Vortex Nation Podcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn gab like hens about the results of their turkey-gauge test. They spin around the topic like strutting Toms in the sun, pecking at it from every angle. Did they pick the best turkey gauge or lay an egg? Tune in as they take a shotgun approach to this age-old debate.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Wisconsin’s elk herd is a success story. This podcast is a success story because of that success story. Father/daughter duo, Izzy and Brian Wink, tell the tale of the great bull 17-year-old Izzy shot and the backstory behind it. Rifle setup and optic selection, to scouting, calling, picking the spot, setting up for the shot using her precision-rifle-shooting experience, and executing in the heat of the moment — Izzy did it all.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Do the turkey decoys you put out change based on time of the season? Renowned wildlife artist and turkey call maker, Dave Constantine, tells us why they should. Dave is responsible for the realism of many of the turkey decoys we set up to lure in that boss tom. He’s studied turkey posture and flock dynamics with incredible scrutiny. Couple that with being a lifelong turkey hunter, and you get knowledge you can take to the bank!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Bullet construction is diverse as the applications we have for them. The team embarks on a world-record length 10MinuteTalk to cover the different styles and how they perform. Tip to boat tail, monolithic to cup-and-core, they discuss the nuances that make up the business end of one of our absolute favorite things — the cartridge.As always, we want to hear your 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 boom to bust in some regions and concerns in others, we’ve seen wild turkey populations change dramatically over the years. What factors are impacting the wild turkey? Should declines in states traditionally known as turkey strongholds be a cautionary tale for others — and all who love the wild turkey? Wild turkey researcher and expert, Dr. Mike Chamberlain, gives us the rundown on what’s happening and what we can do.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Special guest, Dr. Mike Chamberlain, a.k.a. Wild Turkey Doc., joins the crew digitally to host turkey trivia. After, Mark and Ryan stake their claim on the cartridge they hate most and the animal they won’t shoot. Who wins the day? For someone, it’s going to be an absolute chip shot.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

People often say trust the process. Well, a trust can be an important part of your silencer ownership process. Silencer Shop specializes in everything silencers. Purchasing, to tax stamps, to setting up an NFA trust, Tyler Walters from Silencer Shop joins Mark Boardman and Reuben Aleckson for a succinct, step-by-step rundown. Silencer Shop is an A-Z solution that dramatically minimizes the pain points of silencer ownership. Don’t wait. Enjoy the benefits of a suppressor as soon as possible…which will likely involve a wait.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cell phones for communication, navigation, photography, and evening entertainment, to headlamps, satellite communicators, and more — we rely on battery-powered devices. They make us efficient, comfortable, and keep us safe. What do they have in common? They need to be charged. Not all batteries/power products are created equal. Garrett Aida, CEO of Dark Energy, gets us learned up on backcountry power, what makes a good battery, best practices for care, runs us through his product suite, and teases a few products we can keep our eyes out for. As always, we want to hear your 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 too can prevent muzzy misfires. Guns that load from the front can be inherently finicky and susceptible to environmental factors centerfire rifles shrug off with indifference. That’s part of the reason you generally get a special season. It’s simply harder. Equal parts challenge and frustration, getting your muzzleloader to go bang no matter what takes extra thought and care. And even with that thought and care, “stuff” happens. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through ways to ensure your muzzleloader performs optimally in the moment of truth.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Clip in for a highly informative arrow podcast with Bryan Broderick of Day Six Gear. Combine 12 lifetimes of putting arrows in critters with an engineering mind and you get a company built around a balanced philosophy of practical performance. Tips to knocks, we cover it all.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Justice prevails for the gun community and The United States of America itself. Pistol braces are back baby. Light, compact, incredibly practical, and no tax stamp required, pistol braces are a great option for shooters of any stature. Their intrinsic form factor makes them the perfect tool for a variety of applications. First guns to truck guns, a pistol brace may be the ideal option for you. To the best of our knowledge, this information is correct at press time. Always confirm laws and regulations as they pertain to you and your jurisdiction.