Don Higgins / Higgins Outdoors

01/08/2026

“One Buck Limit” I’ve seen several posts lately where someone asks what regulation change hunters would like to see and without fail multiple people will reply “one buck limit” as if this one regulation change would greatly improve the overall quality of a states deer herd. I am going to go against the grain here but hear me out. In states with a two buck limit, changing to a one buck limit would have such minimal impact that it probably wouldn’t be noticeable.

A much more impactful change would be implementing a reasonable limit on nonresident deer hunters. The demand for mature bucks is at an all time high and continues to grow. Without a limit on nonresident hunters, any improvement made to a states deer herd would immediately be offset by attracting more nonresident hunters. It is a double edged sword- make the herd better by shooting fewer bucks and without a nonresident limit you attract more hunters who in turn shoot more bucks.

Let’s look at Iowa whom many consider the state with the best whitetail herd because of the number of mature bucks living there. Iowa claims top spot not because of a limit on how many bucks can be shot (up to 3) but because of their approach to limiting nonresident hunters. If Iowa went to a one buck limit and at the same time changed their nonresident policy to match Illinois, their deer herd would be destroyed in two seasons at most.

Limiting nonresident deer hunters is a “must have” on any states list of regulation changes if they are serious about having a better deer herd.

01/07/2026

These two photos of switchgrass were recently sent to me. This landowner did a side by side comparison between switchgrass and a “new and improved” Cave in Rock variety. The Real World switchgrass is the taller one that is still standing.

It is really an honor that has become the targeted brand for many startup seed companies. Real World was built on finding the very best option in every category and the public has come to recognize that. That puts a target on our back as people will always strive to be better than the best. Nobody tries to beat the #2 at anything. Real World will never stop searching and testing to find better options than are now offered. We didn’t get to the top by copying others but by blazing our own path.

Real World switchgrass seed is limited and sells out most years. If you want the best switchgrass for standability and wildlife bedding cover, get your order in early or call your local dealer. Do it right or do it twice.

01/06/2026

I am proud to announce that Chasing Giants podcast is now partnered with This Christian ministry is feeding hungry kids using venison donated by hunters. Please take a moment to follow them on social media and download their free app.

01/05/2026

I have had several guys recently suggest that I contact the folks with the Darren Bailey campaign and try to work with them on Illinois deer hunting issues. I have given my response to this suggestion enough times lately that I figured I would just make this post so that everyone can see what they can expect from a Governor Bailey.

During the last election when Darren Bailey was campaigning, I reached out to him multiple times to ask if he would be a guest on the Chasing Giants podcast. I offered to provide a list of questions before the recording so that he knew what was coming and I offered to allow his campaign to approve the recording before it was released. I made it clear that I did not want to bring any harm to his campaign. I got no reply whatsoever.

Some time after my multiple ignored correspondence attempts, Darren Bailey spoke at my church while on the campaign trail. I refused to attend and told a couple of guys at church why I would not be there. One of them asked for one of my business cards which he then gave to Mr Bailey during his visit. Mr Bailey indicated to this person that he would contact me. That never happened.

Now here is the point of this post- I think Darren Bailey is a good and decent person. I think he would be 100x better governor than Pritzker. But Darren Bailey has made it clear that he is going to do nothing for the Illinois deer herd or Illinois deer hunters so don’t bother getting your hopes up. It ain’t going to happen.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from Chasing Giants and Higgins Outdoors. 2026 is setting up to be epic for us. We hope it is for you as well. Lots of good stuff in the works.

12/30/2025

Congrats to Colton Lafferty on his recent buck harvest. Colton and his dad are good friends and consulting clients who are getting their property fine tuned to produce some giants. I love it when the youngsters are on board with the program. I see a lot of big bucks in this young man’s future!

12/29/2025

Hey folks this young lady out in Nebraska is starting her first business. Please help her out by liking and following her page. Our youth are our future so let’s support them when we can. Thank you

12/25/2025

This video is worth the watch. It exemplifies what Chasing Giants TV is all about. Deer hunting is our passion. Deer hunting is our platform. But deer hunting is not our purpose.

Chasing Giants TV Video Drop Today - Christmas Edition with our frined Ty Miller Link in the comments!

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas to everyone! Yes, I mean “EVERYONE”! On this day we celebrate the birth of our Savior whom our Creator sent to save the world from our own sins. Jesus did not come to suffer and die on the cross for just those like us and those we like, but for everyone, even those who do not yet know Him. For one day everyone will believe and every knee will bow. My prayer for you is that on this special day you will not only think about what we are celebrating but make sure your kids and those around you are reminded. We should all strive to be bold and humble as we share our faith through both words and actions in the coming year. May God bless EVERYONE and Merry Christmas!

12/24/2025

If you are looking for a last minute gift for the deer hunter on your shopping list be sure to check out the virtual gift option on website. You can make it for any amount and email it right to the recipient.

When you see the video of my Doubting Thomas buck in a few weeks you will see the drawing power of fruit trees and want to plant several next spring .

12/23/2025

The biggest impact on my property has been the management of the deer herd.