Red, White and Moose

Welcome back to Red, White and Moose! In this episode, Mike breaks down his recent run at the NRL Hunter Cactus Classic, put on by Clayton Smith at the incredible 26,000-acre Hawks Double Mountain Ranch in Rotan, Texas.Coming off knee surgery just six weeks prior, Mike decided to have some fun and test himself by running his heavy-hitting .300 Norma. He gives an honest, unfiltered after-action report of his weekend, starting with a mentally grueling Saturday plagued by target-finding struggles, mental fog, and unexpected data issues that led to zeroing three stages. Mike explains exactly how he dug deep, trusted his process, and executed a massive Sunday comeback, climbing nearly 30 spots up the leaderboard to finish 22nd overall.Mike also dives deep into his gear performance, sharing initial impressions of the Vortex Talon binoculars versus his Swarovski ELs, the undeniable recoil mitigation of the Botnia Maxi suppressor, and why the Foundation stock's hybrid construction is an absolute game-changer. Plus, hear about Clayton Smith’s tricky stage designs, the incredible prize tables, and a huge shoutout to the match winner, Alec Cochran.Topics Covered in this Episode:Recap of the NRL Hunter Cactus Classic at Hawks Double Mountain Ranch.Running a .300 Norma dynamically: Gear breakdown, recoil management, and performance.The Mental Game: Bouncing back from zeroed stages, bad data, and mental fog.Pro-Tips: Why you should run a timer on stages and how to find targets in challenging terrain.Upcoming matches, including the final leg of the Texas Triple Crown: The Dust Devil Duel.

In this episode of Red, White & Moose, the focus is on a deep dive into hunting cartridge selection, challenging the traditional mindset that bigger is always better. The core argument advocates for prioritizing speed over bullet mass for most hunting scenarios (particularly whitetail-sized game). By stepping down in bullet diameter and pushing velocities to 3,000+ FPS (using cartridges like the 22 Creedmoor, 6mm variants, or 6.5 PRC), hunters can achieve flatter trajectories, immense hydrostatic shock, and significantly less recoil.The episode covers the practical pros and cons of this approach, addressing common concerns like meat damage, barrel life (which is largely a non-issue for standard hunting rifles), and the pitfalls of chasing velocity by overloading powder versus optimizing barrel length.

In this episode, we are taking a massive deep dive into preparing for an NRL match from start to finish. If you want to stop bleeding points on the clock and start dominating stages, this one is for you. We break down everything from the gear you actually need (and what you don't) to the advanced strategies that separate the top tier from the middle of the pack.What we cover:The Gear Rundown: Tripods, bino harnesses, tac plates, binos and moreCartridge Selection: Why you might want to rethink that 6.5 Creedmoor to game the NRL Power Factor.Data & Weather: How to true up your Kestrel and binos using Weather Underground station pressures before you ever leave the house.Stage Execution: The secret to asking your ROs the right yes-or-no questions without leading them.Wind Calling Math: Simplifying gun numbers, crosswind values , and making rapid wind calls on the clock.Position Building: Why going prone whenever the shooting position allows is the ultimate hack, and how to use your reticle as a ruler for rapid corrections .

This episode pulls back the curtain on what it takes to run a precision rifle match, covering target math, stage setup, terrain challenges, and tips for success. Hosted by Mike Burdis, it offers valuable insights for shooters and match organizers alike.

In this episode of Red, White & Moose, Mike Burdis checks in after attending the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) in Atlanta. He showcases several high-end gear acquisitions, including a collaboration knife between Grayboe and Half Face Blades, a Montana Knife Company Speed Goat 2.0, and innovative Tulu Broadheads capable of impressive 100-yard groups.The tone shifts as Mike details a serious medical scare; after his knee "gave out" at the end of the show, the intense pain caused him to lose consciousness on a Delta flight home. With an MRI pending, his 2026 hunting and match schedule is currently in limbo. Finally, Mike dives into the details for the 2026 Dust Devil Duel in Amarillo, Texas. He highlights the "Texas Triple Crown" series, the challenging West Texas winds, and the unique trophies—custom Winkler Ridgeline hatchets—awaiting the winners.

In this episode of Red, White and Moose, Mike Burdis shares exciting updates about upcoming hunting adventures and asking the listeners for inputs on cartridge and broadhead selections. He discusses plans for various hunts, including Axis buck and whitetail hunts, predator hunts, and seeks input from listeners on gear choices, cartridges, and broadheads. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparation, fitness, and community engagement in the hunting experience.

In this episode of Red, White and Moose, Mike Burdis shares his experiences from Shot Show, discussing the challenges he faced during travel and the exciting new products he encountered. He emphasizes the importance of precision in both life and shooting sports, highlights the growth of the archery segment, and reflects on the significance of customer service in the outdoor industry. Mike also shares personal insights about his weight loss journey and the importance of community engagement.

In this episode of Red, White and Moose, Mike Burdis dives into a detailed review of various shooting products, particularly focusing on the innovative designs from Short Action Customs (SAC). He praises their modular reloading dies and the consistency they offer, explaining how their design caters to a wide range of cartridges. Mike shares his personal experiences with these products, emphasizing their quality and the thoughtful engineering behind them. He encourages listeners to explore these products for better shooting results.Additionally, he shares his experiences and insights on archery and precision shooting, particularly focusing on his recent challenges with bow tuning and the impact of string settling on accuracy. He discusses the importance of maintaining equipment and how minor adjustments can significantly affect performance. Mike also highlights his excitement about upcoming events and the relentless pursuit of excellence in both archery and everyday life. He emphasizes the need for precision in shooting and the importance of understanding equipment dynamics to improve overall performance.