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Back from shooting 9mm and 10mm pistols at charging paper targets, ballistic gel blocks, and bear skulls, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn have a lot to digest — so they can best prevent being digested by a bear. What pistol did they shoot better? Why? Which round performed better and by how much? Can less be more? Tune in as they dive deeper into their findings. As always, we want to hear your 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 Golf rangefinders have specific features optimized for the application. But what are those features? Is there crossover with hunt/shoot rangefinders? Tune in to hear why you may need to up your game by adding a new Vortex Golf rangefinder to your golf bag.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Pistols come in all shapes and sizes. But what is the best size for your first pistol? What is the best size for your carry pistol? Are they perhaps the same? Pete Schreier from Vortex Edge® sits down with host Mark Boardman to chat through his full-size-pistol philosophy. What are you packing? Will it change after this podcast? Tune in to find out.As always, we want to hear your 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 twists off his Barrel Deresonator, Ryan Muckenhirn twists the truth, and Jimmy Hamilton is along for the ride as they debate the merit of this unique device. The boys go back and forth on its physical appearance and performance — including testimonials to its accuracy-improving potential. Ultimately, they make a plan to test it at the range. Tune in for some barrel-tuning fun.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Red dot sights are the answer to so many firearm-topping needs. Pistol – red dot. AR for close-to-medium engagements – red dot. Shotgun – red dot. Double rifle – red dot. Bolt gun for driven game or dense forest — red dot. Fast, light, compact, and effective, red dots provide the ability to stay target focused for optimal performance down range. Mark Boardman and Adam Maxwell (Vortex Law Enforcement Sales/Competitive Shooter) talk red dots, including an at-press-time new model, until they are blue in the face.As always, we want to hear your 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 stand side-by-side in a head-to-head battle of words and wisdom. Ok, “wisdom” might be a bit strong. From the professional wrestler they would take hunting, to the movie “Leave the World Behind,” and an open-sighted spaghetti-shoot-off at Vortex Edge®, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.As always, we want to hear your 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 be deceived by inflated numbers that look better on paper than in practice. Mike Rosen (Vortex New Product Development) and Liam Ward (Vortex Product Marketing) give us the rundown on battery run time — and why it’s a more useful and concrete measurement.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Back from the range, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn continue their evaluation of the good old 30-30 Winchester. Uniquely original, a first in its class, and potent deer medicine, is this more-than-century old cartridge all (most) deer hunters need? With bullet-extracting tools in hand, they circle the wagons on the gel blocks and pull projectiles for the rest of the story.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Comfort and comradery to saving your life, the ability to reliably start a fire under any circumstance mother nature can throw at you is imperative. Expert hunter and outdoorsman Remi Warren has started a lot of fires in a wide variety of conditions (all controlled and safely put out). Learn what he’s learned and practice fire starting when it doesn’t count — so it works when it does!As always, we want to hear your 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’s a lot going on and a lot you can do with the EBR-7D reticle, but you need to know how to use it. Vortex Edge® instructor Corey Eliasson drops by to break down the EBR-7D reticle. Extremely well thought out, every feature of this reticle has purpose and meaning. Tune in to hear all about it and decide for yourself.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Fur prices are in the tank. Perfect! There’s never been a better time to hunt raccoons. Populations have boomed, they are plentiful, and these callable critters are fun to hunt. Mark Boardman, Erik Barber, and Ryan Muckenhirn aren’t professional coon hunters, but they share what they know in this podcast and make a pact to chase coons together before the season ends. Additionally, just because you’re not selling fur, doesn’t mean you can’t put it up for personal projects. And if handled/cooked properly to a safe temp of at least a sustained 165°, some folks swear they are pretty dang good on the table. Akin to pork in many ways. Tune in and give it a try yourself. You may even save a turkey nest or two this spring by knocking down a few of these masked, nest-raiding bandits.As always, we want to hear your 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’ve ever fired a shot, you used gunpowder. This substance is integral to the ultimate function of every firearm and firearm discipline. Hunting, recreational shooting, self-defense, law enforcement, military conflict — gunpowder was there. It shaped our country, kept us alive, and keeps us safe today. But how much thought have you put into this nearly magical substance? Chris Hodgdon from the Hodgdon Powder Company joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to chat about all things gunpowder. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

