Leupold Core Insider (Leupold Optics)

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold's Riza & Tim Lesser sat down with David Morris and Mark Newell, hunters and wildlife biologists at Tecomate (wildlife management services, products, and Outdoor Channel shows).

Subjects Discussed: Growing and managing deer; establishing Tecomate signature hunting properties; creating a harvest strategy; hunting and filming for television; and more.

From the mountains of Afghanistan through the desert plains of Iraq, the concepts that spawned Kryptek products were forged in combat. Their knowledge of what works was developed through battlefield necessity. Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet sat down with Kryptek Founder and CEO, Butch Whiting, to talk about the history of the brand, the military and more.

Subjects Discussed: born on the battlefield; building a family; product performance; military life; hunting stories; and more.

If you had to pick one guy to go into battle with you, whatever the situation, Tim Kennedy should be at the top of your list. Not only is he “Hard To Kill” on his Discovery Channel reality adventure series, Tim is also an active, Ranger-qualified, Green Beret Special Forces sniper and a retired MMA fighter. Live from SHOT Show 2019, Leupold's Nic Kytlica sits down with Tim to recap his eventful 2018 and what fans can look forward to in 2019.

Subjects Discussed: Almost getting burned alive inside of a plane; deploying to Africa; increasing special operation recruits; singing to The Steeldrivers; and more.

This is the second part of Adam’s conversation with VP of Product Development, Tim Lesser, recorded on location at Leupold HQ in Oregon. In this episode, they discuss binoculars and rangefinders.

If you’ve ever wondered how to choose wisely with either of these product categories, this episode will open your eyes—pun intended—to the details that matter to you and your hunting style.

Subjects Discussed: lenses, prisms, and diopter adjustments; glare reduction; laser sensitivity and accuracy; ballistic computations; how to sight-in your rangefinder; and a whole lot more.

And if you haven't already, go subscribe to the Beyond The Kill Podcast for more episodes from Adam and his team at the Journal of Mountain Hunting.

In precision rifle competition, speed and accuracy are everything. That's why we worked with our professional shooters to design the new PR1 and PR2 reticles which gives them the competitive edge to tackle any challenge that a modern competitive shooter might face.

Leupold's Nic Kytlica and John Snodgrass are joined by competitive shooters Jon Pynch and Dan Bertocchini to discuss the reticle design process, what features matter most to them, and why the new PR reticle family is one of the best options available for competitive shooters.

Subjects Discussed: The reticle design process; 1/4 or 2/10th increments; opening up the field of view; being complex with simplicity; Team Leupold dominating the circuit; dialing vs holding over; and more.

Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and Leupold Optics Academy instructor Michael Baccellieri sat down with Drew Estell, owner of Baer Solutions, and Garrett Schwindell, owner of Kagwerks, to discuss their transition from the battlefield to running their own businesses. 

It's that time of year when many hunters are poring over big game statistics and summary reports, trying to figure out what controlled hunts to apply for. Lucky for you, there's a resource to make your life easier here in Oregon. After local software engineer Ron Wold didn’t draw a tag he was sure he would, he created the Oregon Tag Draw Percentages website to help hunters like you figure out your chances. Subjects discussed: Understanding the preference point process; knowing your odds; out-of-state & guide quotas; common application mistakes; and more.

One of the most relatable and fun people you'll ever meet - Randy Newberg is a champion for public lands, access, and conservation. His television shows, podcasts, and digital content provide fans with endless entertainment and education. Live from SHOT Show 2019, Leupold's Lucas Burt and Scott Rousseau sit down with Randy to recap his eventful 2018 and what fans can look forward to in 2019.

Subjects Discussed: crossing a mudslide; getting serious about llamas; harvesting his first Dall sheep; day-by-day episodes on youtube; preparing for 2019 tags; and more.

We make the lightest, clearest, and most rugged rifle scopes, spotting scopes, binoculars, and rangefinders you'll ever use. Now, we're applying this same expertise to a new line of Performance Eyewear, so you can experience Leupold's rugged clarity every day.

Join Scott, Lucas, Zach, and Michael as they dive deep into the development of this new product line and why it's purpose-built for both the hunter and shooter.

Shop All Styles Now at www.leupold.com/performanceeyewear

'This or That' gives a quick overview of topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Observation Manager Zach Bird and Sr. Manager of Product Michael Wunnicke to discuss Leupold's binocular models, magnification sizes, and tips for checking clarity and contrast before purchase.

Learn more about these optics at Leupold.com

The Hawaiian Islands are among the world’s foremost vacation destinations, regarded as a tropical paradise rivaled by only a select few locales across the globe. And while the sun and surf is every bit the draw it’s made out to be, one of Hawaii’s better kept secrets is its hunting – for now, at least.

Nearly four decades ago Sorinex was founded with the courage, and the mission, to do something different and better than ever before. Today, Sorinex is the leading innovator in American Made strength and conditioning equipment for professional teams, colleges, high schools, and military bases.

Sorinex CEO, Bert Sorin, grew up steeped in the business his dad started in 1980 and spent over two decades as a competitive athlete in the strength sports arena. As a former Division 1 Track & Field All-American and lifelong outdoorsman with years of training experience, Bert sat down with Leupold's Michael Baccellieri to discuss the importance of both physical and mental exercise to provide the best chance for survival and success in the outdoors. 