In this episode of Red, White and Moose, Mike Burdis shares updates on his recent activities, including the excitement of new gear and preparations for an upcoming show. He discusses the significance of having the right tools for precision shooting, such as Kestrel devices and tripods, and offers insights into the best practices for beginners in precision rifle shooting. He also discusses the importance of precision in both shooting and everyday life, emphasizing the need for quality equipment. Mike dives into the specifics of his new camera gear, including lenses and drones, and shares his experiences with archery equipment, particularly his bow setup and the challenges he's facing with form and technique.

In this episode, Mike Burdis discusses his recent experiences with new equipment, the challenges of bow hunting, and the thrill of the hunt, including the intense emotions of buck fever. Mike reflects on the lessons learned from both successes and failures in his hunting endeavors and outlines his future plans for competitions and archery events. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of patience and personal growth in the pursuit of excellence.

In this episode, Mike Burdis interviews Reagan Stahmer, a rising star in the Precision Rifle Series (PRS). They discuss Reagan's journey in competitive shooting, his experiences at various matches, and the mental strategies he employs to succeed. The conversation also touches on the challenges of competing against seasoned shooters and the importance of community in the shooting sports. Reagan shares valuable insights for junior shooters and reflects on his experience representing the USA at the World Championship. The episode concludes with a discussion on gear setups for rimfire and centerfire shooting, as well as future plans for competitions.

In this episode of Red, White and Moose, Mike Burdis shares his experiences and insights on archery, hunting gear, and the importance of quality equipment. He reflects on the holiday season, discusses his new archery setup, and provides an in-depth review of Kuiu gear, including clothing and backpacks. Mike emphasizes the significance of comfort and functionality in outdoor apparel and shares his excitement for future hunting adventures.

In this episode, Mike Burdis discusses the intricacies of custom rifle building. He shares insights on the latest technologies in archery equipment, the challenges of finding left-handed options, and the importance of precision in both archery and shooting sports. The conversation transitions into a detailed exploration of custom rifle setups, focusing on the significance of weight, performance, and the components that make up a successful build. Mike also delves into the specifics of long-range precision shooting with the 25-7 PRC cartridge, highlighting the advantages of various barrel profiles and the evolution of bullet options. In this conversation, Mike Burdis discusses his NRL open light setup, focusing on the components and considerations that go into building a competitive rifle. He emphasizes the importance of weight, power factor, and the balance of the rifle for optimal performance. Mike also explores the differences between single stage and two stage triggers, chassis versus stocks, and the significance of first focal plane scopes. He concludes with insights on cartridge selection and the overall philosophy behind building a rifle for competition shooting.

In this episode, Mike Burdis reflects on the past year, sharing personal experiences and challenges faced in 2025, including health issues and competition highlights. He discusses plans for 2026, focusing on upcoming matches, goals in shooting and archery, and the importance of physical fitness. Mike encourages listeners to set big goals and be aware of their potential for improvement, emphasizing the value of hard work and dedication in achieving excellence.

In this episode, Mike Burdis reflects on his experiences in shooting competitions and hunting, emphasizing the importance of preparation, analysis, and learning from mistakes. He shares a heartwarming story from the Dust Devil Duel match, discusses pre-shot preparation techniques, and offers insights on evaluating misses. The conversation culminates in a discussion about ethical shooting practices and determining maximum effective ranges for hunting.

In this conversation, Mike Burdis shares his recent hunting story, particularly focusing successfully harvesting an Aoudad with a 25-7 PRC. He describes the hunt, the gear and spending time with family around the Thanksgiving holiday.

In this episode, Mike Burdis shares his recent hunting trip where he tested various cartridges including the 6 PRC, 6 ARC, and 22 SAW. He discusses the experiences at the ranch, the management hunt for whitetail does, and the performance of different rifle setups. Mike reflects on the quality of the animals observed, the challenges of hunting with different cartridges, and the importance of shot placement. He also emphasizes the joy of hunting as a stress reliever and the camaraderie shared with friends during these trips.

In this episode, Mike Burdis shares his excitement for the hunting season and discusses the importance of having the right gear and data for successful hunting. He emphasizes the need for a solid understanding of one's equipment, particularly the use of ballistic data and quality triggers. Mike also highlights the significance of training and practice in improving shooting skills, and he concludes by encouraging hunters to build a complete system that enhances their overall experience in the field.

In this episode of Red, White &Moose, Mike Burdis shares his experiences from a recent precision rifle match, discusses upcoming hunting trips, and answers listener questions in a Q&A format. He dives into topics such as cartridge selection, ethical long-range hunting, and the differences between MOA and mil measurements. The conversation is filled with insights on gear, shooting techniques, and personal anecdotes, making it a valuable listen for hunting and shooting enthusiasts.

In this episode, Mike Burdis welcomes Nick Depperschmidt, a skilled shooter and match director, to discuss various topics related to hunting and shooting. They share personal stories from matches, delve into the debate of small versus large caliber rifles for hunting, and reflect on their experiences directing NRL matches. The conversation highlights the camaraderie within the shooting community and the evolution of hunting gear, culminating in a discussion about future plans and the joy of outdoor sports. In this engaging conversation, Mike Burdis and Nick Depperschmidt delve into the world of hunting, discussing their experiences, upcoming hunts, and the challenges faced in bear hunting. They explore the beauty of Colorado's terrain, the pressures of hunting in popular areas, and the innovations in firearms and ammunition, including the exciting developments in thermal technology. The discussion also highlights the recent acquisition of Hawkins Precision by TriggerTech and the new products being developed, particularly for Tikka rifles, showcasing the evolution of the hunting industry.