High-stepping .17’s, your good old .223, the lightning-fast 22-250, or the dog-anchoring .243? Which of these cartridges takes the coyote crown. Or is it another? Just about every cartridge has taken a coyote at one time or another, but what’s the best coyote cartridge and why? Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and in-house coyote connoisseur, Bill Krivanek, sit down to discuss this question. Do you agree with their reasoning? Tune in to find out. As always, we want to hear your 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 go ballistic – GeoBallistics® that is. You can’t shoot long range without an accurate ballistic solution. The GeoBallistics app gives you that solution in an intuitive, easy-to-operate format. Accounts for all shot influencing variables with specific modes and features optimized for your shooting application. Integrates seamlessly with select Vortex products. Tune in if you’re interested in spot-on ballistic information and precision long-range shots.As always, we want to hear your 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 open season on Mark and Ryan as Jim peppers them with questions. What is the animal we should open a season for? Is there a definitive answer when it comes to the best shotgun for bunny busting? As per usual, there’s a bunch of in-between antics and exchanges you won’t want to miss. Can Mark eke out a win or will Jim gun down his hopes of a victory with the push of a button? Tune in to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Welcome to a #10MinuteTalk about 5 shooting-themed 10-minute talks you should listen to — or listen to again. Pistol lights with Pete to how to shoot a pistol with Jerry Miculek, these podcasts are packed with good tips to make you a better shooter. Oh, and it’s approximately 1 hr. — pretty standard for a #10MinuteTalk.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Varmints, to home defense and military applications, the .223 Remington and .300 AAC Blackout aren’t your typical deer cartridges. But in the right scenario, are they the perfect solution? And if so, which is better? Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn took a couple blasters to the range and shot gel to find out. Here’s the rest of the story.As always, we want to hear your 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 stock combs come in an array of heights. Why? Because a rifle’s comb height can be helping or hurting your shooting. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through different comb height styles. Is your rifle set up, right? Tune in to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Gear is fun to research and use! With 2023 in the books, a few usual suspects at Vortex® get together to chat about new-for-them gear they ran, liked, and recommend. Tune in and plan on being a few dollars lighter after.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Vortex® Venom® and Strike Eagle® series riflescopes are incredibly capable “tactical” optics. But what’s the difference and where do they shine? We’ll tell you, but you’re going to have to listen to find out!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Fact: You can trick out an AR-15 with more accessories than any other rifle platform. But if you had to pick three, what would they be? Liam Ward and Chris Urrutia from Vortex® join Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton to boil down the bare necessities of AR accessories. Did they get it right? What would you pick?As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Putting up huge numbers of coyotes pique your interest? Wade Chandler from Ally Outdoors and the Texas Predator Hunting Podcast joins Mark Boardman to chat about, you guessed it, Texas predator hunting. If you like hunting predators and haven’t hunted Texas, this podcast might have you planning a destination hunt to this predator paradise. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Longstanding military service to Bruce Willis in the movie “Die Hard” (ok, technically a Beretta 92 for Bruce), the Beretta M9 has a storied history. This iconic pistol is as unique as it is effective. A full-size fighting handgun and classic by today’s standards, it is still incredibly practical and capable. Used and loved by many, there are some critiques. Tune in as we chat all about the Beretta M9, and what makes it one of the greats!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

1983 was a good year for a lot of things. Mobile phones, the first iteration of the internet, and most importantly, the .357 Maximum. This cartridge isn’t popular, but it needs to be. Is it better than newly introduced cartridges seeing wide-range acceptance? Is it 6 cartridges in one? Do we need to launch a campaign to bring it back? Tune in to find out.Get your limited edition podcast hoodie!As always, we want to hear your 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 .300 Win Mag is versatile as the day is long – maybe more. Whitetails to brown bears and even professional work in the Mil/LE space, the .300 Win Mag has been there and done that. And it has done it well. Is its 60’s era belt out of fashion? Ask its resume of incredible performance. You’ll get your answer. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn dive into the .300 Win Mag. Finally!Get your limited edition podcast hoodie!As always, we want to hear your 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 7mm rem mag fires slippery bullets around the magical 3000 fps mark. Sound like everything folks are prioritizing in today’s modern cartridges? Have we had the 7mm solution all this time? What are its merits and detractors? Why doesn’t Ryan like this long-standing, loved-by-many cartridge? Listen to find out.Get your limited edition podcast hoodie!