Subjects Discussed: Made in America brands with a similar story; bedtime hunting stories; overcoming fears with rewards; how human performance applies to the outdoors; creating innovations from personal problems; Bert's superpower; building an adult summer camp; and more.

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold's Lucas Burt and Scott Rousseau sit down with beloved public land hunter and conservationist, Randy Newberg, to ask him your questions submitted on Instagram.

Subjects Discussed: Randy's first rifle; Getting starting making hunting films; Using .308 caliber for elk hunting; Understanding wind and thermals; The story of Randy's first deer hunt; A New Gerber knife designed by Randy; and more.

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, we are joined by active, Ranger-qualified, Green Beret Special Forces sniper and a retired MMA fighter, Tim Kennedy. Leupold's Shane Meisel and Tim Lesser sit down with Tim to recap his eventful 2019 and ask him your questions.

Subjects Discussed: A new baby on the way; Learning self-defense with SheepDog Response; Tim teases his new book; Analysis on UFC 246; Favorite rifle to take into battle; Dan Henderson makes an appearance; and more.

Weatherby’s rich heritage began in 1945 located in Southern California. A true family business operated by third-generation leader Adam Weatherby, the brand continues to innovate products that leave a legacy. Adam joins Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet at the RMEF MTN Fest to discuss the unique challenges of moving their headquarters to Sheridan, WY, the uniqueness of being a family-owned company, insight into their product development cycle, and more.

Subjects Discussed: Making products that last forever; why culture always trumps strategy; the new Weatherby building; hunting with wives; and more.

Join Leupold's Riza Lesser live from the 2018 Ladies Hunting Camp, with camp director Candy Yow, as well as students Melinda and Sierra, as they talk all things hunting, outdoor survival, and more. 

Avid bowhunter and President of Kifaru International, Aron Snyder, joins Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and VP Tim Lesser to discuss the unique challenges (and advantages) of building American Made products, his thoughts on touring the Leupold factory, a few crazy hunting stories, and more.

Subjects Discussed: Manufacturing in America; being able to adapt on the fly; new rangefinder products; competing with Europe and Asia; the Kifaru innovation process; Grizzly hunting stories; and more.

Did you know anyone – yes, anyone – can go hunt big bucks in December? The new Youtube mini-series, "Anyone’s Hunt”, kicked things off in Arizona for archery deer and breaks down and explores lesser-known over-the-counter hunting opportunities that are available to anyone. Scott Rousseau and Lucas Burt from Leupold sat down with photographer Steven Drake and Zach Sandau from onX to chat about the series and the challenges they faced on the hunt. Subjects Discussed: exploring new hunting opportunities; the rise of the day-by-day series; why Arizona; finding big bucks; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the VX-3i LRP (Long Range Precision) riflescope line and how it compares and contrasts with the newer Mark 5HD models.

Learn more at www.leupold.com

Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Northern Utah, Wild Country Outfitters is well known as one of the premier wildlife ranches in the world for hunting fair chase elk, mule deer, and more. 

Join Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, as he sits down with outfit owner Tom Land and his son Austin to offer advice for hunters on preparing for a big hunt, choosing the right outfitter for you, and more.

Subjects Discussed: Ranch management as an ongoing conservation effort; letting the elk thrive; being patient vs. being aggressive; the most important gear for an elk hunt; enjoying the hunt experience; and more.

In this episode of the Leupold Core Insider, Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Taylor, Matt, Mark and Terry Drury from Drury Outdoors to discuss their relentless dedication to whitetail and enhancing the hunting community. Coming to you from the Leupold Optics booth at SHOT Show 2018.

Leupold's John Snodgrass (Product Line Manager - Tactical) sits down with Kyle Lamb and Buck Doyle to discuss long-range shooting, the new Mark 5HD, and trends in the shooting industry. Coming to you from the Leupold Optics booth at SHOT Show 2018.

The experience of having a truly good cup of coffee is as satisfying as sending a .50 cal. round downrange. Between multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, former Green Beret Evan Hafer worked to not only refine his firearms skills, but also his coffee roasting. What started as a vision of wanting high-quality coffee on deployments, turned into Black Rifle Coffee Company (BRCC) - a leading premium, small-batch, roast-to-order, veteran-owned coffee company with explosive roast profiles. BRCC CEO, Evan Hafer, joins Leupold’s Bruce Pettet and Shane Meisel to talk the history of BRCC, the importance of employing and honoring veterans, and more.

Subjects Discussed: Where the Black Rifle name originated; getting great results with great people; bringing passion to the mission; enhancing the customer experience; leadership vs. management; the importance of social media to business; and more.

The western regions of New Mexico – a state known for trophy bulls and its rugged terrain – provide an ideal hunting ground for chasing late-season elk. By mid-November the bulls are herding back up for the winter as the rut becomes an afterthought. Leupold’s Shawn Skipper sits down with Kali Parmley of Petersen’s Hunting, Jon Draper of NRA’s American Hunter, and Jason Gilbertson of Browning Ammo to discuss the week's events. Subjects discussed: the challenges of late-season elk hunting; putting miles on your boots; the new SX-5 Santiam HD spotting scope and BX-5 Santiam HD binoculars; the benefits of the VX-6HD riflescope.

