Vortex Nation Podcast

Days are getting shorter, snow is starting to fall, old man winter is making it harder to get to the range to hone our skills and practice our favorite pastime of shooting... If you're in the North that is... Jimmy and Mark chat with Reuben Aleckson and Adam Maxwell, two top-level shooters who manage to shoot and practice year round despite living in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin, about methods for honing one's shooting skills during the winter months indoors. Dry firing, practicing motor skills, joining indoor pistol leagues, performing maintenance on critical pieces of equipment and mental/physical preparation for competition if applicable are all things that could even take your game to the next level despite limited access to shooting ranges and minimal rounds down range. So get that fire roaring, pour up a cup of hot chocolate and take some notes. Even if you live in the southern states and have more range time during the winter, these tips and tricks are things you can do in your basement and will almo

After hitting a local piece of public land in search of squirrels (Much to no avail) Mark, Jimmy and Pat Durkin, a man of many talents, loads of hunting knowledge and a slew of cool life experiences sit down for a good, classic huntin' talk. From the rise of big game hunting and the related fall in small game hunting licenses sold to first time hunters, cross-cultural differences in food norms and changes in common hunting practices from the 70's to current times, if you make hunting a part of your lifestyle, chances are there's a lot in this podcast you're going to relate to. Pat is an outdoor columnist, former magazine editor for several publications and currently does some writing for the MeatEater crew as well, so if you like what you hear, give him a quick Google search and you're sure to find plenty more interesting and thought-provoking pieces to distract yourself from work with.  As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of

Let’s face it – without reticles, riflescopes would just be gun-mounted spotting scopes. Reticles are supremely important to shooters and hunters by delivering critical data from 100 yard zeroes to bullet drop, range estimation to improved speed and accuracy up close. They’re also one of the biggest question marks when it comes to purchasing a new riflescope or learning how to use one you already have. Jimmy, Mark, Jimmy (Not a typo) and Nick do a deep dive on reticles from traditional and simple duplex-style reticles to the most complex “Christmas Tree” First Focal Plane precision reticles and everything in between. We also touch on caliber-specific BDC’s, MOA vs MRAD and clever tricks for using some of the Vortex reticle offerings in different scopes. If you’ve ever wanted to get the maximum potential from your scope’s reticle, check out this episode, read up on the reticle manual for your scope if you haven’t already and get to the range to get shooting! As always - let us know if there are any topics you'

In the Backcountry Hunting 101 podcast we eluded to Erik going on his first western hunts this year. This episode recaps his opening weekend South Dakota mule deer hunt from September. If you think you need to block off a ton of time from your work calendar or honey-do list, think again - this entire out of state hunt took only 3 days! In addition to Erik’s biggest takeaways from the hunt, we’ll also dive into some tips that you might find helpful while planning your own hunt outside of your home state. We’ll discuss several mapping software that are incredibly useful for e-scouting your next honeyhole, even though it might be several states away. Hopefully you’re making some hunting stories of your own, and if you are - we want to hear them! Let us know what you’ve been chasing and any interesting tips you’ve got, and we just might share them on an upcoming episode of the Vortex Nation Podcast!

Jim, Erik and Mark sit down with cool-ass-dude and Wisconsin DNR big game ecologist Kevin Wallenfang, to chat about an elk hunt 23 years in the making, bull on bull crime, submarine communication, and 17000 (give or take) amazingly interesting facts about Wisconsin’s elk herd. Kevin’s been at the heart of this wildlife success story from the start. And when we say heart – we mean it. Kevin loves these elk and all the folks who’s hard work has paid off in such a big way – giving Wisconsin a sustainable elk herd. Hang on tight. This is a good one. As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Snow Goose often gets a bad rap for its gamey and greasy flavor. We beg to differ, and with a little forethought in your in-the-field game prep and a handy dandy recipe like this one, maybe you’ll find yourself saying otherwise, too. This recipe takes a suggestion we received from a customer for a venison roast brine and applies it to 30+ birds-worth of snow goose breasts from South Dakota. After 24 hours of sitting in the delicious solution, we seasoned them up and tossed them on the Traeger smoker-grill to get a good medium finish. Ordinarily, our very own Ken Calhoun turns these into Jalapeño poppers, but when you need to feed an army at work, it’s easiest to just turn it all into a self-serve line of taco’s. Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #Vo

