Vortex Nation Podcast

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn are back with another round of Hot Takes, tackling one of the biggest debates in hunting optics: first focal plane (FFP) vs. second focal plane (SFP) rifle scopes.

Which focal plane is better for hunting? Does first focal plane offer the advantage, or does second focal plane make more sense in the field? Mark and Ryan share their perspectives, challenge each other's opinions, and break down the pros and cons of each.

Do they agree, disagree or eventually find compromise. Is the true answer simply, it depends? 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

The .338 Federal might be one of the most underrated hunting cartridges out there. For Ty Fosbenner’s Dream Build Experience, we set out to build a custom bolt-action rifle designed for Kodiak Island blacktail deer hunting and brown bear defense. The result? An insanely versatile hunting rifle that will have you reconsidering the .338 Federal.

Ty’s unique rifle requirements set the stage for an unforgettable week of rifle building, handload development, and practical shooting. Along the way, we discuss Ty’s Coast Guard background, why he chose the .338 Federal, and how this often-overlooked cartridge fits his demanding hunting needs.

Little did Ty know his rifle needs would make Mark Boardman’s and Ryan Muckenhirn’s build dreams come true too!

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 .308 SUPER episode of Cartridge Talks sparked plenty of questions and conversation. Now, Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn are back to address your comments, tackle viewer questions, and clear up the confusion surrounding the .308 SUPER. In this episode, we unpack the discussion, provide additional context, and set the record straight on .308 SUPER.

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

Whitetail Adrenalin’s Jared Scheffler hunts whitetails from the ground with a bow that would have been more at home thousands of years ago. His ancient archery techniques are unorthodox by today’s standards. They also work if you put in the work! He runs us through some ancient archery history, his archery deer hunting journey, his current bow and arrow system, and more. If you’re passionate about traditional archery, bowhunting whitetails, and learning new approaches to deer hunting, 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

What would you do in this deer hunting situation? The Hunting Public’s Aaron Warbritton breaks down real-world public land deer hunting scenarios and explains how he’d approach each one. From reading sign and choosing setups to making decisions in the field, get practical whitetail hunting tactics, learn what works (and what doesn’t), and understand why. Whether you’re scouting new ground or trying to outsmart a pressured public land buck, these lessons can help you make smarter decisions this season. Watch, listen, learn, and put these public land deer hunting strategies to the test.

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

What will deer rifles look like 10, 20, or even 50 years from now?

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn look into their crystal ball to predict the future of the modern deer rifle. From drones to advanced optics, emerging technology, and the enduring bolt-action rifle, they explore how innovation—and tradition—could shape the way future generations hunt deer.

Will tomorrow’s deer hunter carry a high-tech hunting system, or will the classic bolt-action rifle still rule the deer woods?

Tune in to find out what future generations will be carrying during deer 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

The guys rank their five favorite deer cartridges—or seven, depending on who’s counting—using external ballistics, terminal performance, recoil, and popularity among hunters as their criteria. Did each finalist earn its place? Were any cartridges overlooked? And does Mark’s or Ryan’s top pick match yours? 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

Zeroing your rifle can be accomplished in as few as two shots. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn run through a few of their favorite tips to make zeroing your rifle fast, efficient, and easy.

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

What if you could turn years of trail camera photos and deer data into a clearer plan for where and when to hunt?

On this episode, Nate and Thomas Krick of Identical Draw join us to break down their new Deer ID app and how it can help hunters organize, catalog, and make sense of massive amounts of trail cam data.

We dig into how the app can help you identify individual deer, streamline your trail cam information, spot patterns, and turn data into actionable hunting decisions—so you can spend less time sorting through photos and more time making high-percentage sits.

If you’re serious about whitetail hunting, trail camera strategy, deer identification, and using data to improve your hunts, this episode is worth a 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

What makes down insulation so warm, lightweight, and packable—and how do you know what you’re actually buying?

Argali’s Brad Brooks takes us deep into the world of down insulation, explaining everything from fill power and feather-to-down ratios to water-resistant down, temperature ratings, baffle design, regional origin, and testing protocols.

We also cover how down compares across products, what to look for when buying a down jacket or sleeping bag, and best practices for down care and longevity.

If you’re trying to understand down insulation, compare down products, or make a more informed outdoor gear purchase, this episode breaks down the details you need to know about this incredible natural fiber.

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