Anyone who has spent time in the field knows that things often don't go as planned. But there are some things you can do to better prepare and prevent in-the-field mishaps.

Join Leupold's Shawn Skipper and veteran hunters Freid Eichler (FullDraw Outfitters), Tom Beckstrand (Guns & Ammo), and Joe Kurtenbach (Guns & Ammo) as they recap their elk hunt in Colorado and share the top hunting mistakes they've made and how to prevent them from happening to you.

Subjects Discussed: Service in the military; Skipper filling the freezer; fogproof riflescope being put to the test; always returning to zero; benefits to keeping your magnification low; adjusting your eye relief; sticking with common calibers; and more.

Leupold's Michael Wunnicke (Director of Marketing) and Tim Lesser (VP of Product Development) sit down with Randy Newberg and Brian Call to discuss emerging trends in the hunting industry. Coming to you live from the Leupold Optics booth at SHOT Show 2018.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Observation Manager Zach Bird and Sr. Manager of Product Michael Wunnicke to discuss Leupold's spotting scope models, magnification sizes, and the difference in optical systems. 

Learn more about these optics at Leupold.com

(Although this episode was previously recorded, the Oregon Ducks did prevail over Skipper's prediction and won the 2020 Rose Bowl over Wisconsin.)

Hunting season may be nearing an end, but the stories are just beginning. This two-part unscripted, wild, and fun mule deer hunt story is filled with everything you'd expect from a hunting camp - a lot of BS., mistakes, and eventually some success.

Join Curt Geier (Working Class Bowhunter Podcast), Brandon Palaniuk (Professional Bass Fisherman), and Leupold's own Lucas Burt as they venture into the high country of Eastern Oregon chasing mule deer.

Subjects Discussed: The fallacy of the snooze button; the challenge of bowhunting mule deer during rifle season; 4pt or 8pt; similarities between hunting and fishing; passing up shooter bucks on day one; enjoying the experience over the harvest; and more.

Built for the shooter who needs a rugged, precise, and repeatable MIL-based scope for their tactical rifle, the new Mark 3HD™ delivers elite optical performance and match-grade repeatability under any conditions.

Join Leupold's Shawn Skipper, John Snodgrass, and Nic Kytlica as they dive into the making of this new riflescope and the shooter-specific features it offers.

Subjects Discussed: History of the Mark riflescope family; new shooter-specific features; comparison to other models; and more.  

In an age of fleeting digital acquaintances, a lasting bond can quickly develop between a guide and their clients. Eight months after hunting with David Lawless and Ryan Leef of Jim Shockey's Pacific Rim Guide Outfitters, Leupold’s Michael Wunnicke and Lucas Burt caught back up with the crew at the Safari Club International trade show to talk about guide life, client do’s and don'ts, and what it feels like to turn forty-five. While both David and Ryan now spend most of their time leading Jim Shockey’s clients all over Canada, they each bring uniquely different experiences and perspectives to the table.

Subjects Discussed: Getting into the guide business; being elected to Canadian Parliament; what happened to Ryan’s binoculars; and their proudest moments in the bush.

Few dare to follow their life's true calling; even fewer find that calling making wild game calls. Join the Leupold Core as we sit down with the guys from Phelps Game Calls and hear how they got their wild start. 

Long range shooting is all the craze, but do you actually need a custom shooting system to ring steel at 1500+ yards? In fact, no. Coming to you live from the FTW Ranch in Texas, Leupold's Shawn Skipper and John Snodgrass talk optics, rifles, and bullets with Hornady's Neal Emery and Professional Shooter Doug Koenig. Subjects discussed: Getting started in long range; Hornady’s ballistic prodigy; choosing the right setup; wind factors; the match experience; and more.

Avid bowhunter, Curt Geier (Working Class Bowhunter Podcast) joins Lucas and Michael to recap his memorable 2019 mule deer hunt in Eastern, Oregon. After spending numerous days attempting to use his bow (during rifle season), Curt eventually switched to the rifle and successfully harvested his first mule deer (and first deer with a rifle), ever.

Subjects Discussed: The challenges of hunting with a bow v.s. rifle; the ease of Leupold's Custom Dial System; visualizing scenarios before they happen; using a gun your not familiar with; mule deer hunting strategy; and more.

Connor Gabbott (@taluscreative) spent the first 20 years of his working life in the kitchen at various restaurants throughout British Columbia. After taking his first deer in 2010, Connor found a passion for the outdoors and wild game. Scott and Michael from Leupold sat down with Connor at Sheep Show to talk about the brand's digital Field to Table series and how to improve your wild game cooking skills. Subjects Discussed: Diving into the kitchen; using bold rustic flavors; favorite cuts and species; wood-fired always wins; working with fat; the last chapter of the hunting story; and more.

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold's Riza Lesser and Shane Meisel sat down with Mike Robinson, one of Britain’s most prominent game chefs, a champion of wild food, and host of Farming The Wild on the Outdoor Channel. 

Subjects Discussed: Serving wild game in restaurants; Managing and harvesting deer; The Michelin-star rating system; The difference between hunting, stalking, and shooting; Farming The Wild Season 2; and more.

Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Tim Kennedy to welcome him to the Leupold family and discuss what it means to be relentless. Coming to you from the Leupold Optics booth at SHOT Show 2018.

