Hunting Blacktail, Roosevelt Elk, Turkey & Fishing with Jody Smith | On the Horizon Ep. 33

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 loving firearms with his father and grandfather. Jody said he hosts a lot of clients who are trying to complete their hunting slams and still need a blacktail deer or a Roosevelt elk. He’s a hunting or fishing guide year round based on the seasons and specializes in Roosevelt elk, blacktail deer, and Rio turkey as well as salmon, sturgeon and smallmouth fishing on the Umpqua River. Derrick and Jody talk about how times have changed just since the 1970s and how 5th grade Jody bought a rifle from an older fellow on the school bus for $25 and then had his principal hang onto it for him until he could pick it up for his school bus ride home. Towards the end and in true Oregon fashion, Derrick and Jody get rained on as Jody tells heartfelt and emotional stories about learning gun safety from his grandfather as well as his most memorable client who was dying from cancer and was blessed with a successful Roosevelt elk in the most perfect of circumstances. Derrick lived in western Oregon for 2.5 years and never had the chance to harvest a good representation of a blacktail buck. This trip fulfilled that dream and Jody and Derrick share the adventure. . . . . .On The Horizon episodes brought to you by:Horizon FirearmsTexas Ammunitioniota OutdoorsStiller22 Creedmoor Join us on InstagramJoin us on FacebookVideo version available on our YouTube and Rumble Channel. On The Horizon podcast: Founder of Horizon Firearms Derrick Ratliff gathers guests to share and discuss outdoor industry expertise and memorable hunting adventures. Favorite topics include long-range shooting, custom rifles, 22 Creedmoor, outdoor experiences, and from time to time some family talk and life lessons.