Published by Vortex Optics
Welcome to the Vortex Nation Podcast. Brought to you by lovers of hunting, shooting, public lands, the Second Amendment and dang good food.
Listen on Apple Podcasts2 hr 19 min
The NEW podcast studio is in full effect. In this special listener Q&A, the Vortex Nation and CARE podcast teams join forces to answer your best hunting, shooting, CARE, and just-for-fun questions. A .308 SUPER update to the best beef jerky flavor and more, the guys tackle your hard-hitting questions and have fun doing 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
47 min
Rob Sexton, Senior Vice President of the Sportsmen's Alliance, joins Mark Boardman to explain Oregon Initiative Petition 28, also known as the PEACE Act (People for Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions). It seeks to eliminate long-standing legal exemptions that effectively eliminate hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock production, wildlife management, pest control, and other traditional practices. In this episode, Rob breaks down what the initiative proposes, who could be affected, and why sportsmen and other affected groups across the country are paying attention. If you care about hunting, conservation, fishing, ranching, or wildlife policy, this is an episode 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
1 hr 7 min
Three-time Live World Goose Calling Champion and founder of Quill Creek Calls, Chance Wadsworth, drops into our podcast decoys to talk contest calling, waterfowl hunting tactics, what makes his calls so good, and his entrepreneurial journey. If you’re a waterfowl hunter, competition caller, or looking to get into either, 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
18 min
The all-new Vortex Crossfire® II Dot Sight delivers fast target acquisition, rugged reliability, and upgraded performance for ARs, rifles, shotguns, and PCCs. In this episode, Vortex director of product development, Rob Morell, breaks down everything you need to know about the latest Crossfire® II lineup, including features, performance improvements, mounting options, and available configurations. Solar/battery-powered, battery-powered, red or green dot reticle, black and tan finishes, there's a Crossfire® II built for you. Learn what makes the new Crossfire® II one of the most versatile and dependable red dot sights for hunting, competition, home defense, and recreational shooting. 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
1 hr 15 min
Not all tents are built for the same adventure. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down tents they've trusted over years of hunting, backpacking, camping, and backcountry travel. They cover different models, styles, material compositions, and best applications for each. Bombproof four-season freestanding tents to ultralight trekking-pole-erected single-wall shelters, get the info you need for your next stay in the great outdoors. 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
43 min
Mark Boardman puts Vortex hunters on the spot with one simple question: What's the one piece of hunting gear you never leave home without? From overlooked hunting essentials to game-changing gear that can save a hunt, you'll hear the items experienced hunters always pack—but most don't. This podcast could change your packing list for good. 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
52 min
After velocity and gel testing Federal 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak loaded with 130 Grain Terminal Ascent bullets and comparing it to 6.5 PRC, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down everything they learned. Does Federal's innovative Peak Alloy high-pressure case deliver the velocity gains hunters have been waiting for? Does Peak Alloy Launch the 6.5 Creedmoor into an entirely new realm of performance? Is the 6.5 Creedmoor the only cartridge most folks need to handle all their big-game hunting applications? Is high pressure the future of cartridge design? Find out here! 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
31 min
Quality sleep can make or break a backcountry hunt. When you're covering miles, climbing elevation, and recovering for another full day in the field, your sleep system is one of the most important pieces of gear you carry. Sleeping bags, pads, pillows and cots — Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through their sleep systems and what works for 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
1 hr 26 min
The crew from Kifaru steps away from spring turkey season to talk hunting packs, technical fabrics, backpack design, apparel, and the philosophy behind building some of the toughest backcountry gear in the industry. We also recap a memorable turkey hunt, discuss what makes a great hunting pack, share gear insights, and cover down on favorite post-hunt meals. 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
16 min
Weatherby enters the muzzleloader arena in a big way with the ultra-premier Model 307 MZY. Blending features of a high-end rifle with state-of-the-art ignition technology, the Model 307 MZY delivers impressive performance and accuracy. Adam Weatherby and Luke Thorkildsen give us a primer on the features, performance, and design philosophy behind the Model 307 MZY, explaining what sets Weatherby’s first muzzleloader apart from the competition. 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
