Chasing Giants with Don Higgins - podcast cover

Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

Chronicling the constant pursuit of World Class Whitetails. Follow an experienced land manager, consultant, writer, and hunting industry expert throughout the year as he finds, targets, and hunts world class whitetail bucks. Hunting tips and tricks that can be used no matter your skill set, property, or goals this hunting season.
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Episodes

Episode #251 - Update on Don & Joe Miles Kills 2 Giant Mexico Bucks!

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, Terry and substitute co-host Joe Miles discuss Joe's recent hunting experiences in Mexico, where he successfully harvested two impressive bucks. They explore the differences in hunting conditions and practices between Mexico and the Midwest, the emotional journey of targeting a specific buck in South Carolina, and the challenges Joe faced during his pursuit. The conversation highlights the camaraderie of the hunting community, and the lessons learne...

Dec 08, 202446 minEp. 251

Episode #250 - Prepare for Late Season Big Buck Hunting

Walker shot two bucks in three days, showcasing his hunting skills. Don emphasizes the importance of managing deer populations for future hunting success. Kids today have access to more resources and knowledge about hunting than previous generations. The emotional impact of loss can be profound, as seen in Kyle's story. Community support is crucial during difficult times, especially during the holidays. The rut can vary each year, and hunters should adapt their strategies accordingly. Late-seaso...

Dec 01, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 250

Episode #249 - Another Big Archery Buck! Terry Peer and Don Higgins Discuss

Terry discusses his 2024 hunt for the buck he named King David. This will end up being a different type of hunting video than we have ever produced. The story of this hunt, buck, and hunting season will hopefully be an encouragement to all. Chasing Giants and Lester's Feet Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com Our Sponsors of Chasing Giants TV: Asio Camo Gear - www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group - www.midwestlandgroup.com Victory Auto Group - www.victorykc.com 360 Hunt...

Nov 24, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 249

Episode #248 - Big Buck Down! Wes Delks Joins Us to Discuss UHAUL

Chasing Giants Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com The guys are joined by Wes Delks on this episode. Wes came over to hunt with Don and Terry after he harvested his target buck in Indiana named UHAUL. Listen to the guys joke around and discuss why this first buck off Higgins 2.0 is so special to Wes. He also spends some time helping Don answer some questions. For more daily content through the entire month of November, please follow our Chasing Giants TV social media....

Nov 17, 202458 minEp. 248

Episode #247 - Lockdown, Drone's, and Deer Pimps

Chasing Giants Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com Don was feeling a bit froggy as he goes on one of his epic rants that has Terry laughing. It has been a while since we have seen Don fired up. Hear what he has to say about the slow rut after what he thought would be a fantastic November. For more daily content through the entire month of November, please follow our Chasing Giants TV social media.

Nov 10, 20241 hr 22 minEp. 247

Episode #246 - Don Says - Best November Hunting in 50 Years

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the significant impact of weather on deer activity, particularly in October and November. They share insights from their hunting experiences, analyze weather patterns, and provide strategies for maximizing hunting success during the rut. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding deer behavior in relation to weather changes and the upcoming rut report from Chasing Giants TV. In this episode, Terry an...

Nov 03, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 246

Episode #245 - Halloween Hunting Should Be Great! Weather and Hunting Forecast from Don Higgins

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss the importance of firearm hunting, particularly for their diverse audience. They delve into the topic of fawn births and the estrus cycle, explaining how and when doe fawns can breed. The conversation shifts to the rut report, where Don shares his observations from the field and how they plan to expand their reporting this season. They also analyze weather patterns and their significant impact on deer activit...

Oct 27, 20242 hr 1 minEp. 245

Episode #244 - October Lull? Don and Terry See Bucks Moving in Mid October

Don and Terry talk about hunting together in Illinois. Some great movement under certain conditions. They answer some great questions from listeners which include homecoming bucks, bedding, life lessons, and understanding how many bucks are really over 170" per square mile. The guys also provide an update on Lester's Feet and Don's Grandson's Youth Season. Any use or reproduction of this audio or video without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited....

Oct 20, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 244

Episode #243 - Target Giant Non-Typical Buck Success - Don Higgins

To start this episode, Terry makes an episode about how Lester's Feet is doing a Hurricane Relief Project before discussing Don's recent successful hunt for his target buck, Zacchaeus. They delve into the strategies and tactics used during the hunt, the importance of patience and experience, and the lessons learned from the experience. The conversation also touches on the role of equipment, the significance of relationships in hunting, and the impact of EHD on deer populations. Additionally, the...

Oct 13, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 243

Episode #242 - Stop Hunting October Mornings

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the impact of recent hurricanes on hunting communities, share their early season hunting successes, and delve into the unusual lack of rubs observed this year. They also address listener questions about hunting strategies, baiting regulations, and the importance of community support during challenging times. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful hunting practices and the significance of staying informed thro...

