Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

EXPECT BAD AUDIO DUE TO POOR INTERNET - WE ARE SORRY AND WILL BE BACK TO NORMAL NEXT WEEK. In this episode of Chasing Giants Podcast #318, Terry Peer and Don Higgins break down real-world habitat consulting insights from a northern swing through Wisconsin—and what they’re seeing might surprise you. From a property holding 22 different bears on camera to tornado-created bedding cover that’s as good as it gets, this episode dives deep into what actually makes a property produce—and where most landowners fall short. We also cover: Why food is the #1 limiting factor in northern properties A unique consulting situation involving a third-party landowner representative Habitat differences across regions—from Wisconsin to Kentucky to Georgia The truth about red osier dogwood and habitat “trends” A brand new elk + whitetail hybrid habitat project in Kentucky Equipment spotlight: the new PH M7 Drill for food plotters And a powerful moment as we ask for prayers for a family in need This episode is packed with real experiences, practical strategy, and the kind of honest conversation you only get from boots-on-the-ground habitat work. 🙏 Special Note Please keep the Yoder family in your prayers after a tragic loss. If you feel led to support, details are included in the episode description. Go Fund Me Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-kyle-yoder-family-after-kendras-passing?attribution_id=sl:e81dbecd-039e-476a-80be-6f52e01c1df0&lang=en_US&ts=1774449599&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp17_tb-amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms Or send Check to Lester's Feet Foundation PO Box 250 Dry Ridge, KY 41035 Memo: Kendra Yoder Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors: Asio Gear – https://www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – https://www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – https://www.novixoutdoors.com PH Drills (Wildlife Farming) – https://www.wildlifefarming.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 Farm – https://www.gingerichtreefarm.com Brenton USA – https://www.brentonusa.com Hawke Optics – https://us.hawkeoptics.com Grubb Implement – https://www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – https://www.tagouttechnique.com All content produced by Chasing Giants TV LLC is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Any reproduction or unauthorized use of this content without written permission is strictly prohibited.

