Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

By Terry PeerSports Education Leisure How To Wilderness Hobbies

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70 min
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Chasing Giants with Don Higgins episodes

September 22, 2024Episode #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 populations is vital for sustainability.
Effective communication with DNR officers can aid in hunting practices.
deer hunting, EHD, food plots, hunting strategies, DNR regulations, family values, community support, Chasing Giants TV, wildlife management, hunting equipment
1 hr
September 16, 2024 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 disputes.
Food plot management should prioritize access and deer safety.
Rut funnels are key areas where bucks travel during the rut.
Personal experiences in hunting can lead to challenges, especially with notoriety.
Pawpaw trees may be a viable food source for deer, requiring specific growing conditions.

1 hr 17 min
September 08, 2024 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 the importance of being good stewards of the resource and managing the deer population to prevent crop damage and maintain good relationships with neighbors. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss various topics related to deer hunting. They talk about the mindset of hunters who consistently shoot young bucks instead of waiting for a mature buck. They also discuss the use of cell cameras and how changing the upload frequency can affect deer behavior. The conversation touches on the positive changes that can occur when following a consulting plan for deer management. They also discuss the challenges of planting food plots and the importance of timing and weather conditions. The conversation concludes with a discussion on using deer decoys and how often to hunt a mature buck from the same stand.
1 hr 1 min
September 01, 2024 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 in a garden and determining summer and fall ranges for deer. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss various topics related to deer hunting. They talk about the role of food in late season hunting and how deer gravitate towards bedding cover and prime food sources. They also discuss the use of mock scrapes and the best time to switch trail cameras to mock scrapes. They touch on the idea of patterning bucks and the challenges of hunting in areas with steep terrain. They also mention the use of mulch as a pathway to a tree stand and the concept of venting or pulling air out of a blind. The conversation concludes with a discussion on when it's too late to scout for the right tree to kill a target buck.
1 hr 16 min
August 25, 2024 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 late summer, the influence of genetics on antler growth, and the importance of finding hunting properties with minimal human intrusion. They also mention the upcoming Shipshewana event and the auction of Don's books to support Lester's Feet.
early shedding, antlers, rut, hunting seasons, early fall, bow hunting, gun hunting, Illinois, weather, deer movement, crop harvest, hunting strategies, deer hunting, bucks, scraping, velvet shedding, fall range, camera history, mature bucks, summer range, genetics, antler growth, permission farms, human intrusion, Shipshewana event, auction, Lester's Feet
1 hr 15 min
August 18, 2024 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 also discuss the importance of balancing obsession with hunting and other priorities in life. Don shares his experience of gaining knowledge and improving his hunting skills by prioritizing family and other aspects of life. They also discuss the challenges of gaining access to properties and the importance of understanding a buck's rut range. The hosts conclude by discussing the upcoming weather forecast and their plans for the week.
keywords
#birthday, #rain #forecast, #foodplot, early fall, #EHD, customer service, terminating plot, replanting, #clover, drought, Sunday night #prayer time, technical difficulties, #obsession, #hunting, priorities, knowledge, access to properties, #rut range, weather forecast, plans
1 hr 25 min
August 12, 2024 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 of their fall plots and answer listener questions about buck travel patterns and the impact of their practices on doe genetics. In this part of the conversation, Don and Terry answer questions from listeners about influencing buck genetics, advice for hunting mature bucks on permission properties, and the relationship between doe body weight and buck antler size. They also discuss the impact of an early antler growing season on when bucks shed their velvet, and the strategy of culling bucks based on their rack size. Don emphasizes the importance of hunting bucks where they spend their daylight hours, focusing on bedding cover rather than food plots.
keywords:
busy week, hunting, giant buck, Ohio, web show, farming for nutrients, meetings, low odds, family time, deer feeder, fall plots, buck travel patterns, doe genetics, buck genetics, hunting advice, doe body weight, antler size, culling bucks, bedding cover, food plots
1 hr 17 min
August 04, 2024 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 potential for genetic improvement on small properties. They also address the question of transplanting trees and provide tips for successful transplantation. In this part of the conversation, Don and Terry discuss the importance of timing when it comes to tree cutting and suburban hunting. They also address a question about fall food plot planning and the impact of pre-emergent herbicides. Lastly, they talk about a study on food plot size and buck visitation, and the implications for different regions.
Keywords:
antler growth, weather conditions, buck observation, fall food plots, genetics, small properties, tree transplantation, tree cutting, suburban hunting, fall food plot planning, pre-emergent herbicides, food plot size, buck visitation
