Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

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.

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👉 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.

In this powerful Episode 301 of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer record on Thanksgiving Day and bring you an in-depth breakdown of the late-season whitetail transition that is unfolding across the Midwest.

With temperatures plummeting nearly 20+ degrees, snow stacking up in northern states, and food sources becoming the #1 priority, Don lays out EXACTLY what mature bucks do physiologically, nutritionally, and behaviorally as they shift from the rut into winter survival mode.

Key topics in this episode include:

• Why the post-rut transition is sharper this year than ever

• How mature bucks’ metabolism shifts like “a bear going into hibernation”

• What REALLY drives late-season buck movement

• Why soybeans beat corn during extreme cold

• The truth about deer and winter weight gain

• Late-season bedding, range shrinkage, and food-source dependency

• How doe harvest affects buck daylight activity

• Stories from brutal late-season hunts (including Don’s blizzard stalk in a white hazmat suit 🤣)

• Viewer Q&A covering big timber strategy, Nutri-Crave corn, herd structure, habitat decisions & more

Plus, Don and Terry share heartfelt Thanksgiving reflections and gratitude for the Chasing Giants community.

🎯 If you’re entering December with a buck tag in your pocket… this episode is for you.

Chasing Giants TV Sponsors

Real World Wildlife Products – www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com

Asio Gear – www.asiogear.com

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 of this content without the written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.

If you’ve been through a divorce—or love someone who has—please hear this clearly:

Study Guide Link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d6tfucflgp3ql66vl1ekh/Study-Guide-Chasing-Assurance-24.pdf?rlkey=sp4tatmopcw0k7oi0djz51g48&dl=0

God hates divorce, but He does NOT hate the divorcee.

For generations, the church has passed down narratives about divorce that did not come from Jesus, and in Episode 24 of the Chasing Assurance Podcast, Terry & Dr. Terry Peer unpack the actual history behind how those teachings developed.

This episode is NOT about condoning divorce.

It IS about ending shame, breaking unbiblical chains, and offering real assurance rooted in Scripture—not tradition.

In this powerful installment of our divorce series, we walk through:

✅ How early church leaders added extra rules Jesus never taught

✅ Why many Christians still carry guilt that isn’t biblical

✅ The dangerous lie of “perpetual adultery” and where it really came from

✅ Why God STILL offers forgiveness, healing, and new beginnings

✅ How Jesus’ actual words bring hope—not hopelessness

✅ Why so many people were told “you can never serve again” (and why that’s wrong)

If you’ve felt rejected, shamed, disqualified, or “less than” because of divorce, this episode will encourage your heart.

You are not second class.

You are not disqualified.

You are loved by God—fully and completely.

📌 Episode Focus:

The church history behind divorce teachings—and the compassion of Jesus that has always been available to every sinner, every struggler, and every hurting heart.

📌 Scripture: Genesis 2:18–24

📌 Next Week: What Jesus Himself actually said about marriage and divorce.

Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors:

Heartwood Planning Group – ⁠www.heartwoodplanning.com⁠

Coonless Deer Feeders – ⁠www.coonlessfeeders.com⁠

WiseEye Technologies – ⁠www.wiseeyetech.com⁠

Green Prairie Seed Company – ⁠www.greenprairieseeds.com⁠

Any reproduction 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!

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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