Oct 06, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 242

Podcast #241 - Don's Target Buck Revealed - Non-Typical Giant!

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss various topics related to hunting, including the impact of weather on deer populations, strategies for targeting specific bucks, and the importance of community and ministry in the hunting world. They also delve into the challenges of hunting on public land and the significance of scent control and wind direction. The conversation highlights the complexities of wildlife management, and the emotional connections hunters ha...

Sep 29, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 241

Episode #240 - If Don Was DNR, How He Would Make Illinois Better Than Iowa

EHD is a significant concern for deer health this season. Food plot management is crucial for sustaining deer populations. Innovative feeding equipment can enhance deer management efforts. Community support and personal milestones are celebrated. Chasing Giants TV aims to provide diverse hunting content. Family values play a key role in hunting culture. Listener questions reveal common concerns among hunters. State DNR regulations impact deer management strategies. Age structure in deer populati...

Sep 22, 202459 minEp. 240

Episode #239 - EHD Is Closing in on Don's Farm!

Takeaways The new Chasing Giants and Mission Whitetail series aims to provide relatable content for hunters. EHD outbreaks are a significant concern for deer populations, especially in Illinois. Deer can develop resistance to EHD, but this is less common in northern areas. Cell cameras may affect the behavior of mature bucks, leading to fewer pictures. Community engagement and positive actions within the hunting community are essential. Effective communication with neighbors can prevent hunting ...

Sep 16, 20241 hr 16 minEp. 239

Episode 238 - 2024 Buck Forecast - MORE GIANTS SHOT THIS YEAR

In this episode, Don Higgins discusses his buck forecast for the year based on his trail camera observations across three different states. He notes that the antler growth this year has been fantastic, likely due to the mild winter and early spring. He predicts that there will be some giants killed, with bucks over 200 inches and even over 220 inches being harvested. However, he also highlights the issue of herd management and the lack of older age class bucks in the population. Don emphasizes t...

Sep 08, 20241 hrEp. 238

Episode 237 - Cell Camera Spooking Mature Deer? Don Thinks Maybe So....

In this episode, Terry and Don discuss the weather and the condition of their food plots. They address concerns about seed germination in dry conditions and offer advice on when to replant. They also discuss the possibility of deer detecting cell cameras and share their observations on the topic. The conversation then transitions to the topic of moving trail cameras and the importance of dictating deer movement on your property. They also answer questions about using Deadly Dozen as a cover crop...

Sep 01, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 237

Episode #236 - Antler Genetics Follow Mother or Father?

In this episode, Don and Terry discuss the early shedding of antlers and the potential impact on the rut and hunting seasons. They also talk about the effects of an early fall on bow hunting and gun hunting in Illinois. The conversation touches on topics such as weather, deer movement, crop harvest, and hunting strategies. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss various topics related to deer hunting. They talk about the early season behavior of bucks, the movement of mature bucks during lat...

Aug 25, 20241 hr 14 minEp. 236

Episode #235 - Is EHD Back in 2024? Bucks Dead in Indiana!

In this episode, Don and Terry discuss Don's birthday, recent rain in the forecast, planting food plots, the early fall season, EHD concerns, and customer service experiences. They also answer questions about terminating and replanting a clover plot and reviving a drought-affected clover and chicory plot. In this part of the conversation, the hosts address some technical difficulties with the Sunday night prayer time segment and announce that it will be included at the end of each episode. They ...

Aug 18, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 235

Episode #234 - Don Walks Away from Chasing His Biggest Buck Ever!

In this episode, Don discusses his busy week and the challenges he faced while hunting for a giant buck in Ohio. He also talks about the new web show he's working on and the meetings he had with companies related to farming for nutrients. Don shares his decision to not pursue the buck in Ohio due to low odds of success and the presence of other hunters on the property. He also mentions spending time with his family and the launch of a new deer feeder by a friend. Don and Terry discuss the status...

Aug 12, 20241 hr 17 minEp. 234

Episode #233 - 2024 Anter Growth Continues to Impress Don

Summary: In this episode, Don and Terry discuss observations of antler growth based on camera footage and weather conditions. They highlight the impact of weather on antler growth and the importance of considering the current season's growth when deciding whether to target a buck. They also discuss the challenges and considerations of fall food plots, including the timing of planting and the impact of weather conditions. The conversation touches on the genetics of deer populations and the potent...

Aug 04, 20241 hr 34 minEp. 233

Episode 232 - We are starting a TV Show!

Summary Don Higgins and Joe Miles announce the launch of a new online hunting show called Chasing Giants TV, a Mission Whitetail series. The show will feature Don and Joe sharing their experiences and strategies for hunting whitetail deer. They will be joined by a diverse group of hunters, including Bobby Worthington, West Delks, Terry Peer, Steve Shields, Chris Yates, Bryhn Kraft, Brandon Epperson, and Ty Miller. The show will provide a platform for hunters of all levels to learn and be inspire...

