Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

Takeaways

Nutrient farming is essential for wildlife and human health.

Soil health directly impacts plant health and nutrient availability.

Mike's Mighty Microbes is based on real scientific research.

Healthy plants are more resistant to disease and pests.

The balance of micronutrients is crucial for optimal growth.

Historical studies have shown the link between soil nutrients and animal health.

Living soil is vital for sustainable agriculture.

Cover crops and no-till practices enhance soil health.

Personal health is connected to the h...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry Peer and Don discuss the effects of unusual weather patterns on agriculture, particularly focusing on the cold and wet spring. They share insights on planting dates, crop management, and innovations in farming practices, including cover crops and food plots. The conversation also touches on the consulting season, sharing experiences and future plans for improving land management and deer nutrition. In this conversation, Don and Terry explore the intricate relationships between genetics, nutrition, and age in deer management, emphasizing the importance of human intrusion management, especially on smaller properties. They discuss...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Don Higgins and Terry Peer welcome Dr. Aaron Gaines, an animal nutrition expert, particularly concerning deer and livestock. The conversation covers Aaron's background, his work on Expect Healthy Deer Technology, and the importance of nutrition in deer health, particularly during critical life stages. They also discuss habitat management, the role of minerals in deer diets, and the complexities of managing Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) through nutrition and genetics. In this conversation, Aaron Gaines and Don Higgins discuss various aspects of deer management, including the importance of doe management for improving deer...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the significance of Easter and reflect on personal loss, particularly the passing of Don's mother-in-law. They emphasize the importance of family, faith, and the impact of upbringing on future generations. The conversation then shifts to a detailed exploration of the debate surrounding genetics, nutrition, and age structure in deer management. Don argues that genetics is the most crucial factor in determining the potential size of deer, supported by personal anecdotes and examples from his experiences with captive deer. In this episode, Don Higgins and Terry Peer delve...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Don and Terry discuss their recent activities in habitat management, including consulting visits and the implementation of new strategies for deer management. They share personal stories about their experiences with clients and the importance of community connections. The conversation also delves into the significance of switchgrass in deer habitat, supported by thermal surveys that reveal deer activity patterns. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth, role models, and the impact of faith in their journeys. In this episode, Don and Terry discuss various aspects of deer management, including the importance...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry Peer and Don discuss a variety of topics related to deer hunting, including the unveiling of a new hunting blind, the supply and demand of Miscanthus and switchgrass, the impact of recent storms on their plans, insights from a mineral nutrition video, and the importance of supportive spouses in the hunting community. They also address listener questions about deer feeding and nutrition, emphasizing the need for balanced diets and the benefits of planting fruit trees to attract deer. In this conversation, Terry Peer and Don discuss various aspects of deer...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss various strategies for optimizing deer hunting stands, including habitat management techniques and the importance of safety while working outdoors. They share insights on setting up a limited-edition 360 blind, the significance of deer movement, and best practices for protecting fruit trees. The conversation highlights the importance of continuous improvement in hunting setups and the necessity for caution in habitat management. In this episode, Don and Terry discuss various topics related to fruit tree planting, the misconceptions surrounding native species, and the importance of proper spacing for optimal growth...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss various topics, including habitat projects, tree-planting techniques, and a surprise message from Christian music artist Emerson Day. They share insights on the importance of proper tree planting and maintenance for wildlife orchards and the encouragement they received from Emerson's outreach, highlighting the impact of faith and community support in their lives. In this conversation, Terry and Don discuss the complexities of business partnerships, emphasizing the importance of integrity in consulting. They share insights on navigating difficult decisions when bringing new consultants and maintaining a strong brand reputation...

Episode Summary In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the critical habitat projects that take place in March, focusing on switchgrass management and the importance of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They also share insights from recent consulting events and the significance of community connections in the outdoor industry. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss various themes related to business relationships, personal reflections, family priorities, land management, and hunting strategies. They share insights on the importance of being cautious in business partnerships, the impact of past decisions on personal life, and the significance...

Don and Terry have a special guest join them on stage to answer questions from the packed house in Iowa! Chasing Giants and Lester's Feet Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com Our Sponsors of Chasing Giants TV: Asio Camo Gear - www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group - www.midwestlandgroup.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 Any...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the critical habitat projects that take place in March, focusing on switchgrass management and the importance of fire in maintaining healthy ecosystems. They also share insights from recent consulting events and the significance of community connections in the outdoor industry. In this conversation, Don and Terry discuss various themes related to business relationships, personal reflections, family priorities, land management, and hunting strategies. They share insights on the importance of being cautious in business partnerships, the impact of past decisions on personal life, and the significance of family...

