Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

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Episode #247 - Lockdown, Drone's, and Deer Pimps Nov 10, 2024

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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.

Episode #246 - Don Says - Best November Hunting in 50 Years Nov 03, 2024

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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 delve into the controversial topic of trail cameras on public land, offer advice on food plot diversity, and share strategies for finding bedding areas without spooking deer. The conversation also covers understanding wind patterns in hunting and establishing proper sanctuaries on properties, culminating in a celebration of recent hunting successes. Weather is the most critical factor affecting deer activity. October had some exceptional hunting days due to weather changes. Hunters should focus on the first week of November for optimal deer movement. The concept of the October lull is often misunderstood; it's more about weather than timing. Upcoming weather patterns suggest a fantastic hunting opportunity in early November. Personal hunting experiences can provide valuable insights into deer behavior. Chasing Giants TV will offer a new rut report featuring multiple hunters' experiences. Understanding barometric pressure and wind direction is essential for hunting success. Hunters should be flexible with their schedules to take advantage of peak hunting days. The best November weather conditions can lead to increased deer activity. Weather significantly influences deer activity patterns. The first week of November is expected to be optimal for hunting this year. Trail cameras can be a valuable tool for public land hunters. Diversity in food plots is essential for attracting deer. Finding bedding areas requires careful scouting, especially in winter. Understanding local wind patterns is crucial for successful hunting. Sanctuaries should be as large as possible to benefit deer movement. Hunters should focus on creating movement patterns to make deer more killable. The Midwest Sportsman's Classic offers unique opportunities for hunters to connect with experts. Recent hunting successes highlight the effectiveness of strategic planning.

Episode #245 - Halloween Hunting Should Be Great! Weather and Hunting Forecast from Don Higgins Oct 27, 2024

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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 predator activity. In this episode, Donald Higgins and Terry discuss various aspects of deer hunting, including field dressing techniques, property management for hunting, and the importance of understanding buck behavior in relation to wind. They emphasize the significance of minimizing human intrusion on hunting properties to maintain deer populations and improve hunting success. The hosts also answer listener questions about hunting strategies during the rut and share insights on community engagement and upcoming events. Keywords firearm hunting, deer hunting, fawn births, rut report, weather patterns, field dressing, hunting techniques, Brenton Firearms, hunting strategies, deer management, hunting, deer management, field dressing, buck behavior, human intrusion, rut hunting, property consulting, wildlife management, hunting strategies, outdoor podcast

Episode #244 - October Lull? Don and Terry See Bucks Moving in Mid October Oct 20, 2024

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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.

Episode #243 - Target Giant Non-Typical Buck Success - Don Higgins Oct 13, 2024

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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 and philosophies within the community. In this conversation, Don discusses the ethics of big buck hunting, emphasizing the importance of integrity and respect for fellow hunters. He shares personal experiences that shaped his views on hunting tactics, including the choice between tree stands and blinds, and offers practical advice for hunting small sections of cover. The discussion also touches on the transition from gun hunting to bow hunting, highlighting the challenges and rewards of each method. Takeaways Don was confident he would eventually kill Zacchaeus. The hunt was executed with a unique and educational strategy. Finding the deer in its first bed is crucial for recovery. The relationship with Matthews has been long-standing and beneficial. Brandon Epperson's hunt video showcases his impressive skills. EHD is impacting deer populations in various areas. Bobby Worthington's hunting philosophy connects generations. The recent week saw a surge in big buck kills. The hunting community is diverse and should be respected. Celebrating fellow hunters fosters a positive community spirit. The hardest part of killing a giant buck is finding one. Ethics in hunting is subjective and personal. It's important to consider the feelings of local hunters. Hunting should not come at the expense of others' experiences. Setting a good example in hunting is crucial. Playing the wind is essential, regardless of hunting method. Access to hunting spots is as important as timing. Small cover can be effective if approached correctly. Bow hunting offers a more personal and challenging experience. Integrity in hunting lasts longer than the thrill of the kill.

Episode #242 - Stop Hunting October Mornings Oct 06, 2024

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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 of rubs this year raises questions about deer behavior. - Trail cameras provide valuable insights into deer activity. - Social media engagement can help build a hunting community. - Crop harvesting affects deer movement and behavior. - Understanding doe behavior is crucial for hunting strategies. - October mornings may not be the best time to hunt mature bucks. - Listener questions highlight the importance of expert advice. - Baiting regulations can significantly impact deer management.

Podcast #241 - Don's Target Buck Revealed - Non-Typical Giant! Sep 29, 2024

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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 concern for deer populations. - Targeting a specific buck requires careful planning and strategy. Community involvement and ministry play a vital role in the hunting experience. - Hunting on public land presents unique challenges, especially regarding scent control. - Understanding deer behavior is crucial for successful hunting. - The importance of maintaining a healthy deer population for future hunting seasons. - Hunters must adapt to changing environmental conditions to be successful. Effective habitat management can enhance hunting opportunities. - Building a relationship with the land and its wildlife is essential for hunters. #hunting, #deermanagement , #weather, #targetbuck, #EHD, #publicland, #foodplots, #ministry, #community, #wildlife management Any use or reproduction of this video or audio is strictly prohibited without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants LLC.

Episode #240 - If Don Was DNR, How He Would Make Illinois Better Than Iowa Sep 22, 2024

Show notes

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

Episode #239 - EHD Is Closing in on Don's Farm! Sep 16, 2024

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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.

Episode 238 - 2024 Buck Forecast - MORE GIANTS SHOT THIS YEAR Sep 08, 2024

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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.

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