Getting tired of the same old range day – setting up at the bench and lobbing a few rounds down range at targets really, really far away? It’s great therapy, but why not add a little adrenaline and even further skill to your repertoire by entering into PRS competition? It’s not as tough as you think. Scott Parks, Reuben Aleckson and a new guest for the podcast – Nick Laufenberg join the crew to talk what PRS is, how one can join, what equipment you need to compete and the mental hurdles to clear to be successful. Scott also goes in-depth on proper shooting form, “Driving the gun”, follow-through, loading the bipod and much more. All key elements to make you a better precision rifle shooter, a better carbine shooter and even a better pistol shooter, too. We had a ton of fun with this episode and hope to have maybe inspired some of you to try out a PRS, NRL or other “PRS-Style” match one of these days! As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us o

Some do it for therapy, some for precision and others for mass quantity. Reloading or just regular loading ammunition is nothing new to the industry, but looking from the outside in, it can seem like an intimidating task to take on. Our two newest guests, Jimmy Jordan and Tom Leatherberry, as well as Ryan Muckenhirn have all been reloading for years and all for different reasons. We chat with them about what it is, why someone would want to do it, how you can get started and why "Saving money" is probably the worst reason you could ever get into the hobby. As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

From HQ, Mark and Jimmy are joined live via Skype by Ryan Muckenhirn at the tail end of his September archery hunt and "Scout Hunt" in pursuit of mule deer. The Slim Butte region of South Dakota is a difficult tag to draw for rifle and Ryan has been accumulating points for the last 7 years. Thinking he's surely due to draw any year now, he decided to get the far easier to draw September archery tag for the unit to scout things out and possibly arrow a deer while he's at it. We talk terrain, deer behavior this time of year and the sheer difficulty of trying to sneak up on one of these suckers pre-rut. As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Gathering upon… “Lots” of experience (Math is hard) combined between Mark, Ryan Muckenhirn and Paul Neess, Erik asks his last-minute questions before heading out to South Dakota and Montana in search of mule deer. Hitting the backcountry can be a daunting task. In a mess of seemingly endless gear optiions, preparation and in-the-field tactics, how can one be sure they know what they’re doing? Well, first thing’s first, it’s not like assembling an Ikea table – You probably shouldn’t just grab a bunch of random pieces and “figure it out along the way”. From clothing to temperature regulation, or communication with the outside world and game care/storage in the field, the crew discusses proven practices that can help ensure success, survival, minimal frustration and maximum enjoyment of the overall adventure. Have any other questions you didn’t hear asked in this podcast? We’d love to hear them and maybe we’ll answer those in our next podcast about backcountry hunting. Stay safe out there, Vortex Nation. As alwa

What do you do after raiding a crockpot full of delicious braised turkey leg meat for turkey leg street taco’s? Podcast about it so the whole world can know how good it is. Turkey legs don’t get a lot of love thanks to the myriad of ultra-tough tendons running throughout their meat, often making cooking and eating a complete nightmare. Erik and Mark braised up a few legs from their spring turkeys while Jimmy whipped up some fresh-made salsa to top it all off and gosh darnit if it didn’t turn out amazing. We’ve got the recipe for those looking to recreate this masterpiece, and discuss the process here in this food special of the Vortex Nation Podcast. Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

The crew sits down with Josh Froelich, Open Division competitive shooter and 2018 IPSC Shotgun World Champion, to talk open division shooting, why he runs so many red dots on his guns (Yes – more than one on each gun!) and the overall experience competing in the IPSC Shotgun World Championships in France. We learned even more about his reasoning for switching from fighting MMA for years to transitioning into the 3 Gun arena and also how his new eating habits have helped take his shooting game to the next level. Josh also explained the awkward high-school-prom-like tradition of World IPSC Shotgun shooters trading jerseys at the big match! As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Some hunters spend summer months yearning for the crisp crunch of fall leaves and a brisk northerly breeze. Rather than counting down the days to hunting season, why not get started in August? In this month’s rendition of Hunt Year 'Round, we’re joined by Jesse Knock to get the scoop on hunting Sitka blacktail deer in Alaska’s Alpine. Chasing blacktails in arguably the most unforgiving terrain on the planet will test you mentally and physically, and will certainly reward you with an incredible experience regardless if you fill your tag. Better yet – it’s an over-the-counter tag available to anyone! Tune in to get the full scoop, and as always, let us know what you think! If you have an awesome hunting opportunity near you or idea for Hunt Year 'Round, let us know - we'd love to hear it!  As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

After listening to Long Range 1001 and 1002, Erik decided it was time to really give long range a try at the Vortex Extreme 2018 in Wyoming. He sat down with Mark and Jimmy to discuss the practical application of his “Lessons” in going from a regular Wisconsin whitetail hunter to a full-blown long range precision competitor in just one weekend. If you’ve listened to our long range podcasts, but are still nervous to actually put it into action, perhaps Erik’s story will help get you ready for what to expect when you actually get behind the trigger. As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast.

