In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer dive deep into late-season deer behavior, winter stress, antler shedding, and critical food sources when snow and cold tighten the screws on whitetails.

With snow on the ground across much of the Midwest, deer are piling into food sources, hammering grain, and shifting bedding patterns. Don and Terry break down real-world observations from their own farms and consulting properties — including why grain sorghum disappears late, how woody browse saves deer, and when TSI and clear-cut areas need reset.

They also discuss:

- Why shed timing varies by region and stress

- How extreme weather accelerates antler drop

- Grain sorghum vs corn vs soybeans in winter

- Frost seeding clover: when it works and when it doesn’t

- Bedding cover cycles and when to mulch regrowth

- Shed hunting strategy (when to push vs wait)

- Listener Q&A on drones, thermals, water access, CWD, and more

- Upcoming events including Midwest Sportsman’s Classic

- A major Chasing Giants product announcement teaser

If you’re serious about late-season survival, habitat longevity, and making smarter planting decisions, this episode is packed with practical insight.

👇 Drop a comment and tell us:

Where are you located, and are bucks shedding yet in your area?

This episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast is brought to you by:

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

TagOut Technique – https://www.tagouttechnique.com

Wildlife Farming – https://www.wildlifefarming.com

The Chasing Giants Podcast is presented for entertainment and educational purposes only. Opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of sponsors or partners. Hunting regulations, wildlife laws, and land-use rules vary by state and region. Always follow local, state, and federal laws and practice ethical, responsible hunting and land management.

Any reproduction or redistribution of this content without the express written consent of Chasing Giants TV LLC 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.

In Episode 309 of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Terry Peer and Don Higgins break down how extreme winter weather impacts whitetail deer, and what serious land managers should be doing right now to reduce stress and protect next year’s herd.

With brutal cold, deep snow, and howling wind across much of the Midwest, Don explains how thermal cover, food availability, and terrain can mean the difference between deer merely surviving — or thriving.

This episode covers:

• Winter habitat decisions that hold deer on your property

• Why January is one of the most critical months for deer nutrition

• Late-season buck behavior, fighting, and breeding

• Frost seeding clover & switchgrass timing

• Soil health priorities (pH, lime, biochar & humic acid)

• Tree stand placement strategy that keeps bucks bedding on your farm

• Upcoming events including Midwest Sportsman’s Classic & dealer meetings

• A South Texas hunt recap and future Lester’s Feet Foundation fundraiser

• Listener-submitted questions and Don’s unfiltered hot-seat segment

Whether you manage 40 acres or 4,000, this episode delivers real-world, experience-based advice you can apply immediately.

👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know what winter conditions look like on your farm.

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

👉 Please support the companies that make this show possible.

Disclaimer:

This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or affiliates. Always follow local laws, regulations, and safety guidelines when hunting or managing land.

Any reproduction or redistribution 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 episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, we dive into the real reasons most hunters struggle to consistently kill mature whitetail bucks — and what actually separates successful hunters from the rest.

This isn’t theory. This is boots-on-the-ground experience, proven habitat strategy, disciplined decision-making, and lessons learned the hard way. If you’re serious about hunting mature deer, improving your property, and hunting with purpose, this episode is for you.

🎯 Topics Covered in Episode #307:

- The biggest mistakes holding hunters back

- Why good habitat alone isn’t enough

- Pressure, discipline, and decision-making

- What mature bucks actually respond to

- How to think long-term instead of season-to-season

- Whether you hunt small parcels or large tracts, this episode will challenge how you think — and help you hunt smarter, not harder.

👉 Subscribe to the channel and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

👉 Comment below with your biggest takeaway or question.

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

👉 Please support the companies that make this show possible.

Disclaimer:

This content is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of our sponsors or affiliates. Always follow local laws, regulations, and safety guidelines when hunting or managing land.

Any reproduction or redistribution of this content without written permission from Chasing Giants TV LLC 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.

In Episode 305 of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Terry Peer and Don Higgins sit down for a wide-ranging, honest conversation recorded during the Christmas season—one that goes far beyond deer hunting.

This episode dives into:

Why deer hunting is the platform, not the purpose

Using hunting, land, and business to impact families and future generations

The long-term realities of deer management and adding age structure

Why access and intrusion matter more than stand locations

How extreme winter weather affects deer movement and late-season strategy

Bowhunting vs rifle hunting philosophies

Late-season food sources, warm fronts, cold snaps, and deer metabolism

Faith-based leadership in business, family, and land stewardship

Listener Q&A covering jumping the string, food plots, black walnut trees, sheds, access roads, and more

Don shares decades of insight from managing one property for over 30 years, while Terry reflects on leadership, legacy, and building something bigger than hunting alone.

This is an episode for hunters who want more meaning, better understanding, and a bigger perspective—both in the woods and in life.

👉 If you care about faith, family, legacy, and managing land the right way—this episode is for you.

Key Topics / Chapters

Deer Hunting as a Platform for Purpose

Faith, Family & Legacy

Chasing Giants TV vs Podcast Mission

Late-Season Weather & Deer Movement

Food Sources, Cold Fronts & Metabolism

Access, Sanctuary & Stand Placement

Jumping the String Explained

Bow vs Rifle Hunting Perspectives

Listener Questions & Real-World Scenarios

Sponsors – Chasing Giants Podcast

We sincerely thank the following partners who make this podcast possible:

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

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Disclaimer

This podcast is presented for educational and entertainment purposes only.

All opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of sponsors or partners.

Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without the express written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC 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 hunting is here — and with brutal cold, snow, and pressure setting in, deer behavior changes fast.

In Episode 303 of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Terry Peer and Don Higgins break down:

- How cold weather, snow, and cover crops impact late-season deer movement

- Why grain vs. green food sources matter as temperatures drop

- The role of big food sources and “feeding areas” in pulling deer all winter

- Don’s real-world experience with hairy vetch overseeding and regenerative practices

- Honest conversation about late-season hunting ethics, pressure, and knowing when not to hunt

- A hard look at which states could be producing giant bucks — and why many are failing

Listener-submitted Higgins Hot Seat questions covering blinds, heaters, logging timber, buck limits, and winter projects

This episode is packed with practical deer management insight, real-world experience, and unfiltered opinions from decades in the whitetail woods.

🎯 Whether you’re hunting late season, planning habitat improvements, or thinking long-term about deer herd health — this one is for you.

This episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast is proudly brought to you by:

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

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:

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👉 Apply for the new Content Creator position:

👉 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.