On the Horizon

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 the caliber in relation to animal size and distance.  They discuss the beginnings of Horizon Firearms’ rel...

This podcast should most likely be watched on YouTube has Derrick has an in studio presentation with Velocity, Drop and Energy data tables, photos of 22 Creedmoor trophy shots, and even a video of various mid sized game kills at various yardages with the 22 Creedmoor. He also shows the camera the specifics on the new Vandal and VandalX rifles and offers a first come, first serve special for the fi...

 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 a fellow Aggie, outdoorsman and patriot. Granger shares how the tragic death of his 3-year-old s...

Austin Damoth is the Product Development Manager for 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/demand imbalance of rifle accessories in the US. They talk about the next generatio...

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 optics have been in the technological advancement of the sport. Bob brought several Leupold scopes...

Billy Carter owns and runs 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 to shoot. Derrick presents Billy with his Horizon Firearms 300 Weatherby truly custom rifle with...

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 primers? Why shoot the heavy bullets versus the light bullets? What bullets should I shoot? Does barrel lengt...

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 Texas. Rhyder gets to show off his bruise from the hail storm that snuck up on them on the mountain while running for shelter. They discuss the performance of the 22 Creedmoor on aoudad-sized game and the multiple one-shot kil...

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 Gear and is on the board for the Colorado Bowhunters Association . He was the producer of Bowhunter TV,...

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 talk about how these historical companies affect the small town of Shiner, Texas, and it’s national...

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 generations to enjoy and experience elk hunting. Mission and legacy are important words to both Derrick...

Katherine Rice, founder and owner of Wildcat Marketing from Eugene, Oregon, joins Derrick Ratliff as a long time friend, former co-worker, former remote employee, current marketing contractor, and ongoing expert in the field of outdoor industry marketing and media. They discuss how real relationships shine through in small town local business marketing, how the explosion of social media has transf...

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 discuss the growth of the company and the facility moves from the garage to the first 3,600 square foot building to...

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. James discussed his entrepreneurial venture turning his hobby into his profession and serving as a do...

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 feedback. David has personal reloading data book records dating back to 1956. He’s a self-proclaimed “cutting e...

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 rep industry and is currently a principal owner at Schooler and Associates. He represents the outsid...

Derrick reconnects with PH Stix Hoole with John X Safaris as they discuss hunting across the pond in South Africa as well as various rifle calibers for hunting on an African safari.  . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us on Facebook Video version available on our YouTube  and Rumble Cha...

Derrick spends time with Bergara's Brand Manager, Dakota Russell. They  discuss elk hunting in Montana, the new 7 PRC,  the 22 Creedmoor, match grade vs. hunting bullets, and Spanish Ibex management. . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us on Facebook Video version available on our Y...

Derrick talks with former NFR bull rider Chandler Bownds on this week's episode. They talk all things rodeo, hunting, family, and especially the 22 Creedmoor Venatic that Chandler has been shooting this year.  . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us on Facebook Video version availabl...

Derrick talks to professional guide Ish Brown, literally during a whiteout storm IN Montana. They talk about guide school, clients, and of course elk hunting.  . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us on Facebook Video version available on our YouTube  and Rumble Channel . On The Horizon p...

Derrick talks with Jon LaCorte of Tract Optics. Jon discusses growing up hunting in New York and the roadmap to starting Tract as well as the role of optics in hunting.   . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us on Facebook Video version available on our YouTube  and Rumble Channel . On Th...

Derrick and good friends discuss their Alaskan Unit 23 Caribou hunt. This trip will go down in history as their most venatic experience to date. From tundra hiking to necessary equipment to bear avoidance, the trip was an adventure of a lifetime.  . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us o...

Derrick joins Dylan of OnX maps to discuss using mapping software and a big elk hunt Dylan just got back from, and of course all things Venatic.  . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor Join us on Instagram Join us on Facebook Video version available on our YouTube  and Rumble Channel . On The Horizon podcast: Founde...

Long time friend and outdoor marketing expert Katherine Rice of Wildcat marketing, joins Derrick to discuss the kick off of the Venatic podcast and rifle give away. Filled with nuggets for marketing your own startup in the outdoors space. This is not one you will want to miss.  . . . . . On The Horizon episodes brought to you by: Horizon Firearms Texas Ammunition iota Outdoors Stiller 22 Creedmoor...