The optic on a firearm is one of the most critical components of the shooting system and should be a known constant, not a variable. By focusing on the optic and the platform it’s mounted on, you can gain a better understanding of your entire shooting system. In this episode, Nic Kytlica and Scott Rousseau sit down with the guru for all things shooting - Leupold Optics Academy lead instructor, Michael Baccellieri. Topics Discussed: Training at the Leupold Optics Academy; Pigs vs. Hogs; the basic anatomy of a riflescope; big mistakes at the range; mil vs. moa; and more.

Since 1961, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has been relentless in promoting, protecting, and preserving hunting and the shooting sports industry. Their initiatives such as National Shooting Sports Month in August, encourage active participation and education for gun owners, their families, and friends.

Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet is joined by NSSF Senior VP, Larry Keane, to talk more about the NSSF's mission, how you can get involved, and more.

Subjects Discussed: The mission of the NSSF; 2nd Amendment rights; the importance of firearm education; industry support; growing the shooting sports; and more.

Laser rangefinder technology has come a long way in the last decade. Whereas early models would be lucky to read objects at a couple of hundred yards, enhancements in today's products have allowed them to instantly reach distant horizons thousands of yards away. How is this possible? Scott, Nic, and Shawn sit down with technology product line manager, Eric Overstreet, to discuss how a rangefinder works, new products, the evolution in technology, and debunk some common myths.

Subjects Discussed: Leupold's first rangefinder; pulse rates; soft v.s. reflective targets; understanding TBR/w; battling the elements; choosing the right product; and more.

While on location during a Texas predator hunt, Leupold Brand Creative Manager Lucas Burt chatted with Jeff Thomason, host of Predator Pursuit, and Tim Lesser, VP of Product at Leupold.

Jeff, who has an extensive background in coyote hunting, shared how his show, Predator Pursuit, got its start. Since the idea of simply sitting in a stand never really appealed to Jeff, he decided to make his hunting experience revolve around calling in animals – predators and big game alike. While Jeff enjoyed hunting every species, he found his niche helping control predator populations in Texas.

“Anyone’s Hunt” shares lesser-known, over-the-counter hunting opportunities available to the DIY hunter. In the most recent installment of the series, Steven Drake and friends head west to Colorado for an over-the-counter rifle elk hunt.

Leupold's Scott Rousseau and Jennifer Meeker sit down with Steven Drake and Connor Gabbott post-hunt to chat about the hunting opportunity in Colorado, gear used on the hunt, unit closures, extreme weather, and more.

Wife, mom, author, TV host, and enthusiast for all things outdoors, Eva Shockey continues to raise the bar for women in the outdoor industry. Live from SHOT Show 2019, Leupold's Riza Lesser and Michael Wunnicke sit down with Eva to recap her hectic 2018 and what fans can look forward to in 2019.

Subjects Discussed: Maintaining a work/life balance; filming two new TV shows; building her forever home; Tim’s monster Yukon Moose; and more.

Binoculars are one of the most useful and widespread of all optical products. If you spend enough time outdoors, you know they can quickly become your trusty sidekick. But how do you go about choosing the right pair? Why is one more expensive than another? And do you need a spotting scope, too? Lucas, Scott and Mike sit down with Observation Product Line Manager, Zach Bird, to answer these questions, unveil a new optic coming this Fall, and more.

Subjects Discussed: Leupold's first binoculars; enhancing the optical design; the soup to nuts debate; proper glassing techniques; tips for cleaning your optics; and more. 

As a renowned bowhunter and owner of FullDraw Outfitters, Fred Eichler has been fortunate to share his love and enthusiasm for the sport with many other outdoorsmen. But not every hunt has gone perfect. He sits down with Leupold's Riza Lesser to share some of his funniest stories and encounters guiding clients in the field.

Subjects Discussed: Elk vs. aspens; a "frozen" gun; having a screw loose; always being prepared; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the popular VX-5HD riflescope line and how it compares and contrasts with the newer Mark 5HD.

Learn more at www.leupold.com

Before the early 80s, soldiers still used hunting-style riflescopes in combat. But in 1984, the U.S. Army tasked Leupold with developing a fixed power optic designed specifically for combat. The scope had to withstand a drop from a helicopter (while mounted to a rifle) and also had to be submersible to 66 feet - while still maintaining peak optical performance. The result? The ULTRA, a scope that outperformed even the military's expectations. More than 30 years, and countless innovations later, Leupold’s partnership with the U.S. military continues - supporting numerous service branches with high-performance battle-ready optics.

Leupold’s Shawn Skipper and Nic Kytlica sit down with fellow teammates Sam Horstman (Directory of Military Sales) and Michael Baccellieri (Military Business Development) to discuss the history of Leupold optics in the military, how the military contract process works, and what soldiers demand from our products in combat.

Subjects Discussed: Leupold's military history; weapon systems and contracts; the procurement process; military vs. civilian products; durability testing; employing veterans; new technologies for combat; and more.

When it comes to hunting gear, it's essential to have the right equipment at the right time. Knowing what to pack and when takes years of trial and error. Special guest, Randy Newberg, joins the podcast alongside Leupold's Lucas Burt and Riza Lesser to share his trail-tested recommendations on the best hunting gear, packing properly, and what he never leaves home without.

