Vortex Nation Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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