Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

Welcome back to Chasing Giants Podcast Episode 312. This week we dive into: • A 400-acre Western Kentucky property that might produce GIANTS • A 1,400-acre farm with 200 acres of food plots • Why Western Kentucky could be a sleeper big-buck state • The real impact of a one-buck limit • CWD management and state agency decisions • The National Deer Association controversy • Downwind bedding tactics explained • Coons vs deer crop damage debate • Burn permits… and common sense We also discuss: Why mature bucks travel the downwind edge How hunting pressure changes buck movement Public land entry tactics Why some states are declining in age structure And what serious land managers need to understand about long-term strategy If you're serious about whitetail habitat, land management, deer herd health, and honest conversations about the direction of hunting in America — this episode is for you. 🎤 Upcoming Events Midwest Sportsman’s Classic – Shipshewana, IN Live Podcast + Brand-New Habitat Presentation Whitetail Management Conference – Arthur, IL Real World Wildlife Dealer Event 🙏 Thank you to our partners: Asio Gear – www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – www.novixoutdoors.com Mike’s Mighty Micros – www.mikesmightymicros.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 Grubb Implement – www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – www.tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming – www.wildlifefarming.com ⚠️ Copyright Notice: All video, audio, and intellectual property in this production are owned by Chasing Giants TV LLC. Any reproduction or redistribution without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Culling bucks might be the most misunderstood topic in whitetail management. In Chasing Giants Podcast Episode #310, Don Higgins and Terry Peer break down why selective buck harvest works, why shooting certain 3½-year-old 8-points is about probability — not ego — and how long-term results tell a story most critics refuse to hear. This episode also covers: - Winter stress, snow cover, and food scarcity - Shed timing and what it really means for antler growth - Why saving every buck often hurts your top-end deer - The difference between genetics vs. probability - Real-world results after 20+ years of consistent management - If you’ve ever been told “culling doesn’t work” — this episode is for you. Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors: Asio Gear – https://www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – https://www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – https://www.novixoutdoors.com Mike’s Mighty Micros – https://www.mikesmightymicros.com Victory Auto Group – https://www.victorykc.com 360 Hunting Blinds – https://www.360huntingblinds.com Real World Wildlife Products – https://www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com Mathews Archery – https://www.mathewsinc.com Gingerich Tree Farms – https://www.gingerichtreefarm.com Brenton USA – https://www.brentonusa.com Vortex Optics – https://www.vortexoptics.com Grubb Implement – https://www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – https://www.tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming – https://www.wildlifefarming.com DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, and management strategies discussed in this episode are based on real-world experience on specific properties and may not apply universally to all hunting situations, land sizes, or regions. Results may vary based on habitat, pressure, acreage, and local deer dynamics. Always follow state regulations and practice ethical, legal hunting. © Chasing Giants TV LLC. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without written permission from Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.

This episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast was recorded LIVE at the 360 Hunting Blinds Dealer Conference — and it’s unlike anything we’ve done before. No script. No pre-planned topics. Just real, unfiltered questions from a room full of experienced hunters, dealers, and business owners. From: • Whitetail habitat strategy • Hunting property mistakes & wins • Faith, family, and business leadership • The real story behind 360 Blinds • Consulting, land management & deer behavior • Youth hunting & passing on values • Feeding hungry kids through ethical deer management This entire episode is the Higgins Hot Seat — live, unscripted, and honest. If you’ve ever wondered what separates great hunters, great businesses, and great partnerships — this episode delivers. This episode of Chasing Giants Podcast is brought to you by: • Asio Camo – Nature’s most lethal camouflage • 360 Hunting Blinds – The best view in the woods • Asio Gear • Midwest Land Group • Novix Outdoors • Mike’s Mighty Micros • Victory Auto Group • Mathews Archery • Wildlife Farming • Brenton USA • Vortex Optics • Real World Wildlife Products • Gingerich Tree Farms ➡️ Please support the brands that make this show possible. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of sponsors or partners. Content is intended for entertainment and educational purposes only. Always follow local laws and regulations regarding hunting, land management, and wildlife practices. © 2026 Chasing Giants TV LLC. Any reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