Subjects Discussed: Randy's five essentials; creating a kill kit; food rationing and cook systems; the importance of multiple headlamps; and more.

Ever dreamed of putting together your own Montana archery antelope hunt? In a new mini-series "Anyone's Hunt", join two experienced Montana hunters as they walk you through the planning, preparation and actual hunt.

Leupold's Scott Rousseau sat down with Connor Gabbott (@taluscreative) and Dylan Dowson (onX) to chat about the series and the challenges faced chasing speed goats in Montana.

Subjects Discussed: Exploring new hunting opportunities; picking your stalks; why Montana; utilizing block management for access; and more.

There are few hunters who’ve had as many relentless adventures as Jim Shockey, which is why we were excited to sit down with him at the Safari Club International trade show to discuss his storied career. From male modeling to releasing his first music single last year, the 2019 Weatherby Award winner has just about seen and done it all. In fact, Outdoor Life magazine named Shockey “the most accomplished big-game hunter of the modern era, having taken arguably the most free-range big game species by any living hunter.” Subjects Discussed: making music; how he got started as an outfitter; what the hunting life means to him; hunting advocacy; and more.

There are legends in every sport. Michael Jordan and basketball. Tom Brady and football. And in the world of professional shooting, there is Doug Koenig. Doug is that once in a generation talent, whose potent combination of speed, accuracy, and shooting skills has produced wins in various multi-disciplined shooting competitions; with more than 70 National and 10 World Championships, including his unprecedented 18 Bianchi Cup Championships. Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Doug to get an inside look into the man behind the trigger. Subjects discussed: Being an athlete in the world of shooting; diet and exercise; balancing competition with hunting; the importance of dry fire practice and preparation; entering into PRS and long-range shooting; and more.

Founded in 1984, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's (RMEF) primary mission is to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage.

Leupold's Shawn Skipper sits down with RMEF's Steve Decker and Riza Lesser to discuss recent land and access projects, the restoration of elk in the US, where your money goes to, and more.

Support RMEF: https://www.rmef.org/

The new RX-FullDraw 4 is the most ballistically advanced archery rangefinder ever built. By combining lightning-fast ½ yard accuracy with the acclaimed Archer’s Advantage™ software and new Flightpath™ technology, you can take the guess-work out of achieving the perfect shot.

Join Shawn Skipper, Lucas Burt, Michael Wunnicke, and technology product line manager Eric Overstreet, as they dive deep into why this new rangefinder is so revolutionary and who will benefit most from this product.

Subjects Discussed: Archer's Advantage vs. Trig; benefits of a ballistic solution; how Flightpatch technology works; the most likely use-cases; and more.

There’s more to shooting than just pulling the trigger. An invisible mountain of physical and mental preparation, skill, and discipline goes into performing well at a Precision Rifle Competition. We sat down with 2018 NRL Champion Shooter, Jon Pynch, to talk all about his success and what it takes to perform at a high-level during competition and in the field.

Subjects Discussed: NRL v.s PRS; shooting 20,000 rounds in a year; ammunition of choice; burning barrels; the design of the Mark 5HD; becoming a better marksman; choosing the right equipment; and more.

Adam Foss is a photographer, filmmaker, and co-founder of Foss Media alongside his wife, Frankie. With a background rooted deep in mountain bowhunting, at the age of 24, Adam became the youngest bowhunter to harvest all Four North American Sheep. His skills, not only on the mountain but with a camera, have led to some of the industries' most dynamic content. Leupold's Scott Rousseau and Lucas Burt sat down with Adam and Frankie to chat about the ever-evolving media landscape and how photography has changed their lives. Subjects Discussed: Getting started with photography; living out of a suitcase; the progress of gear; social media's impact on content; borrowing boats; telling the 'story' through visuals; and more.

Leupold President and CEO Bruce Pettet chats with Mark Drury of Drury Outdoors about a new app their team is developing that can help hunters forecast the movement and behavior of whitetail deer in their area. It was also Mark's first time at the Leupold factory, so Bruce shows him the ins and outs of the American-made scopes. 

In this first episode of the Leupold Core Insider, Leupold's Lucas Burt sits down with Fred Eichler to discuss completing the North American Superslam, epic encounters in the wild, and more. The Superslam is the “Everest of bowhunting” and includes 29 species in North America, and Fred achieved it with a recurve bow. Coming to you from the Leupold Optics booth at SHOT Show 2018.

Colorado is a hunter’s paradise – and never more so than in mid-November, when the largest elk herd in the United States is on the move and bruiser mule deer bucks emerge from the sagebrush for the rut. Battling single-digit temperatures and bouts of snow, Leupold’s Shawn Skipper was joined by Browning’s Shaundi Campbell and the Editorial Director of all NRA Publications, John Zent, to recap their weeklong hunt. Subjects discussed: Colorado's rich hunting grounds; trucks breaking down; having a deer crush; long periods of glassing with the new SX-5 Santiam HD spotter; and even a few at-home taxidermy tips.

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sat down with legendary hunter and conservationist, Jim Shockey, to ask him your questions submitted on Instagram.

Subjects Discussed: Jim's first rifle; The best big-game caliber; Similarities between muzzleloader and archery; Jim's Hand of Man Museum; and more.