Jul 28, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 232

Episode #231 - Timing is Key: When to Plant Fall Plots

Summary In this episode, Terry and Don discuss their recent trail camera findings and when to plant fall plots. They also touch on their thoughts about recent political events. Don shares his experience speaking at an event in Wisconsin and talks about the abundance of fawns he's seen on his trail cameras. They emphasize the importance of timing when planting fall plots and recommend backdating from the expected first frost. They also address a listener's question about dealing with reed canary ...

Jul 21, 20241 hr 18 minEp. 231

Episode 230 - Don says Switchgrass is not the best bedding.

Summary In this episode, Terry and Don catch up on their recent activities, including filming with Steve Shields and preparing for the Midwest Sportsman's Classic. They also discuss the new Ninmax batteries and answer questions about deer movement and tree planting. Don emphasizes the importance of playing the wind when hunting mature bucks, despite a study that suggests otherwise. He also provides advice on shading potted trees to prevent heat damage. In this part of the conversation, Don and T...

Jul 14, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 230

Episode #229 - Final Thoughts on the Buck Named Babe and Cameras are Out!

Summary Don discusses his recent activities in scouting deer properties and the progress of his Ohio property. He also shares the emotional journey of hunting and harvesting a buck named Babe, and the impact it had on his perspective and relationships. Don and Terry also answer questions about feeding and baiting deer, and Don expresses his preference for gravity-fed feeders. In this part of the conversation, Don and Terry answer questions from listeners about antler development conditions, hunt...

Jul 07, 20241 hr 9 minEp. 229

Episode 228 - Is Iowa Really the Best State?

Summary In this episode, Don and Terry discuss Don's trail camera deployment, his creative spring on his property to keep deer off his soybeans, and the recent changes to deer hunting regulations in Iowa. They also provide an update on Don's daughter's health and answer a question about preparing fall plots when weeds have taken over. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss various topics related to habitat management and deer hunting. They provide advice on managing weeds in food plots, the...

Jun 30, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 228

Episode #227 - Science Behind Summer Solstice and Whitetail

In this episode, Don Higgins and Terry discuss the summer solstice and its impact on wildlife, particularly whitetail deer. They also talk about Don's recent experience of hanging a stand using a Quiet Cat bike. The conversation then shifts to the upcoming travel schedule for Don in July. They explore the physiological effects of the summer solstice on soybeans and whitetail deer, including antler growth, shedding velvet, and the timing of the rut. They also address questions about deer injuries...

Jun 23, 20241 hr 6 minEp. 227

Ep. #226 - Mineral Site Placement and Predator Activity Special Memories of Fathers on Father's Day

Takeaways Real World will be offering affordable trail camera batteries on their website, providing a cost-effective alternative to the expensive Energizer batteries. The delayed hay harvest has led to increased fawn mortality as the fawns are in the fields when the hay is being cut. This is a reminder of the cause and effect relationship in the ecosystem. Planting potted trees in the fall can be beneficial as they are more likely to survive and establish compared to bare root trees planted in t...

Jun 16, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 226

Episode 225 - Big Antlers this Spring Mean Big Decisions this Fall!

In this episode, Don and Terry discuss the potential for an exceptional antler growing season due to favorable weather conditions. They highlight the importance of the current year's antler growth and how it may not be replicated in future years. They also discuss the challenge of deciding whether to shoot younger bucks that may have exceptional antler growth this year. The conversation then shifts to the topic of planting fruit trees for deer and the importance of choosing disease-resistant var...

Jun 09, 20241 hr 3 minEp. 225

Episode 224 - Saving Fawns and Farming for Nutrients: Insights from Don Higgins

Takeaways Understanding the challenges of managing fawns and the importance of protecting them during the birthing season. Recognizing the significance of farming for nutrition and the impact of regenerative agriculture on food plots. Appreciating the innovative approach of Real World Wildlife Products in developing high-quality, nutrient-rich products for deer health and antler growth. The importance of using fertilizers with micronutrients for nutrient-dense plots. The attraction of nutrient-r...

Jun 02, 20241 hr 5 minEp. 224

Episode #223 - Why are Young Bucks Being Hit on the Roads This Time of Year?

Takeaways It is important to provide food on your property year-round to attract and retain deer Young bucks are often killed on the side of the road during this time of year as they disperse from their birthplace Understanding the layout of your property and creating a plan is crucial for successful land management Residual herbicides can help prevent weed growth in food plots Consulting can be a positive experience, but there are challenges such as sleeping in motels and dealing with awkward e...

May 26, 20241 hr 2 minEp. 223
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