Best Vortex Optics Podcasts (2026)

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#10MinuteTalk | The Winchester .25-35 | Listener Request 20:00

Play Pause

3d ago20:00

20:00

Introduced in 1895 for the Winchester 1894, the .25-35 Winchester was fast for its time, flat shooting, and optimized for the lever gun. This cartridge had and still has a lot to offer. Saddle up for an informative discussion focused on this classic cartridge. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like …

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#10MinuteTalk | The 7mm SAUM | Ahead of Its Time! 30:41

4d ago30:41

30:41

The 7mm SAUM has everything a long-range hunter or shooter is looking for — today. This cartridge was ahead of its time. Those who understood its capabilities have kept it alive in custom rifles to this day. Tune in as Mark Boardman, Ryan Muckenhirn, and Jimmy Hamilton cover this cool cartridge that should have been a household name. As always, we …

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#10MinuteTalk | The .17 Remington Fireball | Died a 4000 FPS Death 20:13

5d ago20:13

20:13

Lightning fast, low recoil, mild report, and perfect for varmints — what’s not to like about the .17 Remington Fireball? Apparently, a lot. This cartridge and rifles chambered in it weren’t long for this world. Tune is as the gang chats through this ultra-cool cartridge that never got traction. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know …

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#10MinuteTalk | The .338 ARC | Big Bullet, Small Case 34:52

6d ago34:52

34:52

Short, slow, and fat. No, this isn’t Mark’s high school football scouting report. It describes the positive attributes of the .338 ARC. This is a cool cartridge doing cool stuff in a standard AR frame. Tune in to hear all about 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™…

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#10MinuteTalk | The .405 Winchester | Was Teddy Roosevelt Right? 19:42

7d ago19:42

19:42

Introduced in 1904, the .405 Winchester is one of the most powerful lever-action cartridges ever created. Teddy Roosevelt had a particular fondness for it. Ryan Muckenhirn brings in a rifle chambered for this classic cartridge and the guys talk all about its venerable performance. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are a…

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#10MinuteTalk | The 6mm GT | Best of the 6mm’s? 34:35

8d ago34:35

34:35

A model of efficiency, long-range precision, and barrel life, the 6mm GT may just be the Goldilocks of 6mm cartridges. Does it sit at the top of the 6mm cartridge pile? Tune in as the guys dissect this more than intelligent cartridge. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nati…

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Meatball by Telegram??? | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 30 42:21

11d ago42:21

42:21

Things get saucy as Mark and Ryan debate why their opponent is on the naughty list, the hunt they’d take Santa on, the cartridge they’d hunt Iowa deer with and more. Are Mark’s answers and Christmas gift for Jim good enough or does Ryan come between him and the threepeat? Tune in to find out! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if…

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#10MinuteTalk | Mark Got a Suppressor! 22:26

11d ago22:26

22:26

Mark quietly did his research. In silence and unbeknownst to the guys, he finally pulled the trigger. It took everything he had to suppress his secret until the big podcast reveal. Disguised as a revisit to Jimmy’s pizza oven culinary exploits, he surprises them with the big news. Can they believe it? Which one did he pick? As always, we want to he…

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Ep. 426 | Answering Your Questions | A Lot of Them! 2:02:31

12d ago2:02:31

2:02:31

When we asked for questions, you guys delivered! Tune in as the guys tackle cartridges they don’t own but want, tire chains, dream hunts, the high-pressure cartridge they wish existed, and a heck of a lot more. 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…

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#10MinuteTalk | Coffee Talk | Will Jimmy Finally Like Coffee? 40:47

18d ago40:47

40:47

Will a heart-felt letter and listener-submitted specialty coffee finally get Jimmy to see the coffee light? Tune in as the guys “pour over” this fun topic aimed at getting Jimmy’s life on the right track. 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 In…

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Ep. 425 | Deer of the Year | 2025 Season Recap 1:57:16

19d ago1:57:16

1:57:16

Arrows flung and bullets sent, a crew of Vortex folks pack the podcast studio for a deer-season recap. Big bucks, medium bucks, young bucks, and doe’s — nothing was safe. Tune in to hear the stories behind the venison. 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 …

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#10MinuteTalk | Choosing a Binocular Configuration 29:04

25d ago29:04

29:04

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us k…

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Ep. 424 | Vortex Holiday Gift Guide 40:30

20d ago40:30

40:30

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.” 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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#10MinuteTalk | 7mm Backcountry Reloading Dies and Data 37:15

29d ago37:15

37:15

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. 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 a…

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Ep. 423 | Pedersoli Rocky Mountain Hawkin | Muckenhirn’s Traditional Muzzleloader 1:09:14

1M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

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. As always, we wa…

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Deer Drives, Ye or Nay | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 29 37:26

1M ago37:26

37:26

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics y…

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Ep. 422 | Ryan Muckenhirn’s New .300 SUPER WSM | Cow Elk Hunt Plan 1:09:45

1M ago1:09:45

1:09:45

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vor…

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Ep. 421 | Remi Warren | Is the 7mm Backcountry the New .300 WSM? 36:52

2M ago36:52

36:52

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. As always…

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Ep. 420 | 7MM Backcountry | The Short-Barreled Big Game Do-all? 1:10:02

2M ago1:10:02

1:10:02

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. As always…

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#10MinuteTalk | Folds of Honor | Crafted Impact 16:33

1M ago16:33

16:33

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. As always, we want to hear your …

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Ep. 419 | 7mm Backcountry | The Full Story from Federal 54:02

2M ago54:02

54:02

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. As always, we want to hear your …

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#10MinuteTalk | Muzzy Bullet Breakdown 48:06

2M ago48:06

48:06

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you…

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Ep. 418 | Semi-Auto Deer Rifles, Princes of Pie-Plate Precision? 59:08

2M ago59:08

59:08

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 Mucke…

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#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap | Early October Big Buck Down 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

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. 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…

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The WORST Piece of Hunting Advice You Still Hear | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 28 43:11

2M ago43:11

43:11

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. As always, we…

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Ep. 417 | Thermal Drone Deer Research — Unlocking Whitetail Secrets 1:21:22

2M ago1:21:22

1:21:22

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. As always, we want to hear your feedb…

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#10MinuteTalk | South Dakota Deer, Cattle, Mosquitos and Miles 29:37

2M ago29:37

29:37

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vorte…

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#10MinuteTalk | Ryan Muckenhirn’s Pet .308 Load 33:46

2M ago33:46

33:46

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on t…

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Ep. 416 | The Vortex Origin Story with President and CEO, Joe Hamilton 1:44:01

3M ago1:44:01

1:44:01

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 an…

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#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap - Scottish Highlands Red Stag, Sika Deer and Salmon 1:13:23

3M ago1:13:23

1:13:23

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 …

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#10MinuteTalk | Vortex Triumph HD 3-9x40 Riflescope and 850 Rangefinder 24:33

2M ago24:33

24:33

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 Callag…

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Ep. 415 | 5 Listener-Requested Optics-Ready Pistols Tested 1:20:16

3M ago1:20:16

1:20:16

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. 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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#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap - Clay Hayes Alaska Adventure 56:01

3M ago56:01

56:01

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. 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 Instagr…

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#10MinuteTalk | Vortex Enclosed Micro Red Dots 20:17

3M ago20:17

20:17

By Ryan Muckenhirn, Mark Boardman

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Ep. 414 | Bolt Action Shotguns 57:11

3M ago57:11

57:11

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. As always, we want to hear your feedbac…

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#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap - Rifle Rut Elk with Vortex’s Erik Barber/Slingin’ Rik 1:13:15

3M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vorte…

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Bring One Cartridge Back from the Dead | Spaghetti Shootout Ep. 27 33:09

3M ago33:09

33:09

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 …

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Ep. 413 | The Evolution of the Battle Rifle 2:20:53

3M ago2:20:53

2:20:53

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know i…

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#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap - Archery Antelope 23:30

3M ago23:30

23:30

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are an…

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#10MinuteTalk | Lawsuit Filed Against ATF — Silencer Shop Breaks It Down 27:19

3M ago27:19

27:19

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 …

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Ep. 412 | Selecting an Every-Day Carry Pistol 1:36:47

3M ago1:36:47

1:36:47

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 …

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#10MinuteTalk | Fall Hunt Recap — Samong Yang’s WY Archery Mule Deer 42:47

4M ago42:47

42:47

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like cover…

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#10MinuteTalk - Leads and Speeds — Shot Gunning Tips to Break More Birds 1:01:33

4M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like cover…

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Ep. 411 | Vortex Crossbow Scope — Shooting to 100 Yards! 34:07

4M ago34:07

34:07

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let …

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#10MinuteTalk - Fall Hunt Recap — World Record Archery Velvet Bull? 1:06:17

4M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on…

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#10MinuteTalk - Factory .300 SUPER WSM and the New Barnes Reserve Line 48:15

4M ago48:15

48:15

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 of…

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Ep. 410 | Outside-The-Box Adventure Hunts 1:10:49

4M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

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. As always, we want to hear your feed…

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#10MinuteTalk - Fall Hunt Recap — Washington Black Bear 33:55

4M ago33:55

33:55

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know …

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#10MinuteTalk - Crossfire® HD Riflescopes — Impressive Quality, Features, and Optics 28:34

4M ago28:34

28:34

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 …

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Ep. 409 | Grouse Biology and More with Meadow Kouffeld 1:26:21

4M ago1:26:21

1:26:21

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. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd …