Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

Takeaways

Time seems to fly by, especially in hunting seasons.

Shed hunting should be done with caution to avoid stressing deer.

Many deer still hold their antlers well into March.

Misrepresentation in the hunting consulting industry is a concern.

Proper land management can significantly enhance hunting properties.

Young hunters bring enthusiasm and passion to the sport.

Community events are vital for engaging the next generation of hunters.

Technology, like cell cameras, has changed hunting dynamics.

Ethics in hunting should evolve with technology.

Finding a big buck is harder due to increased competition and technology.  The competition for mature deer is increasing due to declining populations.

State DNRs play a crucial role in managing deer herds effectively.

Building fences is becoming a common practice among serious hunters.

Creating a sanctuary involves strategic planning and understanding deer behavior.

Cedar trees can carry diseases that affect apple trees, but not others.

Regulatory changes in Illinois could improve the hunting experience, but require lobbying efforts.

Nutrition during gestation is important for deer, but genetics also play a role.

Woodsmanship skills are essential for successful hunting and understanding wildlife.

Feeding strategies should be adapted based on individual deer behavior and preferences.

Supplemental feeding is critical during winter months when food is scarce.

Takeaways:

Don received good news about his health tests.

Terry and his wife celebrated their 25th anniversary.

The hosts discuss the importance of consulting relationships.

Integrity is crucial in consulting and client trust.

Herd health is a priority during winter months.

Nutri Crave corn offers higher calorie content for deer.

Sorghum is a viable alternative for food plots.

Hidden Access is a new annual screen product.

Faith plays a significant role in their business values.

Customer service and appreciation are top priorities. We need a different alternative besides sharpshooters for CWD.

Human intrusion is more important than habitat projects.

Killing big deer is not that complicated.

I've never seen one where there's too much food.

Christmas was a rescue mission.

We want to keep deer on the farm 365 days a year.

If you can get a state on board, we will work with you.

Don't overcomplicate deer management.

The biggest weakness is probably the neighborhood.

Make sure there's enough food out there for them.