On The Horizon Podcast Episodes
Episode 54: Africa Hunting and Rifle Building with Pieter Malan
On this week's On the Horizon podcast episode, Derrick is joined by Pieter Malan from Impact Shooting . This podcast was a bit difficult to record since Pieter is all the way in South Africa, so apologies for the delays and awkward breaks in the video. Derrick is heading to South Africa soon, so he ...
Show more
Episode 53: Competitive Shooting with 3 Gun Kenzie
On this week's On the Horizon podcast, Derrick is joined by Kenzie Fitzpatrick, also known as 3 Gun Kenzie. Kenzie fills us in on her past and how she got to where she is today as a competitive shooter and writer in the shooting industry. With her area of writing expertise in concealed carry, she ha...
Show more
Episode 52: Thermal Coyote Hunting with Colton Roelofs
In this week's On the Horizon podcast episode, Derrick is joined by Colton Roelofs, professional coyote hunter. Colton Roelofs is a coyote hunter, day and night, with 74 kills so far this year alone. He talks about the gear you need to rack up the kills, how important wind is, the key to using a the...
Show more
Episode 51: Texas Hunting, Pistol Shooting, and Florida Hunting with J.R. Crosby
On this week's episode of the On the Horizon podcast, Derrick is joined by Pro MMA fighter, J.R. Crosby. J.R. is involved with a lot of things, including MMA fighting, teaching college courses in criminology, competitive shooting, and more! He tells us all about how he got into MMA fighting, his pas...
Show more
Episode 50: The Balance of Texas Hunting and MLB Baseball with Grayson Rodriguez
On this week's On the Horizon episode, Derrick is joined by Texas hunter and MLB Orioles starting pitcher, Grayson Rodriguez. Grayson is a native Texan from Nacogdoches, where he grew up with a love for both baseball and hunting. From playing baseball in the spring to hunting in the fall, Grayson ha...
Show more
Episode 49 Part 2: How we Create our Truly Custom Rifles with Michael Vestal
For this week's On the Horizon episode, Derrick and Michael sit down again in this PART 2 of our customs episodes to talk about our new and improved process for turning custom rifle dreams into reality. Just to recap, in PART 1, Derrick and Michael reminisce about the past custom rifles they have bu...
Show more
Episode 49 Part 1: The Creation of Horizon’s Custom Rifles with Michael Vestal
For this week’s On the Horizon episode, Derrick sits down with Horizon Firearms’ very own Research & Development Engineer, Michael Vestal. This is Part 1 of a two part series in which Derrick and Michael talk about the custom rifles we design and create at Horizon Firearms. In this Part 1 episod...
Show more
Episode 48: Texas Hunting and Texas Parks & Wildlife with Braxton Hicks
This week’s episode features Braxton Hicks, one of the first employees at Horizon Firearms and the Texas Parks and Wildlife R3 Coordinator for Hunting and Shooting Sports. Braxton tells us all about his journey after Horizon and how he got into the Texas Wildlife Association. He goes into detail o...
Show more
Episode 47: Snacks on the Hunt | Rating the Best Hunting Snacks
This week's episode is a bit different than our normal podcast. Derrick Ratliff is joined by Austin Ratliff and Trouper Krueger in rating our past podcast guests' favorite hunting snacks. The snacks range widely, from the typical Gushers and Moon Pies, all the way to what one guest called a "Mexican...
Show more
Episode 46: The New Generation of Stiller Actions with River Kile
In this week's episode, Derrick talks with River Kile - the design engineer for Stiller. After Stiller Actions was bought by Kaspar Outdoors, River was brought in to create new processes and designs and help breath new life into the action company. He invented new ways to create the original Stiller...
Show more
Episode 45: Reloading for the 22 Creedmoor with Zak May
In this week’s episode, Derrick chats with Zak May – longtime reloader, outdoor writer, and the guy behind the Reloading Quest channel. After spending some time behind a Horizon 22 Creed for a magazine article, Zak was hooked on the cartridge and began his most recent quest for the perfect load....
Show more
Episode 44: Cartridge Comparisons & Big Game Hunting with John McAdams
In this week’s episode, Derrick hosts John McAdams of The Big Game Hunting Blog in the studio. John grew up hunting and as an Army Veteran, has lived, and hunted, all over the country. Tapping into his diverse hunting background, John started The Big Game Hunting Blog while still in the service an...