In this week’s episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Terry and Don cover a lot of ground as spring habitat season starts taking off. Don shares updates from the road after wrapping up another stretch of consulting visits, including weather extremes, dealer stops, and picking up a new truck from Victory. Terry also talks about an upcoming bear hunt in Manitoba and gives listeners an update on the Texas hunt raffle tied to Lester’s Feet. The guys spend time breaking down the launch of the new Real World Land Management Handbook, including what’s inside, why it took so long to complete, and how it can help food plotters and land managers at every experience level. They also discuss the overwhelming response to the handbook release and why they created it as a practical field reference rather than a money-making project. Later in the show, Don explains how to properly prepare and use Scrape Magnet this time of year, including why weathered rope matters, how to season rope ahead of velvet season, and the mistakes people make when setting up rope scrapes. The episode also includes updates on new Chasing Giants TV videos, creek crossings, stand improvements, and a full round of listener-submitted questions on: - Bucks using yard food at night - Protecting apple trees from spray drift - Nutri-Crave corn cross-pollination - Miscanthus winter kill in northern climates - Whether Don would learn to swim for a guaranteed 200-inch buck - No-till soybean planting tips for beginners If you enjoy practical deer management, habitat improvement, food plotting, and honest conversation rooted in faith and family, this episode is for you. Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors Asio Gear – https://www.asiogear.com Midwest Land Group – https://www.midwestlandgroup.com Novix Outdoors – https://www.novixoutdoors.com Hawke Optics – https://us.hawkeoptics.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 Grubb Implement – https://www.grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique – https://www.tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming – https://www.wildlifefarming.com Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and are intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. Always follow local laws, label directions, and manufacturer recommendations when using herbicides, attractants, seed products, hunting equipment, or land management tools. Habitat, hunting, and agricultural results may vary by property, region, weather, soil conditions, and application methods. Any reproduction of Chasing Giants Podcast or related Chasing Giants LLC content without written permission is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer dive deep into one of the most misunderstood habitat topics in deer hunting — Timber Stand Improvement (TSI). Many landowners hear the term TSI, but few truly understand how aggressive timber cutting can dramatically improve deer habitat. Don explains why opening the canopy is critical for creating understory, browse, and bedding cover for mature bucks. The conversation also covers the differences between forestry practices, turkey habitat management, and deer-focused habitat management. The guys also discuss: • Why most landowners don’t cut their timber aggressively enough • How sunlight drives understory growth and deer bedding cover • When to combine timber harvest with TSI work • Why mature bucks prefer thick cover over open woods • The importance of sanctuaries and low hunting pressure • How to manipulate deer movement on your property • Whether large timber projects should be done all at once or in phases Later in the episode, the guys discuss current consulting projects, upcoming speaking events, and answer listener-submitted questions on food plots, soybeans, herbicides, and more. If you own hunting property or are planning habitat improvements, this episode will give you practical insights that can dramatically improve your land management strategy. Sponsors Asio Gear Premium technical hunting apparel designed for serious hunters. https://asiogear.com Midwest Land Group The leader in recreational land real estate. https://midwestlandgroup.com Hawke Optics Precision optics designed for hunters and shooters. https://us.hawkeoptics.com Novix Outdoors Lightweight, mobile hunting gear built for serious hunters. https://novixoutdoors.com Mike’s Mighty Micros The most powerful soil biology products for food plots. https://mikesmightymicros.com Victory Auto Group Visit Victory Auto Group for your next vehicle. https://victorykc.com 360 Hunting Blinds The ultimate hunting blind for comfort and concealment. https://360huntingblinds.com Real World Wildlife Products Proven seed blends and habitat solutions designed for whitetails. https://realworldwildlifeproducts.com Mathews Archery The most advanced bows in the world. https://mathewsinc.com Gingerich Tree Farms High quality trees for habitat and property improvement. https://gingerichtreefarm.com Brenton USA Innovative firearms and suppressor-ready hunting rifles. https://brentonusa.com Grubb Implement Quality equipment and agricultural solutions. https://grubbimplement.com TagOut Technique Tools designed to improve your hunting success. https://tagouttechnique.com Wildlife Farming Habitat improvement products designed for serious land managers. https://wildlifefarming.com This content is the property of Chasing Giants TV LLC. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without the express written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.

In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer dive into several important topics for whitetail hunters and land managers. First, they explain the strategy behind permission properties and why now is the perfect time of year to start knocking on doors. Don shares how persistence and building relationships with landowners can unlock incredible hunting opportunities—even in states where you don’t live. Next, Don and Terry explain the story behind Scrape Magnet, the new synthetic scent product developed under the Chasing Giants brand. They discuss the two-year process of testing the product across 9 states and 54 properties, how rope scrapes work, and why synthetic scents may become increasingly important as more states restrict gland-based scents due to CWD regulations. The episode also features a candid discussion about health and diet changes both hosts have made recently. Don shares how eliminating carbs dramatically improved his health after experiencing severe symptoms related to inflammation and blood pressure. Terry talks about his battle with rheumatoid arthritis and how a strict carnivore diet helped eliminate pain and inflammation. Finally, the Higgins Hot Seat returns with listener questions covering topics such as: - Managing mature bucks on small properties - Typical vs. non-typical racks - How much to practice shooting your bow - Girdling vs. cutting trees for bedding cover - Planting soybeans for deer food plots - Establishing Nutri-Crave corn plots If you’re passionate about deer hunting, habitat improvement, and land management, this episode is packed with practical insight. Our Partners - Asio Gear – https://www.asiogear.com - Midwest Land Group – https://www.midwestlandgroup.com - Novix Outdoors – https://www.novixoutdoors.com - Hawke Optics USA – https://us.hawkeoptics.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 Farm – 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 The Chasing Giants Podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The opinions expressed by Don Higgins and Terry Peer are based on personal experience and are not a substitute for professional agricultural, wildlife management, financial, legal, or medical advice. Always consult appropriate professionals before making land management, planting, chemical, hunting, or financial decisions. All rights reserved. Any reproduction or rebroadcast of this content without the written consent of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.