Vortex Nation Podcast

Choosing a binocular configuration shouldn’t be a daunting task. Vortex’s binocular expert, Mike McDowell, joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to talk through the pros and cons of various models. Compacts, to “Big Eyes”, they cover them all. What binocular is right for you? Tune in to find out.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Need the perfect gift? Vortex has you covered. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn highlight select Vortex products sure to keep you on everyone’s “nice list.”

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

As we hit the launch button on a bunch of 7mm Backcountry content, Federal hit the launch button on reloading dies and load data. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn cover what’s new and what it means for this cartridge.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Ryan Muckenhirn brings in his Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawkin muzzleloader. He and Mark Boardman talk through its features, the story behind it, and what makes it so cool. A link to our mountain-man past, traditional muzzleloaders are intrinsically awesome in every way. This podcast may just inspire you to purchase one of your own.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Lights, camera, spaghetti! The ethics of deer drives, Adam Sandler movie characters, and more. Can Mark make a coherent argument and come away with another win? Does Ryan noodle around for the right words only to slip in the spaghetti sauce of life? Tune in to find out.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

After talking about and testing the .300 SUPER WSM, Ryan had to build one of his own. Tune in for the breakdown of his new rifle and get the scoop on his and Mark’s plan to put their .300 SUPER WSM’s to the test on a late-season cow elk hunt.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

Remi Warren talks about his personal hunting experience with the 7mm Backcountry and its impressive performance. Like Mark Boardman, he is a big fan of the .300 WSM. They’ve even podcasted about the many fine attributes of the .300 WSM previously. But is the 7mm Backcountry claiming the crown as Remi’s big-game go-to? Listen and find out.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

Back from the range shooting every Federal loading through two 7mm Backcountry rifles (Proof Research and Weatherby), Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn have a lot to digest. They analyze the chronograph data, bullet offerings, factory rifle options, and overall performance. Is owning a 7mm Backcountry in their future? Listen and find out.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

Folds of Honor provides scholarships to the children and spouses of military and first responders fallen or disabled in the line of duty. Listen and learn more about this great organization and the Vortex/Folds of Honor Crafted Impact collaboration. Together, we can raise money and support their life-changing cause.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

Federal’s Eric Miller gives a detailed rundown on their 7mm Backcountry cartridge and Peak Alloy case technology. High pressure coupled with short barrels optimal for suppression and magnum performance just might have you headed to your local gun shop. Tune in to get the gouge on this more than intriguing cartridge.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

Muzzleloader bullets come in all shapes and sizes. Round balls to polymer-tipped and custom-swaged, there are a lot of options to choose from. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through the different styles, advantages they offer, and which may be the best for you.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

Semi-auto deer rifles are the Kings of fast follow-up shots, the Dukes of deer drives, and Princes of pie-plate precision (kidding on that last part). A cultural norm in some regions and nearly absent in others, semi-autos often prove much more accurate than many folks give them credit for. Tune in to this podcast where Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk all about the iconic semi-auto deer rifle and its place amongst the hunting ranks.

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2025

Vortex’s Maggie Carsello gives us the rundown on her early October archery whitetail. The biggest buck she’s shot to date, her story is proof positive it pays to strategically target bucks through every stage of the season.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

The gang is back with their spaghetti six shooters slinging meatballs and mild insults. Can Mark Boardman take down the all-knowing Ryan Muckenhirn or does he fall face first in his plate of pasta shame. Optimal rifle barrel length to hunting advice that’s just plain wrong, tune in as they battle it out in the name of spaghetti glory.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Derrick Dixon, founder of the Whitetail Research YouTube channel, buzzes by virtually like a thermal drone to talk about his self-documented, year-long, thermal-drone-based deer study. If you’re interested in mature buck behavior, tune in to hear what he learned monitoring these mysterious creatures from above.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

Dan Johnson joins Mark Boardman to report back on his SD muley hunt. He gives his take on an area that’s historically produced and why it was just plain tough this year. Successful or not, we learn from every hunt. This one is no exception.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

Ryan Muckenhirn loves the .308 Winchester and Barnes Bullets. These two facts combine making a podcast all about his pet .308 load and the compelling argument as to its incredible effectiveness. Tune in and prepare to buy a box or two for yourself.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Joe Hamilton, President and CEO of Vortex, sits down with Mark Boardman to give Vortex’s gritty origin story, shed light on the philosophies that make Vortex what it is, and let you know about a brand-new podcast he’ll be hosting. If you like inspiring stories, great information, and want a sneak peek into a platform that may be exactly what you and your business need, tune in!