Show more
Episode 43 Part 2: DATA for the 22 Creedmoor Barrel Length vs. Speed Test
We're calling this week's episode PART 2 for our Barrel Length vs Speed Test. As a quick recap, in that episode, Derrick takes a 26" 22 Creedmoor to the range so see what happens when the barrel is shortened down to 14", in 1-inch increments. Now, back in the studio, Derrick explores and explains th...
Show more
Episode 43: A 22 Creedmoor Barrel Length vs. Speed Test
What is the best barrel length for the 22 Creedmoor? We get asked that question all the time. So, in this week's episode of On the Horizon Podcast, Derrick takes a 22 Creedmoor and is answering the barrel length vs. speed debate once and for all. This video is for educational purposes only. Starting...
Show more
Episode 42: Your Questions Answered
In this week's episode of On the Horizon Podcast, host Derrick Ratliff sits down to answer questions straight from social platforms. From 22 Creedmoor Ammo availability and fluting carbon fiber barrels to best practices for cleaning and the best caliber for competitions, this short episode is packed...
Show more
Episode 41: The Potential of the 22 Creedmoor with JVB
Join host Derrick Ratliff, founder of Horizon Firearms, in a captivating discussion with special guest JVB (Joseph Von Benedikt) on the latest episode of On The Horizon Podcast. Delve into the world of precision shooting and ballistics as they explore the 22 Creedmoor cartridge, hailed as the next-g...
Show more
Episode 40: Mule Deer Mastery with the Muley Freak
Join host Derrick Ratliff in an insightful discussion with Muley Freak, the authority on hunting Mule Deer, hailing from the scenic Ogden Valley, Utah. Get ready to dive deep into the world of Mule Deer hunting as Erik of Muley Freak shares his wealth of knowledge and expertise. From tactics to gear...
Show more
Episode 39: Mastering Precision Shooting- Wind Challenges Explained
Join Derrick Ratliff, Founder of Horizon Firearms, on the latest episode of On The Horizon Podcast, as he delves into the art of shooting smaller groups amidst challenging wind conditions. Gain invaluable insights and expert tips on overcoming wind obstacles to achieve unparalleled accuracy in your ...
Show more
Episode 38: Inside Look at Custom Rifles & Horizon Factory Tour
Welcome to another exciting episode of On the Horizon Podcast! In this episode, join us as host, and Horizon founder, Derrick takes you on an exclusive journey into the world of custom rifles and provides a comprehensive factory tour of the Horizon Firearms facility located in Bryan, Texas. Discover...
Show more
Episode 37: Setting the 22 Creedmoor Ranch Record
Join Derrick Ratliff, Horizon Firearms' founder, on a remote set in South Texas alongside Lansdom Yoakum, head buyer for Online Outfitters and Schooler Representative Ryan Dusik. In this episode of "On the Horizon," they delve into the practicalities of the 22 Creedmoor rifles and dissect the fast-p...
Show more
Episode 36: A Visit to Circle Y Saddles with Tyler Kijac
Join host Derrick Ratliff and special guest Tyler Kijak, the acclaimed winner of the Ultimate Cowboy Showdown, for an immersive journey into the heart of cowboy culture. Filmed on location at the iconic @CircleYSaddles headquarters in Yoakum, TX, this episode of On the Horizon delves deep into the a...
Show more
Episode 35: 22 Creedmoor, Horizon, & Hornady have worked on it for how long??
Join us on the latest episode of "On the Horizon" as Derrick Ratliff sits down with acclaimed writer Sean Utley, Hornady engineer Ryan Dammen, and Horizon GM Trouper Kruger. Dive deep into the world of the 22 Creedmoor, as these experts share their insights on bullet design, vapor trails, and much m...
Show more
Episode 34: Backfire TV’s Jim Harmer Has Fun Talking Firearms with On The Horizon’s Derrick Ratliff!
🎙️ Unleash the Firepower: Join Derrick for a lively podcast as he talks to Jim from Backfire TV! From the groundbreaking 22 Creedmoor to the best calibers, top-notch bullets, and the worst rifles you might encounter, this podcast is packed with industry wisdom and insider info. They als...
Show more
Episode 33: Hunting Blacktail, Roosevelt Elk & Rio Turkey & Fishing the Umpqua with Jody Smith
Derrick spends 3 days with Jody Smith Guide Service hunting a blacktail deer deep in the logging country of Western Oregon just 4 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Jody’s family moved to the area as German immigrants in the 1840s via the National Land Claim and he was born and raised hunting and lov...