Takeaways:
Weather conditions, such as a light winter and early greenery, can have a significant impact on antler growth in deer.
Consider the current season's antler growth when deciding whether to target a buck, as the next season's growth may not be as favorable.
When planning fall food plots, it is important to consider the timing of planting and the impact of weather conditions, such as rainfall.
Genetic improvement of deer populations on small properties is challenging, but letting bucks with better genetics live and pass on their genes can have some impact.
Transplanting trees is best done when they are dormant, but if transplantation is necessary during the growing season, it is important to get as much of the root system as possible and provide ample watering. Timing is crucial when it comes to tree cutting, and it's best to wait until the tree is dormant for better success.
Patience is important in both hunting and projects like suburban hunting.
Pre-emergent herbicides can limit the types of crops that can be planted in a food plot, but the recommended plant back periods are often longer than necessary.
The location of a food plot is likely more critical than its size, and the volume of food supplied can be important in certain situations.
The study on food plot size and buck visitation may have different implications depending on the region and the layout of the property.
1 hr 34 min
July 28, 2024 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 inspired. Osseo Gear is the main sponsor of the show, and the first episodes will be released in September. In this conversation, Don, Terry, and Joe discuss various topics related to hunting and habitat management.
They cover subjects such as camera placement, acorn crops, grafting trees, and the impact of floods on deer populations. They also talk about the adaptability of whitetail deer and the importance of proactive management decisions. The conversation ends with a discussion about upcoming hunting trips and projects. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights and tips for hunters and land managers.
Keywords
hunting, whitetail deer, online show, Chasing Giants TV, Mission Whitetail series, Asio, hunting, habitat management, camera placement, acorn crops, grafting trees, floods, deer populations, adaptability, proactive management
Takeaways
Announcement of a new online hunting show called Chasing Giants TV, a Mission Whitetail series
The show will feature Don Higgins and Joe Miles sharing their experiences and strategies for hunting whitetail deer
The show aims to provide a platform for hunters of all levels to learn and be inspired
Asio Gear and Real World Wildlife Products is the main sponsor of the show, and the first episodes will be released in September Proper camera placement is important for capturing quality footage and monitoring wildlife activity.
The acorn crop can vary from year to year, and it's important to select fruit trees that ripen later in the season for hunting purposes.
Grafting a female limb onto a male persimmon tree can result in a female persimmon tree.
Deer are highly adaptable and can thrive in various landscapes and conditions.
Proactive management decisions, such as limiting doe harvest, can have a positive impact on deer populations.
Flooded areas can be repopulated by deer as the water recedes and new vegetation grows.
Fall plots with diverse plant species can provide attractant throughout the season.
The Mission Whitetail TV show will feature hunting adventures in various states and countries.
The hosts express their appreciation for the support and friendship of their listeners and guests.
1 hr 7 min
July 21, 2024 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 grass in deer habitat. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss topics related to deer hunting and land management. They cover subjects such as converting reeds canary grass sites, the effectiveness of mineral blocks, the challenges of getting products into major retail stores, the impact of EHD on deer populations, and their personal hunting and life goals. Don shares his goals of shooting a 180-inch buck on public land and two more bucks over 200 inches, while Terry emphasizes the importance of using his new business as a ministry and leaving a legacy for his children. They also address the misconception that Don only hunts big bucks on his special property.
Keywords
trail cameras, fall plots, planting, timing, reed canary grass, deer habitat, deer hunting, land management, reeds canary grass, mineral blocks, EHD, retail stores, hunting goals, life goals
Takeaways
Timing is crucial when planting fall plots, and it's important to backdate from the expected first frost.
Planting fall plots too early can result in the plants becoming too mature and losing their palatability.
Reed canary grass is a challenging grass to deal with in deer habitat, but burning it off and planting potted trees can help establish better vegetation.
Spraying around the trees to keep the reed canary grass at bay is necessary for the trees to thrive.
Observing the abundance of fawns on trail cameras can indicate a successful fawning season. Glyphosate and clethodim can be used to convert reeds canary grass sites into better quality deer cover.
Mineral blocks like Trophy Rock may attract deer, but they do not provide the same nutritional benefits as products like Maximizer.
Getting products into major retail stores like Amazon can be challenging due to the demand for high profit margins.
The recovery of deer populations after an EHD outbreak can take several years, especially if hunting pressure remains high.
Don's hunting goals include shooting a 180-inch buck on public land and two more bucks over 200 inches.
Terry's life goals involve using his new business as a ministry and leaving a legacy for his children.
1 hr 18 min

About Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

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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…