In this episode of Chasing Giants, hosts Terry and Don discuss various topics, including their recent experiences at the Midwest Sportsman's Classic, insights from consulting on soybean plots in Iowa, the challenges of switchgrass quality, and funny stories from their consulting trail. They also address listener questions and provide valuable takeaways on GMO vs non-GMO soybeans and effective planting strategies. In this episode, Terry and Don delve into various aspects of deer management, including the timing for TSI projects, understanding buck behavior, and the implications of new hunting regulations in Illinois. They also discuss the challenges of balancing cattle management...

This episode is from the 2025 Legends Roundtable at the Midwest Sportsmans Classic in Shipshewana, Indiana. The guys fought through some audio interference in the arena so we applogize for the buzz in the audio. This episode starts out with Joe Miles joining the show as they unveil the new Chasing Giants Edition 360 blind wrapped in Asio Camo. From there Terry and Don answer questions from the crowd but also Terry plays a little prank on Don with some Ai Dance Moves. To close out the show, they auctioned off their Mathews bows to raise money for Lester's Feet. You will...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss their recent experiences, including health challenges, community support, and a successful fundraising event for families navigating breast cancer. They share insights from Don's consulting adventures in property management and the upcoming Ship Shawana show, highlighting auction details and vendor participation. The conversation also delves into the impact of cell phones on hunting practices, weighing the pros and cons of technology in the field. In this episode, Don and Terry engage in a lively discussion about various aspects of deer hunting and management. They address listener questions, including...

Join us for a one-of-a-kind podcast with special guests of this weeks show while we raise money for Lester's Feet Foundation. Chasing Giants and Lester's Feet Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com Our Sponsors of Chasing Giants TV: Asio Camo Gear - www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group - www.midwestlandgroup.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 ...

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 e...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss their recent winter hunting experiences, the impact of weather on deer physiology, and the recent changes in Illinois DNR's CWD management policy. They delve into the ethics of deer management, particularly regarding neighbor agreements on hunting, and share personal hunting superstitions. The episode also highlights upcoming community events and answers listener questions about deer behavior and management strategies. In this episode, the hosts delve into a variety of topics ranging from political opinions to deer management strategies. They discuss the implications of political affiliations on hunting and...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don reflect on the new year, discussing personal goals and insights gained from consulting with clients over the holidays. They explore the advantages of property ownership for deer hunting, emphasizing the importance of creating optimal stand locations and understanding soil health for effective food plots. The conversation also touches on innovative hunting strategies and the impact of weather on deer movement, culminating in a segment where Don answers candid questions in the Higgins Hot Seat. The episode concludes with announcements of upcoming events and community engagement opportunities. In this...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss personal updates, including holiday experiences and health challenges. They then transition into habitat projects, emphasizing the importance of diversity in food sources for deer. Don shares his innovative plans for food plots, including no-till practices and overseeding techniques to maximize yield and minimize chemical use. The conversation shifts to trail camera strategies, where Don reflects on his experiences with cell cameras and how to optimize their placement for better results. The episode concludes with insights on enhancing camera locations to improve deer monitoring. In this...

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...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss Don's recent health scare and the overwhelming support he received from the community. They transition into a conversation about property management, specifically the concept of a 'ceiling' on what can be achieved with a property. Don emphasizes the importance of recognizing this ceiling and making informed decisions about property management. The discussion then shifts to late-season hunting strategies, encouraging hunters to stick to their goals and not compromise as the season winds down. In this episode, Terry and Don delve into various aspects of deer hunting and...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, Terry and substitute co-host Joe Miles discuss Joe's recent hunting experiences in Mexico, where he successfully harvested two impressive bucks. They explore the differences in hunting conditions and practices between Mexico and the Midwest, the emotional journey of targeting a specific buck in South Carolina, and the challenges Joe faced during his pursuit. The conversation highlights the camaraderie of the hunting community, and the lessons learned through both successes and setbacks. Joe shares his excitement about hunting in Mexico for the fifth year. The hunting conditions in Mexico are vastly different from...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, Terry and substitute co-host Joe Miles discuss Joe's recent hunting experiences in Mexico, where he successfully harvested two impressive bucks. They explore the differences in hunting conditions and practices between Mexico and the Midwest, the emotional journey of targeting a specific buck in South Carolina, and the challenges Joe faced during his pursuit. The conversation highlights the camaraderie of the hunting community, and the lessons learned through both successes and setbacks. Joe shares his excitement about hunting in Mexico for the fifth year. The hunting conditions in Mexico are vastly different from...