Nephi Cole, Policy adviser for Wyoming Gov. Mead and Doug Miyamoto, Director of the Wyoming Department of Agriculture join Jimmy and Mark at the Vortex Extreme 2018 as they discuss the decision to make shooting sports a larger focus of their Wyoming State Fair. It seems rare these days to hear public officials voicing their support for firearms and the shooting sports industry, so to hear from these two about Wyoming’s dedication to preserving and even further igniting their state’s firearm culture was refreshing. They also talk to the interactions they’ve had with other elected officials across the nation regarding firearms and the second amendment. It was truly an honor to be a part of the WY state fair with the Vortex Extreme and if this discussion is any indication of the future of the event, we hope to see many more of you in Wyoming at the Wagonhound Ranch for years to come!   As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our s

Slightly delirious from days of preparing the Vortex Extreme competition in the Wyoming elevation and heat, the Vortex crew sits down in the Wyoming State Police Academy to explain just what the Vortex Extreme is. An event 8 years in the running, the Extreme made the move to Wyoming this year for the first time to be held on the historic Wagonhound Ranch outside of Douglas, WY. Combining the endurance of hiking your rifle and gear nearly 9 miles through the mountains with the accuracy needed to engage targets from 100 to over 1200 yards, the Extreme is a true test for any long range shooter. All are welcome to compete and we encourage beginners or first time competitors to join us for good fun and one heck of a butt-kicking to get in shape right before hunting season begins. If you’ve thought about joining us in years past but haven’t yet made it out, what’s holding you back? We’d love to know so we can continue to grow the match in future years! As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like cove

Jimmy, Mark and Erik gather round the gun bench as Ryan Muckenhirn mounts up a brand new Diamondback Tactical FFP on Erik’s rifle to compete in the Vortex Extreme 2018. Follow along in your own gun room as Ryan actually does the entire mounting procedure and explains all the steps in detail while podcasting real-time. Even though we’re mounting up one scope on one gun with one type of ring, the crew discusses the many different varieties of rings, mounts, scopes and rifles on the market and how their differences may or may not factor into the process. From bolt guns to AR’s, many shooters would be surprised how a relatively simple set of tools can get the perfect mount every time and avoid the hassle of having to take everything to the store or a gun smith. Heck – you’ll probably even be able to do it better and more accurately yourself, too!   Already listened, but want the show notes for reference afterwards? You can find them here: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-nation-podcast As always - let us know if t

Dave Hartman, host of the 3 Gun Show, joined us as we asked him a little about his past and how he got started in the world of 3 gunning and podcasting. From shooting guns without instagram to engine swapping rockets and even sleeping through a nearby tornado in his mobile trailer, we got all kinds of crazy awesome stories from this incredibly interesting dude. If you frequent his podcast, which now features a library of over 200 episodes, you know he doesn't often talk about himself so this opportunity was unique and exciting! If you 3 Gun or are interested in the sport and haven't checked out his podcast yet, you should do so as soon as you get done listening to this one for tons more info on the competitions and the community. As always - let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation podcast by asking us on any one of our social media platforms and using #VortexNationPodcast. ​

Aggressive whitetail tactics can arguably yield more mature buck sightings than any other method used for hunting these elusive critters. Aaron Warbritton, Greg Clements and Jake Huebschman from The Hunting Public join Mark and Erik on an in-depth discussion that dives into tactics that can pay off for heavily pressured whitetails on public land, and even small acreage private properties when implemented at the proper time. You’ll learn about: Hunting specific buck beds – how to identify them and why setting up in close proximity to these “bedrooms” yields encounters during shooting hours, even during timeframes like the October lull when bucks traditionally display nocturnal tendencies. Using observation sits to identify bedding locations from afar, and then moving in for a close-quarters ambush when similar conditions present an ideal opportunity. The “bump and dump” strategy, which involves spooking a buck from a bed and then hunting it again at a later date. Even if the buck ran off scared and alerted to

Jimmy, Ryan Muckenhirn, Paul Ness and Scott Parks further expand upon the topic of long range shooting from our first "Long Range Shooting 1001" podcast. If you've overheard the pro's talk about BC's, G1 vs. G7, wind, mirage, the importance of leveling your riflescope or density altitude before and wondered "What the h%ll are they talking about?" - This "1002" level discussion might just answer that question. Most importantly, we can't stress enough that arguably the most important thing you can know and do to become a better long range shooter is gain more experience... That means SHOOT MORE! There are a million and one variables that go into each and every shot. The only real difference between an "OK" shooter and a great shooter is the great shooter has thousands of rounds worth of previously gained knowledge to base their estimation upon, making them more likely to be more accurate. No one will ever truly master long range shooting to the point of perfection, but wi