Show more
Episode 32: Unveiling Western Hunting’s Secrets with Gun Guru Hazer Bulkley
In this episode, Derrick dives deep into the world of Western hunting with none other than the seasoned expert and gun guru, Hazer Bulkley. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that covers everything from rifle calibers to barrel configurations to the lightweight rifle craze, and a special spo...
Show more
Episode 31: PRC Ammo Secrets Revealed! 6.5 PRC, 7 PRC and 300 PRC Rifle Cartridges
Derrick Ratliff, founder of Horizon Firearms, discusses the differences between the 6.5 PRC, the 300 PRC and Derrick's favorite, the 7 PRC. We get questions often about which one is the best fit for Horizon Firearms clients. Derrick uses JM Ballistics calculator to discuss drop, velocity and win...
Show more
Episode 30: How to Book Hunts with the “AirBNB” for Ranches and Hunters
Occasionally, an entrepreneur at heart will stumble upon a concept that they can’t believe doesn’t yet exist. So they create it. With a team of investors and co-founders, Jonathan Lusk created an “AirBNB for ranches and hunting experiences” concept. Through his company, BirdDog Adventures, h...
Show more
Episode 29: Outdoor Life’s Hunting Editor Andrew McKean Tells His Story
We all decided on this side of the podcast that we need to be real life friends with Andrew McKean. Andrew conveyed a curious spirit and kind approach - a true journalist heart. He has traveled the world and had once-in-a-lifetime experiences while serving as Hunting and Conservation Editor for Outd...
Show more
Episode 28: West Texas Big Bobcat Contest – Paid Out Over $3,000,000!
Derrick Ratliff interviews the hosts of the highest paying predator contest in the country (over $3,000,000 to date!) that attracts over 700 teams per contest. Occurring three times per year in January, February, and March, the 23 hour contest attracts hunters from all over Texas. Jeremy Harrison an...
Show more
Episode 27: Derrick Announces Stiller’s New 22-Ounce Wombat Action
Derrick flies solo this podcast to announce Stiller’s new 22-ounce action completely redesigned by Horizon Firearms for Stiller. He spends a little bit of time reviewing the current product offerings of Stiller and the history of the company, including its sister company relationship to Horizon Fi...
Show more
Episode 26: Texas Music Star Aaron Watson & Derrick Talk Music and Hunting
Texas Music singer/songwriter, Aaron Watson, joins Derrick Ratliff in the studio for an interesting and inspiring music and hunting-focused conversation. Aaron talks about grit and perseverance and how, even after recording over 1,000 songs, he’s just as motivated and hungry in his career as he’...
Show more
Episode 25: Hornady Announces 22 Creedmoor Factory Ammo & Exclusive Partnership with Horizon Firearms
The time has come! First heard from On The Horizon podcast, Seth Swerczek and Jadyn Quinlan from Hornady announce that the 22 Creedmoor is becoming a SAAMI-approved round! Hornady will be manufacturing 22 Creedmoor ammunition and has partnered with Horizon Firearms (and sister company Texas Ammuni...
Show more
Episode 24: Kat Interviews Derrick about Evolution of 22 Creedmoor Relationship with Hornady
The script is flipped today and Katherine Rice interviews Derrick Ratliff as part of a multi-part series about the 22 Creedmoor caliber. They discuss why it’s considered a “fringe” caliber in regards to stability factors related to temperature, altitude and barrel twist and the versatility of ...
Show more
Episode 23: Derrick with 22 Creed Data and First Come First Serve 22 Creedmoor Vandal Rifle Special
Included is a first come, first serve offer on the new Horizon Firearms Vandal and VandalX rifles that is exclusive to this podcast episode. A free box of 22 Creedmoor factory ammo for the first 50 folks to call in to Horizon Firearms (979.229.4664) and order one of the new Vandal series rifles fr...
Show more
Episode 22: Musician and YeeYee Founder Granger Smith and his New Book: Like a River
Granger Smith, platinum-selling country music singer-songwriter and founder of YeeYee Nation, joins Derrick to discuss his new book, Like a River: Finding the Faith and Strength to Move Forward After Loss and Heartache. In addition to his career in music, Derrick has also known Granger since 2005 as...
Show more
Episode 21: Supply/Demand Imbalance of Rifle Magazines & the 2nd Amendment
Austin Damoth is the President of Amend2, a family owned company based in Idaho that builds polymer magazines for bolt action rifles and AR platforms. Austin discusses the owners’ fierce support of the second amendment (hence the business name Amend2) and how the company developed from the supply/...