47 min
Mark Boarmdan and Ryan Muckenhirn lace up for a podcast all about boots they’ve used, trust and would recommend. Mountain hunts to farmland whitetails, your footwear can make or break the entire experience. Tune in to get the rundown on boot models to consider for your upcoming season. 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
42 min
How do you properly fit a hunting pack? What's the best way to pack your backpack for the backcountry? And how did Exo Mtn Gear become one of the most respected names in hunting packs? Exo Mtn Gear founder and lead pack designer Steve Speck joins the podcast to break down pack fit, load distribution, backpack setup, backcountry hunting gear, and the story behind Exo. Whether you're preparing for your first western hunt or fine-tuning your system, this episode is packed with practical advice and proven 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
1 hr 50 min
Nick Hoffman, experienced international hunter and host of Nick's Wild Ride , shares expert advice on traveling internationally for hunting adventures, including firearm and ammunition regulations, customs paperwork, rifle permits, travel documentation, health precautions, food and drinking water safety, tipping etiquette, and what to expect when hunting in foreign countries. From avoiding common travel mistakes to navigating customs and nearly getting arrested, Nick reveals real-world lessons every hunter should know before heading abroad. 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
29 min
The 7.62x39 is one of the most recognizable and widely used rifle cartridges ever created. Paired with AK-pattern rifles, it has earned a reputation for reliability, effectiveness, and global popularity. But what turned this intermediate cartridge into a worldwide phenomenon? In this episode, AK enthusiast Scott Hollfelder emerges from his bunker to break down the history, performance, military legacy, and enduring appeal of the 7.62x39. From its battlefield origins to its continued popularity among shooters today, discover why this cartridge remains one of the most influential rifle rounds ever designed. 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
1 hr 29 min
Federal Ammunition’s Joshua Vickers and Brad Abramowski join Vortex to give us the gouge on their all-new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammo. How does a round that’s long been known for efficiency suddenly gain up to 300 fps over comparable brass-cased 6.5 Creedmoor loads and roughly 100 fps over 6.5 PRC? In this episode, Federal explains the technology behind the latest addition to the Peak Alloy lineup, including velocity gains, recoil characteristics, barrel life, pressure management, projectile selection, and real-world hunting and shooting performance. If you’re a fan of 6.5 Creedmoor, curious about 6.5 PRC, or wondering whether +Peak is the next evolution in cartridge design, this is an episode 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
34 min
The most ridiculous concealed carry item you would still carry to finishing the lyrics of popular songs, the season finale of Spaghetti Shootout is sure to hit the spot. Who goes out on a high note? There’s only one way to find out. Grab your fork and dig in. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcast by asking us on Instagram @vortexnationpodcast
1 hr 32 min
Check out the limited edition Constantine Carry Belt here on hunterconstantine.com Hunter Constantine is a USPSA Grand Master, competitive shooter, professional firearms instructor, entrepreneur, successful YouTube host, inventor of the Constantine Carry Belt, and pro shooter for Team Smith & Wesson. To say he’s an expert is an understatement. We get his more than interesting story and walk through his process for drawing from concealed. 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
26 min
What hunting shelter should you buy? Argali founder Brad Brooks joins Mark Boardman to break down the pros and cons of hunting tents and backcountry shelters. Learn how tent size, weight, materials, weather protection, and intended use impact performance in the field. They also discuss the latest shelter innovations from Argali and help hunters determine which shelter best fits their needs. Whether you're planning a backcountry elk hunt, mule deer adventure, or extended wilderness trip, this episode will help you choose the right shelter with confidence. 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
41 min
Your ability to hike and hunt hard for multiple days is directly dependent on your fitness and mental toughness. If you do one thing to prepare for your hunt, rucking/pack training may just be your best bet. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn show their current systems and talk through how they weave rucking into their pre-season training regimen. 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
48 min
Vortex’s in-house firearm historian, collector, and extreme enthusiast, Ian Klemm, drops by the studio with two rare vintage Sako’s. Obscure chamberings. Classic Finnish craftsmanship. Ian Klemm breaks down the history behind an early L46 in .25-20 WCF and a unique L461 Vixen in 6x45mm. 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
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