Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

As deer season gets closer, Don Higgins and Terry Peer cover some of the biggest topics facing deer hunters right now.

This week they discuss:

• Thermal drones and why Don installed drone detection technology on his farm.

• Herbicide updates after a challenging growing season.

• Why residual herbicides performed differently this year.

• Johnson grass and waterhemp management.

• Scrape Magnet tips and the biggest mistakes hunters are making with mock scrapes.

• Summer buck dispersal and what happens before hunting season.

• Improving mature persimmon trees.

• Rotating fall food plots.

• Kentucky's supplemental feeding regulations.

• Upcoming Chasing Giants events and Lester's Feet fundraiser updates.

As always, the episode concludes with Sunday Night Prayer Time.

Topics Covered

Thermal drone detection

Food plot herbicides

Soybean management

Waterhemp control

Johnson grass

Scrape Magnet

Mock scrape strategies

Buck dispersal

Persimmon tree management

Deer nutrition

Hunting ethics

Listener submitted questions

Thank you for watching!

Please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us reach more hunters with practical whitetail management advice while pointing people toward Christ.

Chasing Giants TV Sponsors:

Real World Wildlife Products

Asio Gear

Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors:

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory GMC & Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors:

Heartwood Planning Group

WiseEye Technologies

Coonless Feeders

Green Prairie Seed Company

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts during this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Chasing Giants, our sponsors, advertising partners, affiliates, or associated organizations. This interview is presented for informational purposes and to encourage respectful discussion.

Copyright Notice: Any unauthorized reproduction, rebroadcast, redistribution, recording, or use of this audio or video, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.

Many hunters make the same mistake every summer—they plant their fall food plots too early.

This week, Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss what they discovered while checking food plots in southern Illinois after weeks of heavy rain and mature Johnsongrass infestations.

Topics include:

• When to actually plant fall food plots

• How weather changes your planting strategy

• Mature Johnsongrass control in soybeans

• Why bigger food plots aren't always better

• Business advice from Don Higgins

• Listener submitted questions

• Fruit trees, doe management, habitat design and more

Whether you're planting Real World Wildlife Products, clover, cereal grains or brassicas, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes before deer season.

Subscribe for new episodes every week.

Chasing Giants TV Sponsors:

Real World Wildlife Products

Asio Gear

Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors:

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory GMC & Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors:

Heartwood Planning Group

WiseEye Technologies

Coonless Feeders

Green Prairie Seed Company

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts during this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Chasing Giants, our sponsors, advertising partners, affiliates, or associated organizations. This interview is presented for informational purposes and to encourage respectful discussion.

Copyright Notice: Any unauthorized reproduction, rebroadcast, redistribution, recording, or use of this audio or video, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.

Many food plotters are struggling after one of the wettest growing seasons in years. In Episode 334 of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer explain why spring food plots have struggled, when it's time to terminate a plot and start over, and how to prepare for a successful fall planting.

They also discuss:

Why excessive rainfall has created major weed problems

Robin Higgins' latest cancer treatment update

Lessons learned from the Darren Bailey episode

Why herd management starts with harvesting does

Hunting ethics and choosing integrity over trophies

Listener questions covering stand locations, minerals, trail cameras, bedding areas, manure, and much more.

If you're planning food plots this fall, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately.

Chasing Giants TV Sponsors:

Real World Wildlife Products

Asio Gear

Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors:

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory GMC & Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors:

Heartwood Planning Group

WiseEye Technologies

Coonless Feeders

Green Prairie Seed Company

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts during this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Chasing Giants, our sponsors, advertising partners, affiliates, or associated organizations. This interview is presented for informational purposes and to encourage respectful discussion.

Copyright Notice: Any unauthorized reproduction, rebroadcast, redistribution, recording, or use of this audio or video, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.

Illinois was once considered the greatest whitetail state in America. So what happened?

This week on Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer sit down with Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey for an in-depth discussion about the future of deer hunting, conservation, farming, and wildlife management.

Topics include:

• The decline of Illinois' legendary deer herd

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

• DNR leadership and wildlife management

• Bringing hunters and farmers together

• Feeding hungry children through Boone Brothers

• Faith, leadership, and serving others

• Why conservation matters to everyone—not just hunters

Whether you're an Illinois resident or simply care about the future of whitetail hunting, this conversation offers insight into how leadership and conservation intersect.

Watch until the end for a powerful conversation about faith, family, and servant leadership.

Subscribe for weekly deer hunting strategy, habitat management, conservation, and faith-based conversations.

#ChasingGiants #Illinois #Whitetails #DeerHunting #DarrenBailey #Conservation #HabitatManagement #DonHiggins #Faith #BooneBrothers

Chasing Giants TV Sponsors:

Real World Wildlife Products

Asio Gear

Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors:

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory GMC & Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors:

Heartwood Planning Group

WiseEye Technologies

Coonless Feeders

Green Prairie Seed Company

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts during this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Chasing Giants, our sponsors, advertising partners, affiliates, or associated organizations. This interview is presented for informational purposes and to encourage respectful discussion.

Copyright Notice: Any unauthorized reproduction, rebroadcast, redistribution, recording, or use of this audio or video, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.

This week on Chasing Giants...

Don shares a heartfelt update on Robin's cancer treatments and explains how life's hardest moments have reshaped his priorities.

Then the conversation shifts into summer scouting as Don discusses trail camera deployment, early buck observations, food plots, water sources, and what he's seeing after the recent heat wave.

