Vortex Nation Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.