Leupold's Riza Lesser sits down with Michele Eichler and Rachel Ahtila to discuss their passion for hunting, the outdoors, and churro's. Coming to you from the Leupold Optics booth at SHOT Show 2018.

Hot off the heels of the premiere of our new limited-series, KODIAK, we caught up with Alaskan guide & owner of Adventure Mountain Hunts, Cole Kramer. Since 2002, Cole has cut his teeth in the wilderness of Alaska guiding hunters for deer, moose, sheep, caribou, & grizzly bears. On this episode, he sheds light on the life of an Alaskan guide and never-before-heard details about last years Sitka Blacktail hunt with Mike, Tim, and Brian Call as seen in the limited-series KODIAK.

Subjects Discussed: Cole's tot commercial; how to get into guiding; surviving tsunami threats; being a good hunting client; the allure of Kodiak; Cole's favorites and more.

Leupold's Lucas and Mike went on an epic black bear hunt with Ryan Leef, a Jim Shockey premiere guide with Pacific Rim Outfitters. They headed to Vancouver Island in some of the gnarliest terrain with one of the densest black bear populations in the world. 

Celebrating their 30th Anniversary, Drury Outdoors and the Drury family have become household names across the outdoor industry – known first and foremost for the bruiser whitetail bucks that they harvest each year – and currently sharing their adventures across a bevy of television shows. Live from SHOT Show 2019, Leupold's Michael Wunnicke and Scott Rousseau sit down with Mark and Terry to recap their 2018 season, and what fans can look forward to in 2019 from The Drury team.

Subjects Discussed: Deercast App goes viral; playing chess with deer, managing deer inventory; giving away a farm to a lucky fan; and more.

Leupold’s legendary gold ring riflescopes are built for a lifetime of performance at the highest level, plain and simple. Why? Because the world’s most relentless hunters and shooters demand their riflescopes work, every time. That’s why, for generations, every Leupold riflescope has been designed, machined, and assembled in the United States by our 700+ American employees. Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau sit down with gold ring product line managers, Vici Peters and Tom Moyle, to discuss the evolution of our gold ring riflescopes, new innovations, and choosing the right optic for the right job.

Subjects Discussed: Inventing the duplex reticle; how a riflescope works; narrowing down your choices; using our custom dial system; achieving low-light clarity; taking care of your optics; and more.

Lucas Burt and Scott Rousseau from Leupold sit down with Jordan Harbertson, Co-Founder at MTN Ops, and Brian Call, host of the Gritty podcast. Subjects discussed: Eagle Scout projects; Brian's tree house in Oregon; favorite t-shirts; the backstory on how MTN Ops began; the benefits of supplements for an outdoor lifestyle; how Jordan and Brian first met; the evolution of the Gritty brand; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the legendary VX-3i riflescope and how it compares to the newer VX-5HD.

Learn more about these optics at Leupold.com

Answering over 100 calls a day, the Leupold Technical Service team helps customers tackle product questions, give recommendations and address warranty requests. Scott and Lucas sat down with Dane and Michael to address some of the most common questions the Tech Service team receive and give further insight into choosing the right optic for your situation. Subjects discussed: When to call in; choosing an optic for your new rifle; zeroing your rifle; lapping rings; watching for counterfeit scopes; lifetime guarantees; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the new VX-Freedom riflescope line and how it compares to the VX-1 and VX-2 scopes it replaced.

Learn more about the VX-Freedom: https://www.leupold.com/product-series/vx-freedom

Hunters never stop learning, never stop growing – even after decades in the field. There’s always a new strategy to try or, in some cases, an entirely new medium to adopt. That was the case for Leupold’s Lucas Burt and Riza Lesser, who gave their first go at the ever-challenging world of bowhunting elk. Subjects discussed: Shooting the Total Archery Challenge; limited practice time; getting kicked out of the cool kid's group; onX Hunt saving the day; to bugle or not to bugle; checking things off the list; and other reflections from amateurs.

Few big game species are as elusive as the Columbia blacktail deer. Hard to find and harder yet to get a shot on, chasing blacktail is a demanding hunt. Leupold’s Shawn Skipper and Nic Kytlica are joined by Adam Heggenstaller (American Hunter) and John Snow (Outdoor Life and Field & Stream) to recap their week-long blacktail hunt in northwestern Oregon. Subjects discussed: John Snow's relationship to Kit Harrington; under-appreciating blacktail; battling vast timbered terrain; unseasonably warm weather and fog; perils of true public land hunting; utilizing mountain bikes as means of travel; and more.

Brian “Pigman” Quaca is known and loved throughout the outdoor industry for his powerful and truly one-of-a-kind personality. For years he’s given viewers a look at his rough and tough day-to-day life as he entertains them with a different take on traditional hunting television. Pigman is also a dedicated fan of the Leupold brand, and recently paid a visit to our Beaverton factory to sit down and chat with Leupold President and Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Pettet. Subjects discussed: American manufacturing; building custom rifles; Pigman's 2014 automobile accident recovery; hog hunting; and more!

