Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

Terry Peer
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.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Episode #252 - Don says, "THERE IS NO SECOND RUT!"

    In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss Don's recent health scare and the overwhelming support he received from the community. They transition into a conversation about property management, specifically the concept of a 'ceiling' on what can be achieved with a property. Don emphasizes the importance of recognizing this ceiling and making informed decisions about property management. The discussion then shifts to late-season hunting strategies, encouraging hunters to stick to their goals and not compromise as the season winds down. In this episode, Terry and Don delve into various aspects of deer hunting and management, discussing the peculiarities of deer health, the survival rates of buck fawns, and the effectiveness of mock scrapes. They also address the controversial topic of the second rut, emphasizing that it is a myth, and share strategies for managing poaching and protecting crops. The conversation is rich with insights on deer behavior, health issues, and practical hunting tips. Takeaways Don received overwhelming support during his health scare. Every property has a ceiling that limits potential. Hunters should recognize their property’s ceiling before making decisions. Late-season hunting requires a commitment to original goals. Compromising hunting goals can lead to missed opportunities. The community's support often outweighs negative feedback. Health changes can lead to better lifestyle choices. Understanding deer movement patterns is crucial in late season. Hunters should focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gains. Videoing deer can provide satisfaction without compromising goals. The size of the abscess on the deer was unprecedented. A deer's age can be misleading based on physical appearance. Survival rates for buck fawns are significantly low due to various factors. Mock scrapes can be more effective with ropes than natural vines. Orphaned fawns may struggle with health issues due to lack of maternal care. Bacterial infections can severely impact deer health and antler growth. There is only one rut each year, despite common beliefs about a second rut. Proper management of deer herds can lead to healthier populations. Using Miscanthus as a screen can deter poachers effectively. Unethical hunting practices can undermine conservation efforts. 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 Hunting Blinds - www.360huntingblinds.com Real World Wildlife Products - www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com Mathews Archery - www.mathewsinc.com Gingerich Tree Farms - www.gingerichtreefarm.com Brenton USA - www.brentonusa.com Vortex Optics - www.vortexoptics.com Any use of reproduction without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited. #mathewsarchery #mathews #liftx #foodplots #archery #whitetailhabitat #giantbuck #chasinggiants #liftx

    1h 18m
  2. DEC 8

    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 learned through both successes and setbacks. Joe shares his excitement about hunting in Mexico for the fifth year. The hunting conditions in Mexico are vastly different from the Midwest, offering more action. Joe emphasizes the importance of patience and perseverance in hunting. The management practices in Mexico contribute to the quality of the deer population. Joe discusses the pre-rut conditions he observed during his hunt. The age structure of deer in Mexico is well-balanced, with many older bucks present. Joe recounts the challenges he faced while pursuing a specific buck in South Carolina. Natural disasters, like floods, can significantly impact hunting conditions and deer behavior. The emotional weight of hunting can be alleviated by focusing on the journey rather than just the kill. Transparency in hunting experiences helps build a relatable connection with the audience. 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 Hunting Blinds - www.360huntingblinds.com Real World Wildlife Products - www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com Mathews Archery - www.mathewsinc.com Gingerich Tree Farms - www.gingerichtreefarm.com Brenton USA - www.brentonusa.com Vortex Optics - www.vortexoptics.com Any use of reproduction without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited. #mathewsarchery #mathews #liftx #foodplots #archery #whitetailhabitat #giantbuck #chasinggiants #liftx

    46 min
  3. DEC 1

    Episode #250 - Prepare for Late Season Big Buck Hunting

    In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don reflect on their Thanksgiving experiences, share exciting hunting stories, and discuss the importance of managing deer populations. They delve into the emotional impact of loss through the story of their friend Kyle, who faced the tragic loss of his son. The conversation also covers reflections on the rut and strategies for late-season hunting, emphasizing the significance of community and support during difficult times. In this episode, Don and Terry discuss the end of the rut, sharing personal observations and reflections on deer behavior. They delve into strategies for late-season hunting, emphasizing the importance of prime food sources and adapting hunting tactics. The conversation also includes listener questions, providing insights into deer behavior and hunting techniques. Finally, they highlight the sense of community among hunters and the support available for those in need, reinforcing the importance of connection and shared experiences in the hunting world. Thanksgiving, hunting, family, deer management, emotional stories, rut, late season, hunting success, buck management, Kyle Burch, hunting, rut, deer, late season, strategies, community, questions, insights, food sources, buck hunting 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 Hunting Blinds - www.360huntingblinds.com Real World Wildlife Products - www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com Mathews Archery - www.mathewsinc.com Gingerich Tree Farms - www.gingerichtreefarm.com Brenton USA - www.brentonusa.com Vortex Optics - www.vortexoptics.com Any use of reproduction without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited. #mathewsarchery #mathews #liftx #foodplots #archery #whitetailhabitat #giantbuck #chasinggiants #liftx

    1h 11m
  4. NOV 3

    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 and Don discuss the impact of weather on deer activity, the introduction of a new segment featuring unscripted questions, and the upcoming Midwest Sportsman's Classic. They delve into the controversial topic of trail cameras on public land, offer advice on food plot diversity, and share strategies for finding bedding areas without spooking deer. The conversation also covers understanding wind patterns in hunting and establishing proper sanctuaries on properties, culminating in a celebration of recent hunting successes. Weather is the most critical factor affecting deer activity. October had some exceptional hunting days due to weather changes. Hunters should focus on the first week of November for optimal deer movement. The concept of the October lull is often misunderstood; it's more about weather than timing. Upcoming weather patterns suggest a fantastic hunting opportunity in early November. Personal hunting experiences can provide valuable insights into deer behavior. Chasing Giants TV will offer a new rut report featuring multiple hunters' experiences. Understanding barometric pressure and wind direction is essential for hunting success. Hunters should be flexible with their schedules to take advantage of peak hunting days. The best November weather conditions can lead to increased deer activity. Weather significantly influences deer activity patterns. The first week of November is expected to be optimal for hunting this year. Trail cameras can be a valuable tool for public land hunters. Diversity in food plots is essential for attracting deer. Finding bedding areas requires careful scouting, especially in winter. Understanding local wind patterns is crucial for successful hunting. Sanctuaries should be as large as possible to benefit deer movement. Hunters should focus on creating movement patterns to make deer more killable. The Midwest Sportsman's Classic offers unique opportunities for hunters to connect with experts. Recent hunting successes highlight the effectiveness of strategic planning.

    1h 23m
  5. OCT 27

    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 activity during the rut. Finally, Don shares his unique field dressing techniques and the implications of gut piles on predator activity. In this episode, Donald Higgins and Terry discuss various aspects of deer hunting, including field dressing techniques, property management for hunting, and the importance of understanding buck behavior in relation to wind. They emphasize the significance of minimizing human intrusion on hunting properties to maintain deer populations and improve hunting success. The hosts also answer listener questions about hunting strategies during the rut and share insights on community engagement and upcoming events. Keywords firearm hunting, deer hunting, fawn births, rut report, weather patterns, field dressing, hunting techniques, Brenton Firearms, hunting strategies, deer management, hunting, deer management, field dressing, buck behavior, human intrusion, rut hunting, property consulting, wildlife management, hunting strategies, outdoor podcast

    2h 1m
4.7
out of 5
492 Ratings

About

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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