Vortex Nation Podcast

Experienced western hunter/Vortex employee, Travis Jones and Elk Shape’s Dan Staton join Mark Boardman for an Elk Shape Camp recap. They talk through the camp from the perspectives of participant and instructor. Dan’s camps teach folks about elk hunting and themselves. As hunters we are perpetual students. Commit to your elk education and sign up for one of Dans events.

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Perhaps no other topic kicks the cartridge hornets nest harder than crowning the best cartridge for whitetails. The title of this podcast alone has enough click bait to draw hunters like deer to a January corn pile. Tune in as the Vortex Nation Podcast’s usual suspects tackle this impossible question. What’s your go-to cartridge for America’s most popular big game animal?

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Jerry Miculek is back on the podcast clock giving us a rundown on his open-division race gun. This thing is cool as heck and built for speed – just like Jerry. It’s always fun chatting with the “godfather of shooting”. This podcast is no exception! 

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

Sometimes the pre-podcast discussion turns into its own podcast. In this episode, The Fowl Life’s Chad Belding joins Mark to chat about goose tactics. Immediately derailed from the start, they spend all their time talking about the incredibly positive spiderweb effect hunting has on our lives, our interpersonal relationships 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

“I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself. But being this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world…” This classic quote excerpt from Clint Eastwood’s movie character, Dirty Harry, helped give the .44 Mag its iconic reputation in American cartridge lore…that and the serious punch it delivers on target. But is it everything it’s cracked up to be in our minds? Will it stop a charging brown bear in its tracks? Tune is as we go ahead and make your day talking about one of our cultural favorites, the .44 Mag.

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 crossover between long-range precision shooting and hunting is undeniable these days. The line is more blurred than ever. On impact, the terminal requirements for success are very different. Is the 6mm Creedmoor the perfect deer cartridge for most folks, or does it leave a person under gunned? How important is spotting impacts for targets and game? Listen as we chat through the attributes of this petite 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

The 7mm has been a long-time favorite for long-range shooting. So, it just makes sense Hornady added the 7mm PRC to the incredibly popular PRC family. Will it leave all the current 7mm’s in its cartridge dust? If you’re a 7mm fan, are your current rifles now obsolete? Will it be your new lucky-number-7 next fall? 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

If bigger is better, the .22 Mag should be in every gun safe alongside or in place of the .22 Long. But it isn’t. So where does this small but effective rimfire shine? Listen in to see if you need to add this mini-magnum to your cartridge repertoire.

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For a cartridge introduced in the late 1800s that initially used black powder as its propellant, the .303 British is astonishingly modern. From a historical perspective, is it the Brit’s version of the 30-06? Is it basically a .308 in some ways? Grab your tea and crumpets for a fun talk on this rimmed, bottlenecked beauty that has stood the test of time. 

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 classic Weatherby form, the 6.5 RPM is built for speed! That’s the only classic Weatherby thing about this cartridge. RPM stands for rebated precision magnum – a dramatic departure from their traditional offerings. Maximizing the efficiency of 6.5mm bullets, as well as the entire Mark V 6-lug action, should it be more popular? We think so! Tune in to hear all about this modern-cartridge marvel.

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 Meatball Madness just in time for the giving season on the latest episode of Spaghetti Shootout. Tune in as Mark and Ryan debate our favorite listener-submitted questions. Happy Holidays, Vortex Nation™. Keep your eyes peeled for a duel for all the marbles as we find out who’s quicker to the draw. 

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

Bolt guns feature varying bolt-throw angles. Why? Are some better than others? What can it effect? Does a person need to factor it into their rifle purchase decision? Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark Boardman to chat through the angle of the dangle in this convo on bolt throw. 

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

Muzzle Brakes are a diverse lot. Different lengths, port angles, port styles, port locations, materials and brands abound. But is adding a muzzle brake to your rifle right for you? And if so, what attributes make a particular muzzle brake the right one for you? Competitive shooter (amongst other things), Reuben Aleckson, brings a wealth of knowledge and visual aids to this podcast all about muzzle brakes. 

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 huge component of executing precise long-range shots – sound ballistic data. Ryan Muckenhirn joins Mark Boardman to break down ballistic calculator basics. The good news is all you need are some baseline inputs. The math is done for you – thank goodness!

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 will do whatever it takes to hunt big mule deer bucks. Couple that with his masochistic enjoyment of tough hunts that test his mind, body, and spirit to the limit, and you get a damn good story. Pull up to our virtual campfire as he recalls a dangerously tough hunt for his biggest 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

The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding, lays down a couple holiday goose recipes to make your waterfowl mouth-watering. Impress your friends, eat good, and give yourself a reason to get back in the blind after the holiday dust settles.

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 get goosy with The Fowl Life’s, Chad Belding as he peppers us with advanced goose hunting tactics you can take to bank. Networking, scouting, calling, decoy spreads and more – Chad covers it all in this goostastic podcast you won’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

Corey Eliasson from Vortex Edge® drops by the podcast studio to drop a little knowledge on how to clean your bolt rifle after the closing bell of rifle season rings. There’s more than one way to skin the proverbial gun-cleaning cat, but Corey’s background and record of success give his methods some hard-earned street cred. Tune in and clean up your act with these helpful 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

Ryan Lampers is one of the most respected big game hunters in the west. A byproduct of that — some damn good hunt stories. Listen to Ryan as he recounts this backcountry mule deer hunt with his cousin Joey Pyburn. Packed with adventure, grit, risk, and success, this was truly a hunt of epic proportions!

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 no secret Ryan Muckenhirn has a fond appreciation for fine firearms and upland bird hunting. Budget and taste in many cases can find themselves at opposite ends of their respective spectrums. So, what is Ryan’s dream shotgun? Why? How long has he been enamored with it? Will he ever own it? Does he own it? Hit play 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

Since the beginning of cartridge time, shooters have been enamored with extending the capabilities of their equipment and their ability. Sometimes going to extreme lengths. Scott Austin, Shepard Humphries, and team of passionate shooters planned and executed the 4.4-mile world record shot on September 13, 2022. Their motive – fun. Listen in and get the backstory on this impressive feat along with the unique equipment used to make it happen.

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 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