Vortex Nation Podcast

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.

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 47 min
#10MinuteTalk | Could Oregon Ban Hunting, Fishing & Ranching? The PEACE Act Explained
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
July 27 · 1 hr 7 min
Ep. 456 | Waterfowl Competition Calling, Quill Creek Calls, and Hunting Tactics | Chance Wadsworth
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!
July 21 · 18 min
#10MinuteTalk | NEW Crossfire® II Red Dots | Features, Performance & Models Explained
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
July 20 · 1 hr 15 min
Ep. 455 | The Best Tents We've Used: Backpacking, Hunting & Camping
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.
July 14 · 43 min
#10MinuteTalk | The Hunting Essential Your Buddies Never Pack
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.
July 13 · 52 min
Ep. 454 | 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Velocity and Gel Test | Full Report!
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 appli
July 7 · 31 min
#10MinuteTalk | Backcountry Sleep Systems — Sleep Your Way to the Top of the Mountain
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.
July 6 · 1 hr 26 min
Ep. 453 | Kifaru Packs, Hunting Gear & Backpack Design | Behind the Brand
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.
June 30 · 16 min
#10MinuteTalk | Model 307 MZY | Weatherby's First Muzzleloader
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.
June 29 · 47 min
Ep. 452 | Boots We Like — Best Hunting Boots for Mountain Hunts to Whitetails
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.
June 23 · 42 min
#10MinuteTalk | Pack Fit, Backpack Setup & Backcountry Hunting Tips with Exo Mtn Gear Founder Steve Speck
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
June 22 · 1 hr 50 min
Ep. 451 | International Hunt Tips You Need to Know with Nick Hoffman
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 ev
June 16 · 29 min
#10MinuteTalk | The 7.62x39 | Most Popular Rifle Cartridge in the World?
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?
June 15 · 1 hr 29 min
Ep. 450 | Federal’s 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak Changes Everything
Federal Ammunition’s Joshua Vickers and Brad Abramowski join Vortex to give us the gouge on their all-new 6.5 Creedmoor +Peak ammo. 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.
June 11 · 34 min
Most Ridiculous Concealed Carry | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 34
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.
June 9 · 1 hr 32 min
#10MinuteTalk | Drawing from Concealed and More with Pro Shooter Hunter Constantine
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.
June 8 · 26 min
Ep. 449 | How to Choose the Right Hunting Shelter | Argali Founder Brad Brooks Explains
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 epi
June 2 · 41 min
#10MinuteTalk | Train How You Hunt: Build Mountain-Endurance with Pack Training
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.
June 1 · 48 min
Ep. 448 | Cool Guns with Ian Klemm — Rare Old Sako’s
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.
May 26 · 23 min
#10MinuteTalk | The Smith & Wesson 1854 — Born from Lever Action Legacy
Lever-action rifles may be a new category for Smith & Wesson, but the company’s connection to lever guns goes back to the very origins of the platform itself. In this episode, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn explore the history behind the legendary action and take a closer look at the classic styling and modern performance of the Smith & Wesson 1854.