Show more
Episode 20: Rifle Scopes 101 and Extending Your Effective Yardage as a Shooter
Bob Dana is the South Texas Territory Manager for Leupold Optics and is a walking encyclopedia in regards to optics, CDS reticles, parallax, scope anatomy and bullet trajectory and velocity. Bob and Derrick discuss extending your effective yardage as a hunter or competitive shooter and how important...
Show more
Episode 19: Gauging the Wind for Extreme Long Range Shooting and Carters Country History
Billy Carter co-owns the legendary Carter Country retail stores in the Houston, Texas, area and is known for a world record 2 mile shot as an ELR (extreme long range) enthusiast. Derrick and Billy talk about the nuances of the wind when shooting extreme distances as well as Billy’s favorite rifle ...
Show more
Episode 18: 22 Questions about the 22 Creedmoor
Derrick Ratliff, founder of Horizon Firearms and host of On The Horizon podcast, answers 22 questions about the 22 Creedmoor that he has regularly encountered over the last decade of building 22 Creedmoor caliber rifles. What is the best twist rate? Small rifle primers versus large magnum prime...
Show more
Episode 17: How Does a 22 Creedmoor Do on Aoudad Sized Game?
Derrick Ratliff brings his favorite hunting buddy, 10-year-old son Rhyder, into the studio to discuss their latest aoudad and hog hunting adventure in the Davis Mountains of West Texas. Rhyder gets to show off his bruise from the hail storm that snuck up on them on the mountain while running for she...
Show more
Episode 16: Do Hunting Decoys Work? Archery Hunter and Rifle Hunter Nuances
Danny Farris, bowhunter influencer and extraordinaire, and Derrick Ratliff, rifle hunter influencer and extraordinaire, cross over to each other’s worlds for a lively talk about their commonalities and love for the hunting industry. Danny hosts the Hoyt Bowhunter Podcast, owns Ultimate Predator Ge...
Show more
Episode 15: What Does Shiner Beer and Horizon Firearms Have in Common?
Jimmy Mauric, brewmaster of Shiner Beers at Spoetzl Brewery in Shiner, Texas, joins Derrick Ratliff, founder of Horizon Firearms. Horizon Firearms is a subsidiary of Kaspar Companies (125 years old), which is located right across the street from the Spoetzl Brewery (114 years old). Jimmy and Derrick...
Show more
Episode 14: What Not To Do on a First Elk Hunt! and Why is the RMEF Important?
Clint Salisbury, regional director for Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Michigan, joins Derrick to talk all things elk hunting. Clint and Derrick swap hilarious first time elk hunting stories and discuss the role that Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation plays in preserving the opportunities for future gen...
Show more
Episode 13: Is the 22 Creedmoor Fur Friendly? and Who Harvested the First Blacktail Deer with a 22 Creedmoor?
Katherine Rice, founder and owner of Wildcat Marketing joins Derrick Ratliff to discuss dancing goats (briefly!), whether or not the 22 Creedmoor is fur friendly, how the explosion of social media has transformed marketing, and how Kat is probably the first person to harvest a blacktail deer with a ...
Show more
Episode 12: What Happened to Stiller? and What Can an Engineer Do in the Outdoor Industry?
Director of Engineering for Kaspar Outdoors (and Derrick’s youngest brother), Austin Ratliff, reminisce about the entrepreneurial old school days of Horizon Firearms. Austin was Derrick’s first “college kid helper” in Derrick’s home garage during the founding days. Derrick and Austin discu...
Show more
Episode 11: How Do You Train a Gun Dog? and Derrick’s German Shorthaired Pointer
James Hard, founder of Hard Retrievers, shares his training expertise in the gun dog world as he operates training programs from basic obedience to competition retriever. Hard Retrievers has had Derrick’s German Shorthaired Pointer pup, Duke, for the last two months starting him on gun dog basics....
Show more
Episode 10: How Did the 22 Creedmoor Get It’s Start?
David Stroud is officially Horizon Firearms’ first customer dating back to 2012, and he has been a helpful and loyal friend and customer ever since. We sure are grateful as we don’t know any human who has shot more rounds or killed more coyotes in his life so he has all kinds of valuable feedbac...
Show more
Episode 9: How Do Product Reps Help Companies in the Outdoor Industry Grow?
The sales process within the hunting industry may be more complex than you thought. The items on Cabela’s shelves and Academy’s floor don't just appear from the manufacturer. A lot of business and several companies are involved before they get there. Aaron is a well known player in the product r...
Show more