spring Turkey Tour. After hunting state to state from the deep south of Mississippi and Alabama to the far North right here in Wisconsin, we got the chance to sit down and talk about the experience, their future plans for "The Hunting Public" channel this fall and the unique aspects of hunting as a group on public land. Spring might be over, but if you've still got the turkey itch, check out their full Turkey Tour on The Hunting Public Youtube channel to see first hand what hunting turkeys across the country looks like: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzlnaIrdxwJITyrESOReqxg

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

Have other ideas for future Vortex Nation Podcasts or special guests? We want to hear them! Let us know on any of our social platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast! We may just make it happen!

Ep. 04 | What is a (Vortex) UH-1 and do You Even Want One? Jun 27, 2018

Dave - Man of mystery and head of product development at Vortex Optics talks the Razor® AMG™ UH-1™ with Jimmy, Mark and Reuben. The crew talks about what makes a holographic sight different from your average, ordinary red dot, and what sets this particular model apart from any other holographic sight ever made. While the UH-1 isn't a brand new product at this point, we understand many of you have had difficulty finding them in stock since their initial release not long ago. Thanks to a continual ramp up in production, we're finally to the point where we feel OK talking about it once again, without risking the angry mob and pitch forks outside our doors who can't seem to find UH-1's in stock anywhere.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast. To see some of the products we've talked about on this podcast or learn more, head to our website at www.vortexoptics.com

Ep. 03 | NRA with Anthony Amantine Jun 26, 2018

Anthony Amantine (@a.amantine on Instagram) is a born and raised Texan who might just love predator and hog hunting more than anyone else we know. He joined us at the NRA Annual Meeting 2018 in Dallas, TX to talk pig hunting, firearms, 2nd Amendment and his rise in influence on Instagram. This is one cool dude you're gonna want to follow to see some awesome guns, learn pig hunting tactics, and laugh along with during his usual pranks and other antics. As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast. To see some of the products we've talked about on this podcast or learn more, head to our website at www.vortexoptics.com

Ep. 02 | NRA with Cheyenne Dalton Jun 26, 2018

Cheyenne Dalton (@cheyennedaltonshoots on Instagram) has been competing as a junior competitive shooter for the past 5 years and has risen to win world rimfire high limited lady 2 times as well as numerous other accolades. She joined us at the NRA Annual Meeting 2018 in Dallas, TX to talk about a recent article she was a part of with the New Yorker regarding junior competitive shooters. We also heard a little more about some of her other hobbies, thoughts on the Second Amendment and getting kids into shooting responsibly. Cheyenne is a great influence in the shooting world and an excellent role model for other junior shooters out there. GIve her a follow to see what she's up to! As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast. To see some of the products we've talked about on this podcast or learn more, head to our website at www.vortexoptics.com

Ep. 01 | Vortex Shooters Source 3-Gun Competition Jun 26, 2018

From Cresson, TX - Reuben Aleckson, Jimmy Hamilton and Jamison Schleicher from Vortex are joined by Long-time 3-Gun competitors, Nick Miller and Ryan Reed at the 2018 Vortex Shooters Source 3 Gun Match in the great state of Texas. Between these 5, we have a wide range of shooting experience, from Jamison, fresh off his first ever shooting competition at this very match, to Reuben, now in his 8th year of 3-Gun competition and with numerous other competitive shooting disciplines under his belt. Get an idea for things these guys wished they would have known going into their very first match, and things that keep them in the sport after competing at a national level for many years. We'll talk different types of matches, mental prep, understanding your gear, and how the experienced guys keep the sport interesting year after year.

Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast

As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast. To see some of the products we've talked about on this podcast or learn more, head to our website at www.vortexoptics.com

Welcome to the Vortex Nation Podcast Jun 26, 2018

Shortest Podcast Ever! In 2 minutes and 50 seconds, you get the rundown on the Vortex Nation Podcast - so you can decide if you ever want to listen to another one. Hunting, Shooting, Optics, Wild Game Cooking, Conservation and probably some things we haven’t even thought about – yet. Enjoy.

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