In this powerful episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer welcome one of the rare guests ever to appear on the show — Jon Weece, founder of Boone Brothers. This episode connects big-picture purpose with practical deer management. Jon shares the God-ordained story behind Boone Brothers — a ministry focused on feeding hunters spiritually while feeding children physically by turning donated venison into shelf-stable, high-protein food for kids in need. This partnership directly solves one of the biggest challenges land managers face: how to responsibly harvest does while honoring the animal and helping others. Don and Terry also break down: - Late-season food plot evaluation - Herd balance and doe harvest strategy - Bedding area myths vs reality - Same-time / same-place deer movement theory - Deer health, pneumonia, EHD, and nutrition - Why simplicity wins in both habitat management and faith - Plus, Jon tells the story of a giant velvet Kentucky buck and how moments like that become worship in the outdoors. This episode is about faith, stewardship, and purpose — not just bigger bucks. Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors - Asio Gear - Midwest Land Group - Novix Outdoors - Mike’s Mighty Micros - Victory Auto Group - 360 Hunting Blinds - Real World Wildlife Products - Mathews Archery - Gingerich Tree Farms - Brenton USA - Vortex Optics - Grubb Implement - TagOut Technique - Wildlife Farming Podcast Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of sponsors or affiliated organizations. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as professional wildlife, legal, or medical advice. Always follow local laws and regulations. © Chasing Giants TV LLC. All Rights Reserved. This video, audio, and all associated content are the property of Chasing Giants TV LLC and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, rebroadcast, or use of this content without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Management Bucks, Passing Giants, Early Shed Antlers & Hard Winter Decisions In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer tackle one of the most misunderstood and controversial topics in modern whitetail management — passing a mature target buck and choosing instead to harvest a management buck. Don recently filled his second Illinois buck tag, but not in the way most hunters expected. After years of habitat work, nutrition planning, selective harvest, and disciplined decision-making, Don explains why he passed his #1 target buck after gun season, a decision that left many people scratching their heads — and voicing their opinions loudly on social media. This episode pulls back the curtain on what real deer management actually looks like, including: Why some mature bucks should be passed — even late in the season How years of selective harvest change your perspective as a hunter The emotional and mental side of letting giants walk Why “success” isn’t always measured in inches or score The conversation also dives into unusually early antler shedding, with Don sharing firsthand trail-camera evidence from his own farm. Together, Don and Terry discuss how extreme cold, stress, nutrition, and a hard rut can impact deer health and behavior — and what land managers should be paying attention to as winter sets in earlier than normal. Listeners will also hear detailed discussions on: Winter nutrition and food plot carryover Supplemental feeding myths and dangers Why running out of food in late winter is a management failure How harsh winters can shape antler growth the following year The second half of the episode features an extended listener Q&A, covering: How many acres it really takes to grow mature bucks Crossbows, youth hunters, and earning the right to hunt Buck-to-doe ratios and Illinois deer management challenges Ethical ways to handle doe harvest and venison donation How faith and stewardship play a role in responsible hunting This episode isn’t about chasing inches — it’s about discipline, stewardship, patience, and faith. Whether you’re managing 40 acres or 400, this conversation will challenge how you define success in the deer woods. 🤝 EPISODE SPONSORS Asio Gear • Midwest Land Group • Novix Outdoors • Mike’s Mighty Micros • Victory Auto Group • 360 Hunting Blinds • Real World Wildlife Products • Mathews Archery • Gingerich Tree Farms • Brenton USA • Vortex Optics • Grubb Implement • TagOut Technique • Wildlife Farming ⚠️ DISCLAIMER Any reproduction of this content without the written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.

Late season is HERE—and Don Higgins and Terry Peer break down why mature bucks are hitting the dirt all across the Midwest. Episode 302 dives deep into the “perfect recipe” created by snow, cold temps, and strategic food sources. If you’ve waited all year for the best chance at a giant—this is it. In this episode Don and Terry discuss: • Why cold + snow is the ultimate late-season trigger • Why bedding and food MUST be separated • How buck ranges shrink during brutal weather • Why soybean shatter resistance matters right now • Massive deer movement and new bucks showing up daily • The Real World dealer conference + big business announcements • A HUGE upcoming Lester’s Feet fundraiser • Listener Q&A on rope scrapes, permission setups, doe management & more If you want to understand exactly what deer are doing this week, this is MUST-WATCH content. 👉 Watch Joe Miles’ 204” South Texas Buck Hunt on Chasing Giants TV: (Insert link) 👉 Apply for the new Content Creator position: terry@realworldwildlifeproducts.com 👉 Dealer Conference Info (Feb 25–26, Arthur IL): Real science. Real results. Nutrition, land management, business growth, and network opportunities. Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors Asio Gear – www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – www.novixoutdoors.com Mike’s Mighty Micros – www.mikesmightymicros.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 Grubb Implement – www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – www.tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming – www.wildlifefarming.com Any reproduction, redistribution, or re-uploading of this content without written permission from Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.