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Synonymous with Africa’s dangerous game, double rifles, and more than 100 years old, the .470 Nitro Express is still a viable factory-loaded option. This thing doles out a licking and keeps on ticking. PH’s still bet their life on the effectiveness of the .470 Nitro. Tune in as we chat about this big-bore brute and what makes it so great!Get your limited edition podcast hoodie!As always, we want to hear your 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 did the .350 Rem Mag (our first short magnum) fall flat – more than once? Was it the rifle? Was it the cartridge itself? Was the world not ready? Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn examine the .350 Remington and why it assuredly receives lead-balloon status.Get your limited edition podcast hoodie!As always, we want to hear your 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 bottlenecked 9x25mm Dillon pistol cartridge is incredibly interesting and has a cool backstory. Innovative, effective, yet relegated to the obscure by a simple rule change, this pistol round is worth knowing about. This one’s for you Carl Volt!Get your limited edition podcast hoodie!As always, we want to hear your 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 asked for your questions, you answered with your questions, and we answered the questions you asked. Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn cover all manner of topics in this podcast dedicated to listeners and what you guys wanted to know. Satirical to technical, this was a fun one we apparently didn’t want to end because it went way too long.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Spaghetti Shootout ugly-Christmas-sweater edition (sweater vest for Mark of course) ensues. Jim gives Mark “pity points” for Christmas, gets a couple gifts himself, and the guys verbally battle important topics like, Santa’s go-to gat. Can mark pull out a win or will he be crying in his hot cocoa? Tune in to find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Fast, fun, and fantastic on the table, a brace of rabbits might be exactly what you need to spice up your hunting life — or get started on your hunting path. And you don’t need a dog to do it. Accomplished with minimal gear and best done with a few good buddies, it’s tough to beat a day of beating the brush for bunnies. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through some tips to get you started.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn take their 300 Win Mag vs 6.5 Creedmoor discussion to the next level in this more than odd-couple cartridge comparison. These cartridges are common, but not commonly compared. So why did we do it and how did they perform? What questions did we answer? Did we dispel any myths? Tune in to watch some bullet-pulling gel-block surgery and find out.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

If you ever watched the hit 80’s TV Show, “The A-Team”, you most certainly saw the Ruger Mini 14 in action. The rifle’s prevalence was so significant, you can order a model today with nomenclature reference to the cut-way-too-short series. But there’s more to this radical rifle than its use in Hollywood. So much that Jim got one just so we could do this podcast. It took zero arm twisting by the way. Tune in to hear all about the Ruger Mini-14.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Clay Hayes is prepared for just about anything – and so is his truck. Jim never misses a chance to chat about cool, outside the box, yet highly practical vehicles. Clay’s truck is all those things and more. It runs on an alternate fuel source — and we’re not talking wind or solar. Tune in to hear all about it. You might just build one yourself, save money on fuel, and be ready for…well, you’ll be ready.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Ian Klemm stops by to chat scopes – bore scopes that is. This handy device will unlock the secrets of your rifle’s bore. And they retail for around $60. Not bad for a device that not long ago was likely top-tier spy-ops material. Tune in to hear what it can tell you and why you just might want to pick one up.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Muzzleloaders fall into approximately three different buckets (Traditional, Inline, Extreme Performance). As simple as they can be, they can be equally complex. Mark Boardman, Jim Hamilton, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Paul Neess dive deep into each style and their distinct nuances. They even find a sweet spot of price and performance that’s tough to beat. Tune in for a detailed rundown on muzzleloaders.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

The “Spaghetti Gang” is at it again – answering high energy questions of zero relevance. Will Mark find his slump buster, or once again fall victim to the all-mighty Muckenhirn. From the best outdoor infomercial, to bribery, cheese, and more, tune in for a characteristically ridiculous ride you can only get from Spaghetti Shootout.As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast

Cryogenically freezing barrels is a declared important step in some barrel manufacturers’ process. Entire services are available to cryo barrels for customers interested in accuracy, consistency and longer barrel life. Some say the process works wonders. Some say it’s a fallacy. Mark Boardman, Jimmy Hamilton, and Ryan Muckenhirn debate its relevance. One thing is certain, -300° F is Cold!As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast