ElkShape’s Dan Staton works hard at everything bowhunting and is never satisfied. This includes his arrow setups. Dan’s “Always be Tinkering” (ABT) attitude is fueled by passion and a perpetual search for optimal bow performance. Tune in to hear about his elk and whitetail arrows at the time of this recording. It’s more than 24 hours later, so they…

Riflescopes are often wrongly accused suspects when it comes to accuracy issues. A complete rifle with mounted optic is a system. It must be set up correctly with all the right components working in harmony. If one variable is out, you’ll likely see it rear its ugly head in the form of inconsistent impacts down range. Tune in for troubleshooting ti…

Former Gold Medalist at the X-Games and Backcountry Snowmobile Extreme Athlete Chris Burandt joins us on the pod! We talk shop on his bowhunting, business and snowmobile career. He's got quite the story detailing how he became known as one of the best to ever ride a sled in the backcountry. #ElkShape Listeners of the ElkShape Podcast Exclusives: 💢 …

The work of renewal in a church is slow, costly, and long-term. It requires pastors who consistently say, “I can’t do this alone,” and who return to the feet of Jesus, the One making all things new. This week, Father James Mallon, Pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in beautiful Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, joins us on the podcast to share his heart …

Thomas Mlsna from Untamed Ambition Joins Mark Boardman and Josh Diederich to talk habitat management and early-season whitetail tactics. Thomas plants high-grade seeds of information throughout the conversation guaranteed to yield results – for you and the critters who call your land home. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if th…

Today we are joined by Cory Miller of Black Eagle arrows to discuss elk hunting tactics and how to be the best elk hunting partner on the mountain! #ElkShape Listeners of the ElkShape Podcast Exclusives: 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE CANVAS CUTTER 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE WILDERNESS ATHLETE 20% Off Code: ELKSHAPE VORTEX WEA…

Light transmission isn’t one dimensional. Multiple factors play into this important, but often misunderstood attribute of an optic. Rob Morell (Vortex® New Product Development) joins Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn to shed some light on this subject. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered …

Backcountry hunting expert, Ryan Lampers, talks all about water treatment methods and best practices. From what he used back in the day to the system he uses today; he provides important tips to keep you healthy and hunting. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered on the Vortex Nation™ podcas…

Kramer came over to my house last year and we sat down and made a plan for him on how to get his 1st elk with a bow on public land. Fast forward a year later and we go over how he successfully executed last fall! His crazy story goes over the solo pack out, his truck breaking down and him running out of water right when he needed it most! #elkshape…

High-end eyewear that fits your face and the demands of your active hunting, shooting, outdoors, and daily life. Polarized, ballistic-rated, shatter-resistant lenses are at home on the range, on the water, and at your kid’s soccer game. Lenses also cover your tears when at some less-than-ideal obligatory function not doing what you really wish you …

Adam Kraut from the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) joins Mark Boardman and Sawyer Briel to chat SAF, current 2A battles, where the money goes, and the Vortex®/SAF Crafted Impact T-shirt collaboration. When you purchase one these special-edition, limited run, cool-as-heck shirts, you support the Second Amendment Foundation in their mission to fos…

Today we are chatting with the team from MTN FORGED, specifically Jon Pynch who is headed after his last species Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep which will complete his North American Super Slam. This last animal is going to be hunted in his home state of Oregon, Jon is going to be using a bow. We get to know his story with competitive shooting and hi…

As pastors we want to run the race well and finish more in love with Jesus and with His church than when we started. Pastors that have been both fruitful and faithful set a beautiful example for what longevity in ministry can look like. This week, Dan Cochrane, Pastor of CrossRoads Church in Red Deer, Alberta, joins us on the podcast to share insig…

After Action Report: We went to spectate the 2024 CrossFit Games... Lazar Ðukić died while competing at the 2024 CrossFit Games. We go through the entire experience as a spectator. This was a tragic event that could have been prevented. RIP Lazar! Listeners of the ElkShape Podcast Exclusives: 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE 10% Off Code: ELKSHAPE…

Remi Warren is one of the most experienced hunters in the world. That experience has led him to develop several hunting mantras that if followed, deliver time and again. Choosing the right approach, to finding your knife when the dirty work is done, Remi gives us hunting words to live by. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if the…

Elk Shape’s Dan Staton joins Mark to chat backcountry food and nutrition. They cover stuff they like, their food strategies, and break down Mark’s daily ration. They even find a nutritional hole in Mark’s food game he will want to fill with additional items. The best part about a week of food in the field — the greasy burger you get at the local di…

Dan is sitting down with one of his longtime friends Josh Potter who has raised his kids to chase their football dreams. Both of his boys have gone on to play college football and they spent their time working out with their dad in the off-season all through Jr. and Sr. High Schoo... Potter is now a S&C coach at a local high school and shares some …

Early season critters taken with antlers shrouded in velvet require special care if the hunter desires to preserve them in their fuzzy form. No easy task considering their delicate nature and often warm daily temps that may accelerate the decomposition process. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn talk through what worked with a nice Sitka blacktail a…

Since 1989, Barnes has been leading the charge in the all-copper bullet arena. Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn sit down with Mike Painter and Gregg Sloan in their home state of Utah to chat through their bullets, how they work and more. Is Ryan completely biased toward these projectiles? Yes. For good reason? You decide. As always, we want to hea…

Dan is a blue collar ironworker from the west side of Washington state. You won't meet too many folks as passionate about archery elk hunting as him. Today we learn how he elk hunts for 30 days straight, how he prepares and continues to have success on public land. Check out Dan on Instagram here. #elkshape Listeners of the ElkShape Podcast Exclusi…

What does community look like when it’s rooted in love and grounded in the realities of life? How do we grab hold of a vision for biblical unity within our congregations and learn to live in the tensions that come with knowing and loving others well? This week, Rich Villodas, author of The Deeply Formed Life and Pastor of New Life Fellowship, joins…

Fast, simple, and effective, using a Vortex® custom yardage-marked turret may be your ticket to extending your effective hunting/shooting distance. Range in yards, dial in yards, and execute the shot. Listen and learn about this great tool. Get one FREE with select riflescopes! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any …

Compact optics are the definition of, “Big things come in small packages.” Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn highlight these optical powerhouses and where they will enhance your hunting/observation game! Don’t be fooled by appearances. Compact optics may provide all the optical performance you need while saving space and weight in the field. As alw…

Matt Alwine competes at the NRL Hunter and has a ton of success both on the competition floor as well as in the mountains with long range rifles and archery. Today we're discussing mRAD vs. MOA, and how to be proficient at both long range rifle and archery. Check out Matt on Instagram or his custom rifles here. #elkshape Listeners of the ElkShape P…

Adam Maxwell and Ryan Muckenhirn are in the house to chat Auxiliary Micro Red Dots along with the pros and cons of common mounting positions. 45-degreee offset or 12 O’clock? At the end of this podcast, you’ll know if you need one and where to stick it. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered…

Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn break down their 2024 budget rifle test and review from top to bottom. No bolt is left unturned as they deep dive into the intricacies of each, what they liked, disliked and were surprised by. Tune in for facts and opinions that may just lead to your next big game boom stick. As always, we want to hear your feedbac…

Today we are recording with a Dentist from North Carolina who has been hunting OTC elk in Colorado for the past five seasons. We discuss how to pivot your elk hunting plans now that Colorado is taking away the option to buy a tag over-the-counter for nonresident archery elk hunters. Cody's YouTube Channel Cody's Instagram #elkshape Listeners of the…

The church growth movement of the 20th-century has left a lasting impact on our perception of the Church today. What can we learn from its successes and shortcomings, and how can we move forward in the context of our post-everything society? This week, Daniel Im from Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton joins us on the podcast for a second time Danie…

Elk Shape’s Dan Staton gets a little salty in this conversation all about hydration and hydration supplements. Water and salt are essential. Dan hits us with some great info along with things we ought to be thinking about to maximize our human performance in the field. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics yo…

Dan Gates from CRWM (Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management) and his team have been in the trenches battling an anti-hunting agenda fueled by disinformation, big budgets, and emotion. His organization focuses on CO, but if you think your state, the way you hunt, and the critters you chase are somehow safe or exempt — you’re wrong. Listen to…

Today we are recording with one of the best archers in the world! 17 year-old professional shooter Bodie Turner from Eatonville, WA. Bodie is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to shooting tighter groups and shooting under pressure. He has one major events such as the Lancaster Classic and the Vegas Shoot, plus multiple others. He's one of the you…

Concealed carry to competition and everything between, tune in to hear Vortex’s Chris Urrutia and Liam Ward run through the features, benefits, and applications of the Defender Micro Red Dot series. Tough as nails, there is a Defender to fit your needs. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like covered…

Real life cowboy, rodeo star, rancher, outfitter, self-reliant, tough as nails, fix anything, honest, hard working and grounded. Mike Barthelmess is a rare breed of man getting rarer by the day. Tune in for a super interesting and fun conversation with some great stories drawn from Mike’s life lived. As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us…

Dan is dedicating this entire podcast to rookie elk hunters and trying to help them avoid some of the most common mistakes made so they can have the best experience possible! As an elk hunter, you never know it all and you continue to learn each and every year. Hunting elk on public land is extremely challenging and also very rewarding. Save this e…

Every leader faces moments when vision dims and passion wavers. How do we sustain a vision for long term leadership and be able to lead with joy in our hearts and conviction in our steps? This week, Shaila Visser from Alpha joins us on the podcast for a second time to share insights from her extensive leadership experience. Shaila shares about: Sus…

Looking for the perfect optic? The Vortex® Optics Finder Tool on vortexoptics.com can help narrow your search. Simple and easy to use, follow along as Mark Boardman and Ryan Muckenhirn walk through finding your next piece of glass. Try out the Optics Finder! As always, we want to hear your feedback! Let us know if there are any topics you'd like co…

Vortex Edge® Instructor Justin Lipska drops by the studio to drop long-range knowledge bombs. Gear, technique and more, tune in to get insightful tips from a true professional. 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…

We are joined by a Nate Illingsworth from Baker City, Oregon. Nate is on a weight loss journey, it all started from participating in our annual December Chub Challenge back in 2022 - Since then, Nate is on his way to accomplishing big goals and getting under 200 lbs on the scale. He started his journey at 300 and since then has consistently pursued…

The Vortex Nation™ Podcast studio décor is an eclectic mix of random hunting and shooting-related artifacts…And some that are just plain random (like a framed picture of Jason Alexander). Mark Boardman and Jimmy Hamilton give a guided tour, explaining the “why” behind the seemingly arbitrary nature of the items adorning their walls. As always, we w…

Vortex’s Tucker Schmidt and Scott Parks are back with reloading tips and tricks you can take to the bank…the proverbial bank. We are in no way suggesting…never mind. If you’re into reloading, you’ll likely find what they have to say useful. Or you may flat out disagree and take your rage out in the comments. Either way, give this one a listen. As a…

We are joined by a group of guys that are currently following the ElkShape Training Program. We are going over their fitness preparation and finding out what they like about the program and how they are going to tackle results going forward! #elkshape Listeners of the ElkShape Podcast Exclusives: 💢 Discount Codes 💢 BORN PRIMITIVE 10% Off Code: ELKS…

What is unique about your church that you bring to the broader body of Christ? And, what from the broader body of Christ can you draw from and be strengthened by? Chrishan Jeyaratnam joined us this week from Hillsong East Coast where he and his wife Danielle serve as Lead Pastors. Chrishan shared with us about his family’s move from Perth to New Yo…

Serious whitetail hunters use optics and use them well. They are integral to their hunt and their success. Long distance scouting to hardwoods glassing, east to west, bow, rifle, and muzzleloader – optics are a difference maker. So, what should a whitetail optics kit look like? Good question. Tune in as we talk optics for North America’s most popul…

A good set of properly fitting boots is critical to the success of any hunt where your legs are your primary mode of transportation. Raw, seeping, painful, blisters will ruin any hunt fast. Kendall Card and Matt Ericksen from Crispi USA sit down with Mark Boardman at the Western Hunting & Conservation Expo, providing expert tips to ensure your feet…