The guys also talk about the incredible response to the Doubting Thomas film, discuss legacy, answer listener questions, and remind everyone why chasing giant whitetails should never come before the people who matter most.

Topics include:

• Robin's health update

• Family vs. work

• Summer trail camera strategy

• Water holes and food plots

• Doubting Thomas reaction

• Judging giant bucks

• Seed storage

• Alfalfa for deer

• New permission properties

• Hunting and faith

• Listener Q&A

Chasing Giants TV Sponsors:

Real World Wildlife Products

Asio Gear

Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors:

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory GMC & Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors:

Heartwood Planning Group

WiseEye Technologies

Coonless Feeders

Green Prairie Seed Company

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

Most hunters hang a tree stand and hope for the best.

Don Higgins explains why that's not enough.

In this episode of Chasing Giants, Don shares several habitat improvements that can transform an average stand location into a consistent mature buck hotspot. Learn how simple changes—including sprayed travel corridors, habitat manipulation, and stand setup—can dramatically increase your odds this fall.

We also discuss:

• Why July 1st is Don's favorite time to deploy trail cameras

• The upcoming world premiere of Doubting Thomas

• Grubb Implement's new Kubota tractor

• Darren Bailey joining Chasing Giants

• Boone Brothers and feeding hungry children through donated venison

• Ivermectin and deer health

• Pellet feed myths

• Thermal drones and modern deer hunting

• Listener Questions

If you're preparing for deer season, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately.

Podcast Sponsors

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

This content, including audio, video, graphics, logos, and written material, may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, or republished in whole or in part without expressed written permission from Chasing Giants Podcast.

Can supplemental feeding actually add 10-15 inches to a mature buck's antlers?

In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins tackles one of the most controversial topics in deer management. Don explains the long-term impact of supplemental feeding, fetal programming, mineral nutrition, genetics, and why hunters often misunderstand what feed can and cannot accomplish.

We also discuss:

• Storm damage across Kentucky and Illinois

• Soybean browse pressure and utilization cages

• Real World's upcoming soybean research project

• Listener letters that remind us why this community matters

• Lester's Feet Foundation updates and the Texas Hunt Giveaway

• Coyote control myths and predator management

• Summer buck movement and why bucks disappear from trail cameras

• Recommended deer hunting books for serious hunters

If you're serious about growing and hunting mature whitetails, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Podcast Sponsors

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Vortex Optics

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

This content, including audio, video, graphics, logos, and written material, may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, or republished in whole or in part without expressed written permission from Chasing Giants Podcast.

Episode 329 of the Chasing Giants Podcast is all about preparation for velvet season.

Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss:

• Why July 1st is the most important date of the summer

• When mature bucks start revealing themselves

• Trail camera deployment strategy

• Food plot updates and spraying schedules

• Rope scrapes and Scrape Magnet tips

• Managing cedar thickets for better habitat

• Hairy vetch questions answered

• Don's thoughts on woodsmanship, technology, and reconnecting with nature

Plus, Don announces the official release date for the highly anticipated Doubting Thomas film.

#WhitetailDeer #DeerHunting #DonHiggins #ChasingGiants #TrailCameras #FoodPlots #habitatmanagement

Podcast Sponsors

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Vortex Optics

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

This content, including audio, video, graphics, logos, and written material, may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, or republished in whole or in part without expressed written permission from Chasing Giants Podcast.

Unauthorized use of this content is strictly prohibited.

On this episode of Chasing Giants, Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss one of the most critical times of the year for food plot success.

Topics include:

• When to spray soybeans and why timing matters

• Weed control strategies for Gen 2 soybeans

• Nutrient-dense crops and how deer select food sources

• Deer repellents and upcoming product testing

• Summer food plot management questions from listeners

• Habitat improvements and switchgrass discussions

• Updates from the farm and current growing conditions

• Special feature on the new West Wind outdoor retail store

Whether you're managing a small hunting property or a large farm, this episode is packed with practical information to help you grow healthier crops and attract more deer.

#ChasingGiants #DonHiggins #FoodPlots #WhitetailHabitat #DeerHunting #RealWorldWildlifeProducts #Gen2Soybeans

Podcast Sponsors

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Vortex Optics

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

This content, including audio, video, graphics, logos, and written material, may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, or republished in whole or in part without expressed written permission from Chasing Giants Podcast.

Unauthorized use of this content is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss one of the most misunderstood topics in deer hunting:

Why some of the “best” big buck neighborhoods actually become the hardest places to consistently kill mature deer.

Don explains:

how hunting pressure changes deer movement

why mature bucks adapt

how his Illinois farm transformed over decades

why property layout matters more than reputation

The guys also discuss:

planting soybeans during a wet spring

using Liberty herbicide during same-day planting

miscanthus and switchgrass weed control

food plot myths spreading online

why overcomplicated blends hurt food production

listener questions on mature buck strategy

Plus:

Robin Higgins health update

Lester’s Feet Texas Hunt Raffle announcement

Chasing Giants TV bear hunt update

Podcast Sponsors

Asio Gear

Real World Wildlife Products

Hawke Optics

Novix Outdoors

Midwest Land Group

360 Hunting Blinds

Mike’s Mighty Micros

Gingerich Tree Farms

TagOut Technique

Grubb Implement

Vortex Optics

Brenton USA

Mathews Archery

Victory Auto Group

Wildlife Farming

WiseEye Technologies

© 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved.

This content, including audio, video, graphics, logos, and written material, may not be copied, reproduced, redistributed, or republished in whole or in part without expressed written permission from Chasing Giants Podcast.

Unauthorized use of this content is strictly prohibited.