Walker shot two bucks in three days, showcasing his hunting skills.Don emphasizes the importance of managing deer populations for future hunting success.Kids today have access to more resources and knowledge about hunting than previous generations.The emotional impact of loss can be profound, as seen in Kyle's story.Community support is crucial during difficult times, especially during the holidays.The rut can vary each year, and hunters should adapt their strategies accordingly.Late-season hunting can be just as fruitful as the peak rut period.The importance of targeting the right bucks for population management.Sharing personal stories can...

Terry discusses his 2024 hunt for the buck he named King David. This will end up being a different type of hunting video than we have ever produced. The story of this hunt, buck, and hunting season will hopefully be an encouragement to all. Chasing Giants and Lester's Feet Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com Our Sponsors of Chasing Giants TV: Asio Camo Gear - www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group - www.midwestlandgroup.com Victory Auto Group - www.victorykc.com 360 Hunting Blinds - www.360huntingblinds.com Real World Wildlife Products - www.realworldwildlifeproducts.com Mathews Archery...

Chasing Giants Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com The guys are joined by Wes Delks on this episode. Wes came over to hunt with Don and Terry after he harvested his target buck in Indiana named UHAUL. Listen to the guys joke around and discuss why this first buck off Higgins 2.0 is so special to Wes. He also spends some time helping Don answer some questions. For more daily content through the entire month of November, please follow our Chasing Giants TV social media.

Chasing Giants Merchandise can be purchased at: https://morancreekoutdoors.com Don was feeling a bit froggy as he goes on one of his epic rants that has Terry laughing. It has been a while since we have seen Don fired up. Hear what he has to say about the slow rut after what he thought would be a fantastic November. For more daily content through the entire month of November, please follow our Chasing Giants TV social media.

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the significant impact of weather on deer activity, particularly in October and November. They share insights from their hunting experiences, analyze weather patterns, and provide strategies for maximizing hunting success during the rut. The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding deer behavior in relation to weather changes and the upcoming rut report from Chasing Giants TV. In this episode, Terry and Don discuss the impact of weather on deer activity, the introduction of a new segment featuring unscripted questions, and the upcoming Midwest Sportsman's Classic. They...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Don Higgins and Terry Peer discuss the importance of firearm hunting, particularly for their diverse audience. They delve into the topic of fawn births and the estrus cycle, explaining how and when doe fawns can breed. The conversation shifts to the rut report, where Don shares his observations from the field and how they plan to expand their reporting this season. They also analyze weather patterns and their significant impact on deer activity during the rut. Finally, Don shares his unique field dressing techniques and the implications of gut piles on...

Don and Terry talk about hunting together in Illinois. Some great movement under certain conditions. They answer some great questions from listeners which include homecoming bucks, bedding, life lessons, and understanding how many bucks are really over 170" per square mile. The guys also provide an update on Lester's Feet and Don's Grandson's Youth Season. Any use or reproduction of this audio or video without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.

To start this episode, Terry makes an episode about how Lester's Feet is doing a Hurricane Relief Project before discussing Don's recent successful hunt for his target buck, Zacchaeus. They delve into the strategies and tactics used during the hunt, the importance of patience and experience, and the lessons learned from the experience. The conversation also touches on the role of equipment, the significance of relationships in hunting, and the impact of EHD on deer populations. Additionally, they celebrate the success of fellow hunter Brandon Epperson and discuss the recent surge in big buck sightings, emphasizing the diverse hunting styles...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss the impact of recent hurricanes on hunting communities, share their early season hunting successes, and delve into the unusual lack of rubs observed this year. They also address listener questions about hunting strategies, baiting regulations, and the importance of community support during challenging times. The conversation emphasizes the need for thoughtful hunting practices and the significance of staying informed through reliable sources. - The hurricane's impact on local hunting communities is significant. - Early season hunting success can set the tone for the year. - The lack...

In this episode of the Chasing Giants podcast, hosts Terry and Don discuss various topics related to hunting, including the impact of weather on deer populations, strategies for targeting specific bucks, and the importance of community and ministry in the hunting world. They also delve into the challenges of hunting on public land and the significance of scent control and wind direction. The conversation highlights the complexities of wildlife management, and the emotional connections hunters have with their target animals. Takeaways: - Rain has a significant impact on deer health and food plots. EHD (Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease) is a major...

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...

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.

...

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...

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...

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...

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...