Leupold's Bruce Pettet, CEO, and Scott Rousseau, Digital Content Specialist, sit down with Adam Janke and Nolan Osborne of the Journal of Mountain Hunting to discuss their new film 'Toeing The Line' - A Coastal Winter Goat Hunt. Listen in as the guys share details on their unforgettable expedition into the mountains of B.C., faced with frigid temperatures, record snowfall, and perilous terrain.

What size binoculars should I buy? How do I glass more efficiently to find animals? When should I use my spotting scope? Leupold's Shawn and Scott sat down with hunter Randy Newberg to answer these questions and get his top tips for making your glassing session as successful as possible, so you can fill the freezer this fall. 

Subjects Discussed: Choosing the right optic for the right job; getting comfortable and stable; picking the right location; taking naps; being slow, methodical, and patient; taking care of your glass; and more.

The mounting system is one of the most important elements of your shooting setup. Often overlooked, proper rings and bases are vital to getting and staying on target, round after round. Scott Rousseau and Nic Kytlica sit down with Product Line Manager, Pete Moe, to discuss our entire American-made mount products including the brand new aluminum Backcountry series, IMS mounts, and more.

Subjects Discussed: Pete's history at Leupold; designing mounts for every firearm; aluminum v.s. steel; insane machine tolerances; using the mount finder; to lap or not; proper torque specs; and making a proper BLT.

On this episode, recorded on location at Leupold HQ, Adam Janke of the Beyond The Kill Podcast sits down with VP of Product Development, Tim Lesser, to discuss rifle scope selection criteria and how to make sure you’re spending your money wisely.

Subjects Discussed: zoom ratios; reticles; lenses; coatings; focal planes; design and engineering; scope testing; warranties; and field scenarios that will help you choose the best rifle scope for your unique hunting needs.

We picked the guests. You asked the questions. Live from SHOT Show 2020, we are joined by Colion Noir - gun-rights activist, lawyer, news commentator, and host of the NRA Freestyle web series "NOIR". Leupold's Shane Meisel and Riza Lesser sit down with Colion to talk gun rights and ask him your questions.

Subjects Discussed: Colion's first firearm experience; Understanding different perspectives; Being reasonable in the face of attack; The one gun Colion would own; 9mm vs. 45mm; and more.

The new RX-FullDraw 5 is the most ballistically advanced archery rangefinder ever built. It builds upon the success of the RX-FullDraw 4 by accepting an even broader range of velocity inputs, features a new 20-yard flightpath technology mode, and even has a setting for ranging in bad weather.

Join Shawn Skipper and technology product line manager Eric Overstreet, as they dive deep into why this new rangefinder is so revolutionary and who will benefit most from this product.

Subjects Discussed: Archer's Advantage vs. Trig; benefits of an archery ballistic solution; how Flightpatch technology works; the most likely use-cases; comparison to the RX-FullDraw 4, and more.

The all-new DeltaPoint Micro is a fully enclosed, low-profile red dot sight designed specifically for concealed carry and personal defense.

Leupold's Shawn Skipper and Nic Kytlica sit down with Tactical Product Manager John Snodgrass, to discuss where the concept came from, and how this innovative design makes the DeltaPoint Micro one of the fastest, most accurate, and concealable red dots on the market.

Subjects Discussed: An unconventional design with purpose; major differences from other red dots; enclosed vs. open systems; durability testing; R&D process; and when you'll see the next models arriving.

Michael Wunnickie, Leupold Director of Marketing, sat down with Randy Newberg and Beau Baty at the 2018 BHA Rendezvous to chat about the latest trend in the hunting world: llamas. Randy is the host of Fresh Tracks and On Your Own Adventures TV series, and recently brought Beau and some of his llamas on a hunt. Beau is the founder and operations manager of Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas, an outfitting service that breeds, raises, and rents llamas for serious hunters and hikers.

Elk quarters are heavy, sheep country is relentless and unlike many sports, hunting requires you to maintain your strength, speed, and stamina for multiple days. With hunting season just around the corner, the time to prepare is now. Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, sits down with MTN OPS co-founders, Casey and Jordan Harbertson, as well as Brian 'Gritty' Call to talk all things fitness, preparation for the fall, and how to set yourself up to succeed.

Subjects Discussed: The ebbs and flows of fitness; battling procrastination; making small sustainable decisions; hike v.s. lifting; why the best ideas come during exercise; proper poops; finding your motivation; and more.

6 states. 7 bulls. 5 bucks. That's the premise of a new day-by-day Youtube series, Tradition. Leupold's Scott and Riza sat down with Jason Phelps and Nick Schmit of Angry Mountain Productions to discuss what it took to pull off this epic adventure and what fans can expect to see. Subjects Discussed: Why Tradition; best and worst hunts; living life on the road; varying personalities; and more.

Opening and securing public access is a key component of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s mission. Since 1984, RMEF has opened, secured or improved public access to more than 1.2 million acres of elk habitat across the country for hunters, hikers, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy. Leupold CEO, Bruce Pettet, sits down with RMEF CEO, Kyle Weaver, and long-time elk hunter (and RMEF member), Randy Newberg, to talk about the future vision of RMEF, the work being done to secure more public access, and the success of the first-annual RMEF Elk Camp/Mountain Festival in Park City, UT.

Subjects Discussed: Building generational value; mixing the old with the new; Randy's first Leupold scope; accessing the 9 million acres of public land that are landlocked; focusing on quality elk habitat; and more.

