Vortex Nation Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

.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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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