Vortex Nation Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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