If you aren’t a hunter, and none of your family has encouraged you into it, you might wonder how to get into hunting. Where do you start? What skills do you need?

Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Randy Newberg to discuss why it's important to get more hunters into the field and what new hunters need to know to succeed.

Topics Discussed: Hunting camp memories; creating hunting advocates; basic hunting skills; where to learn; DIY vs guided hunts; and more.

From scouting and prepping land to shooting your bow, there are some very important whitetail hunting activities that you need to accomplish in the Spring. 

Leupold President and CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Mark Drury of Drury Outdoors to talk land management tips and keys to growing big bucks. They also recap their Iowa turkey hunt and the essential gear needed for success.

Subjects Discussed: Prepping for whitetail in spring; food, cover, and water; maintaining clover; using an optic on a turkey gun; why you should use binoculars; and more.

Being an American manufacturer is not easy. It takes grit and ingenuity.

Join Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and VP of Product Development Tim Lesser as they answer your questions and dive deeper into our American manufacturing history and how we are addressing the current Covid-19 crisis.

We embrace our duty as a true American manufacturer to support our country, our troops, and our neighbors. Because without you, there wouldn't be us. So thank you.

Subjects Discussed: Hiring an aviation service; being flexible with travel dates; unpredictable weather; gear recommendations; what to yell at a Caribou; and more.

2020 is officially here and we've been working on some awesome new optics we know you'll enjoy. Join Shawn, Scott, Tim, and Nic as they discuss the newest riflescopes, red dots, and more that are being unveiled this year at SHOT Show. 

Subjects Discussed: An awesome upgrade to the VX-3i; illuminated and AR models in the VX-Freedom; a new Delta Point Pro; and an entirely new product line you can use EVERY day.

You asked, we answered. Join Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet and VP of Product Tim Lesser as they tackle your questions about new and upcoming products, Covid-19's impact on the factory, custom shop updates, and more.

Part 2 of the unscripted, wild, and fun mule deer hunt story. In this episode, Lucas spots a Boone & Crockett buck, the weather changes, Curt switches to the rifle, and mental exhaustion sets in.

Join Curt Geier (Working Class Bowhunter Podcast), Brandon Palaniuk (Professional Bass Fisherman), and Leupold's own Lucas Burt as they venture into the high country of Eastern Oregon chasing mule deer.

Subjects Discussed: Lucas hunts the 'back 40'; the advantages to Leupold's Custom Dial System; feeling confident in your shot; Curt switches to a rifle for the first time ever; dedication to the process; Gordy the Guide; and more.

Leupold's Nic Kytlica sits down with Josh Lowry of Oregon Rifle Works to talk about their dedication and love for shooting and training. Josh isn’t a professional shooter, an Instagram celebrity or an instructor - he’s just an average guy who’s committed to refining his skills on a daily basis. If he can do it, so can you. Subjects discussed: Getting in a routine; the benefits of dry-fire practice; girls getting guys into guns; working a retail counter; competition shooting; training classes, and more.

Fred Eichler is a family man, relentless hunter, and owner of Fulldraw Outfitters. He has successfully harvested numerous trophies with his bow and completed the 'Super Slam' taking all 29 North American Species with his recurve.

Leupold CEO Bruce Pettet sits down with Fred to talk about what it takes to start a guide outfit, the dedication required to achieve the 'Super Slam', and more.

Subjects Include: Creating memories not transactions; CDS dial benefits; instilling a strong work ethic; innovating and pushing forward; quality control; the super slam; and more.

The new VX-3HD riflescope delivers legendary performance and HD clarity in an incredibly tough yet lightweight package.

Host Shawn Skipper is joined by Product Line Manager Vici Peters and Sales Manager Dan Wagner to discuss some of the riflescope's newest features, how it compares to the older VX-3i, and more.

Subjects Discussed: History of the VX-3 line; breaking down our Custom Dial System (CDS); advantages of a throw lever; new optical design; and more.

'This or That' gives a quick overview of two topics or products so you can best decide what is right for you.

In this episode, Shawn Skipper and Scott Rousseau are joined by Product Specialist Brenton Baer to discuss the popular RX-1600i rangefinder and how it compares and contrasts with the newer RX-2800.

Learn more at www.leupold.com

Around the world and across cultures, there is no animal more representative of the mountain culture than the ibex. Far away from home and way outside of their comfort zones, a team from The Journal of Mountain Hunting pursued this iconic mountain billy on their recent hunting trip to the Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan. Leupold’s Scott Rousseau sits down with the team to discuss the adventure and everything you didn’t see in their film, East of The Sun. Subjects Discussed: airport issues; traveling along the Afghanistan border; Tajikistan culture; dealing with extreme altitude; pulling off a double header; and more.

Wild turkey hunting is the fastest growing form of hunting in the U.S. today. In Oregon, turkey hunting has grown more than ten-fold since a statewide spring season opened in 1987. So in today's hard-hunted turkey woods, you need to know what you're doing. Leupold's Michael Wunnicke sits down with avid turkey hunter and guide Beau Brooks and first-time turkey hunters Amanda Caldwell and Connor Gabbott to talk about their successes and failures in the backwoods of Oregon.

Subjects Discussed: Proper calling techniques; set-up tactics; putting birds to bed; logging miles; and more.