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

Mark Boardman travels to the Scottish Highlands to meet up with the Spartan Precision team. Together, they tackle its rugged terrain and inclement weather in pursuit of red stag, sika deer, and if the stars align, an Atlantic salmon. The landscape breathtaking, Kildermorie Estate Lodge historic, people amazing, and culture rich, this hunt exceeded any expectation Mark could have had.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

The price/performance ratio bar has been set again. The Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 Riflescope and 850 Rangefinder are built to impress without depleting your pocketbook. Perfect for budget conscious hunters, casual hunters, and new hunters, these optics round out the Triumph series and will get you in the game. Listen as Luke Roberts and Shane Callaghan from Vortex’s product development team tell us all about them.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

You selected 5 optics-ready pistols. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn shot them. Listen as they run through the features, what they liked, didn’t like, and points to consider.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

Clay Hayes joins Mark Boardman to talk through his month-long Alaska adventure. Moose hunting with his self-bow, fishing, bears, and more made this trip one to remember. Tune in to hear all about it.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Everything you need or want in a pistol/offset dot. Vortex Defender Enclosed Solar and Venom® Micro Red Dots are tough, compact, fully protected from the elements, boast an ultra-clear aspherical lens, are widely compatible, and more! Tune in to hear about your new dot. That may sound presumptuous — until you hear about the incredible performance they offer.

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Bolt action shotguns are dang cool yet nearly a thing of the past. They went from the best option for deer hunting in specific states/regions of states to, well, not. Ryan Muckenhirn brings in a bolt action shotgun to highlight and a few deer stories, as he and Mark Boardman cover the unique firearm category.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

Vortex’s Erik Barber is fresh off a Rifle Elk Rut Hunt for the books. He burned points and powder making a lifelong dream come true. With his wife along for the adventure, they made memories to last a lifetime. Tune in to hear all about it.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

It’s the season 4 opener of Spaghetti Shootout. Does Mark bag enough points to bring home victory or does he head home tail tucked after another Muckenhirn beatdown? The Cartridge that should be brough back from the dead, favorite aircraft, the broadhead your opponent would be and more. Grab a fork and dig into this exciting episode you don’t want to miss.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Vortex’s Alexander Lewis and Adam Maxwell team up to talk battle rifles. We cover what a battle rifle is, their evolution, applications where they shine, drawbacks, if you need one, and what the modern battle rifle looks like for today’s warfighter. One thing is certain; we’ve come a long way.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

Vortex’s Cole Booth enters the podcast chat with an archery antelope hunt that ends with two goats down. Economical and action-packed, this hunt is pure fun and hits before most seasons start. Listen as Cole recounts he and his hunting partners trip, taking us along for the ride.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

Silencer Shop founder, Dave Matheny, breaks down their lawsuit against the ATF and the current state of suppressor regulations. The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of keeping suppressors, short-barreled rifles (SBRs), short-barreled shotguns (SBSs), and Any Other Weapons (AOWs) under the National Firearms Act (NFA). The aim is to eliminate outdated, costly, and restrictive regulations that encumber lawful gun owners, with support drawn from historical precedent and recent legislative momentum around H.R.1, the “Big Beautiful Bill".

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

Pistols come in all shapes and sizes — just like people. What you select to carry and where you carry it on your person is a choice based on a range of factors. Chris Urrutia and Corey Eliasson from Vortex Edge®, along with Ryan Muckenhirn, join Mark Boardman to chat through the main categories of pistols, what to consider, and the best choice for you.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

Open country archery mule deer hunting is a tough game — particularly when it’s your first time doing it. Samong Yang from Samong Outdoors teams up with the gang from YETI and Remi Warren for an exciting hunt in sage country. Tune in to hear all about it.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

Ryan Muckenhirn “swings through” to give his thoughts on the various forms of shotgun leads, what may work best, and when to use certain types. If you’re looking for practical advice to break clays and bring more birds to bag, this is the episode for you.

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

Crossbows are incredibly effective when set up with the right optic. The Vortex Crossfire II Crossbow Scope is that optic. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk the merits of the crossbow platform, the simple process of sighting the Crossfire II Crossbow Scope in, and shooting the system to 100 yards.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

Kelly Birchmier tells the story of the giant velvet bull he shot with his bow. This was a hunt 12 years in the making, a hunt that almost didn’t happen, a hunt where all the stars aligned — a hunt that resulted in a world record? Tune in to find out.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025

Gregg Sloan jumps on to talk through their new Barnes Reserve line of ammo, the “why” behind it, and what it offers hunters/shooters. This ammo comes from the factory with hand-loaded precision and features cartridges you’re not going to find on the shelf of your local shop — including .300 SUPER WSM. Tune in to hear about it and all the current offerings.