Welcome to EPISODE 300 of the Chasing Giants Podcast — brought to you by ASIO Gear! Hard to believe we’ve made it this far. When we started, we didn’t know if we’d even make it to 10 episodes… yet here we are thanks to all of YOU. This week is PACKED with big-picture learning and controversial topics: ⭐ What We Cover in Episode 300 • Don admits he was WRONG about the rut After decades of preaching November 7th–8th as the magic days, Don explains why his in-the-woods observations and trail-camera data have changed his mind. This is the most in-depth rut discussion we’ve ever had. • Why this year’s best movement was Nov 18–19 And why that might become the new trend. • Weather, pressure, and the REAL triggers behind daylight activity It’s not one factor. It’s multiple things stacking up. • A brutally honest recap of Terry’s rough season Including EHD impacts, low deer numbers, and chasing one specific Illinois giant. • Big announcements for the Midwest Sportsman’s Classic in Shipshewana – All FOUR of Don’s 200” bucks on display – A massive Chasing Giants booth – An expanded art contest – The bake-off – The first-ever release of the full Doubting Thomas hunt video • The Drone Debate Both Don and Terry recently posted about this — and it blew up. We break down: – When drones are useful – When they become a danger to the resource – Why the Illinois DNR’s stance matters – Abuse of thermal drone tech in hunting This is one of the most important discussions we’ve ever had on the podcast. • Listener Questions Including: – Do mature bucks “leave” your property once they wise up? – Should you shoot does with buck fawns? – How fast can a new property improve? – When to start habitat work after gun season – What happened to Steve Shields? (the real answer!) ⭐ Plus… A reminder to check out the Chasing Assurance Podcast, where Terry’s father is teaching a biblical study on divorce, church history, and truth vs. tradition. 🔥 Chapter Markers (Copy/Paste) 00:00 – Episode 300 Opening 01:00 – Reflecting on 300 Episodes 02:45 – Don’s Rut Observations 06:30 – Why Don Says He Was Wrong 10:00 – Breaking Down Weather, Movement & Pressure 12:45 – Terry’s Tough Season (EHD, Low Deer Numbers) 17:00 – South Texas Trip & Future Plans 18:40 – ASIO Gear Black Friday Announcement 19:30 – Shipshewana Show Updates 22:45 – Doubting Thomas Hunt Video Details 24:45 – Taking Walker Hunting for Gun Season 25:50 – Rain, Movement & Late-Season Weather 27:00 – Higgins Hot Seat 30:40 – Listener Questions Begin 32:00 – The Drone Controversy 48:30 – Should You Shoot Does With Buck Fawns? 54:40 – Speed of Habitat Improvement 59:20 – Final Thoughts & Sunday Prayer 📸 Thumbnail Text Options Option A: “Episode 300!” Don Changes His Mind About the Rut Option B: “We Need to Talk About Drones…” (Episode 300) Option C: “Best Rut Days? It’s NOT Nov 7–8!” Option D: “Everything Changes at 300.” Option E: “Don’s NEW Rut Theory!” 🧩 Thumbnail Image Suggestions • Split-screen photo of Don & Terry with a bold “300” graphic • Background faded image of a rutting buck • A small drone silhouette to hint at the controversy • Gold or orange Chasing Giants branding strip for continuity 🎤 Sponsor List (Full, With Websites) Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors Asio Gear – www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – www.novixoutdoors.com Mike’s Mighty Micros – www.mikesmightymicros.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 Grubb Implement – www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – www.tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming – www.wildlifefarming.com 📢 Social Media Caption Options 1. 🎉 EPISODE 300 is here! Don drops a bombshell: he says he was WRONG about the best rut dates. We talk rut activity, drones, tough seasons, big bucks, and the upcoming Shipshewana show. Full episode is live now! 2. 300 episodes later… and Don Higgins changes his mind about the rut. This is a must-watch episode for serious deer hunters. 3. The drone debate is getting heated — and Don and Terry aren’t holding back. Episode 300 is now live! 🔒 Required Copyright Disclaimer (Add at Bottom of Description) Any reproduction of this content without the written permission of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited. If you'd like, I can also create: ✅ A matching YouTube Community post ✅ A Facebook + Instagram post promoting Episode 300 ✅ A custom title graphic or thumbnail concept layout Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors Asio Gear – www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – www.novixoutdoors.com Mike’s Mighty Micros – www.mikesmightymicros.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 Grubb Implement – www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – www.tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming – www.wildlifefarming.com