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025

Adventure is what and where you make it. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn chat through outside-the-box adventure hunts they have planned — to hopefully inspire you to plan yours. From multi-state/multi-species upland bird safaris to equipment-intensive back-40 does, this is a fun podcast you won’t want to miss.

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

Zack Ellis from Pacific North Wild takes a break from fall bear hunting to give us a season update. He covers conditions and timing specific to this year, bear encounters thus far, tactics, and what to look for in the coming weeks. Tune in for some solid info and tips you can take to the field.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2025

The Vortex Crossfire® HD Riflescope series represents quality, economy and versatility. Boasting features and optics found on more expensive options, a deep lineup of configurations, and reticles to suit a wide range of hunters and shooters, they are truly the every-man’s riflescope series. Luke Roberts from Vortex’s product development team joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to walk through these impressive riflescopes.

Transcribed - Published: 2 September 2025

Ecologist, guide, dog trainer, and taxidermist, Meadow Kouffeld, gives us a rundown on Ruffed Grouse biology and their habits. Knowing your quarry isn’t just interesting, it will make you a better hunter. Quit grousing around and tune in for some great grouse info.

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

Meticulous, methodical, a stickler for consistency and precision, Erik Barber is serious about his hunting arrows. From component selection to tuning each complete arrow to perfection, he leaves no detail unturned. Tune in to hear what he’s using, why, and what he does to make each arrow hit behind the pin.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

Argali’s Brad Brooks drops by to drop some hard-earned elk hunting and backcountry gear knowledge. Years of chasing and consistently harvesting bulls makes his voice a good one to listen to. Weave some of Brad’s elk hunting advice into your tactics tool kit and you just might get your Argali game bags dirty this fall.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

Range with precision, minimize kit, save time, spot shots, and glass away — all with the Ranger® HD 3000 Laser Rangefinding Binocular. This 10x42 unit is a two-in-one solution for your observation and rangefinding needs. Tune in to hear all about its impressive features and why it may just be your next optic of choice.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

Dan Johnson from the Sportsmen’s Empire Podcast Network visits Vortex. He and Mark Boardman talk about the Sportsmen’s Empire platform, his personal podcasts, life, kids, time best spent, hunting and more. Tune in for a great conversation with a down-to-earth dude.

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

The high-velocity .264 Winchester Magnum built its reputation around flat-shooting performance and its ability to flatten game. Making its commercial debut in 1959, it was soon overshadowed but the 7mm Remington Magnum. Tune in as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk about this incredibly capable yet nearly forgotten cartridge.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

This round-table discussion takes place around a table loaded with a wide variety of rifle stocks and chassis. Models, features, total wight, and material composition abound. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn and precision-rifle-shooter Mike Tassoul talk through what they like, where each is optimal, and what works best for them.

Transcribed - Published: 11 August 2025

Food Selection in the backcountry can make or break your hunt. From simply having to choke down what should be a reward at the end of a hard day, to hunt-ruining gastrointestinal issues, it’s good practice to know before you go. Just trust us here! Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn and new-to-the podcast, Rylan Benson, bring their favorites to share. Get some tips, stories, and the “why” behind their selection in this ultra-fun dish-to-pass episode.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

You asked, we answered. Light-hearted to technical, the gang is back answering listener questions. There’s a little bit of everything in this buffet of banter.

Transcribed - Published: 4 August 2025

Selecting a release for compound bowhunting is a big decision. Styles and opinions abound. Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and one of the most consistent whitetail whackers we know, Erik Barber, team up to give their thoughts.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

Ike Eastman and Brandon Mason from Wyoming-based Eastmans’ Hunting break down antelope tips and tactics that will have you breaking down your next big buck. On the surface, pursuing these critters may seem simple. That can be true, but when you dive into their biology, habitat, and unique behaviors, there’s more to antelope hunting than meets their big eyes.

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Up the performance of your Tikka with aftermarket accessories that don’t break the bank. Small, inexpensive, easy to implement changes can yield big results and options from a wide swath of reputable manufacturers abound. Mark Boardman, Erik Barber and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through several to consider.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025