Episode 225 - Big Antlers this Spring Mean Big Decisions this Fall!

Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

In this episode, Don and Terry discuss the potential for an exceptional antler growing season due to favorable weather conditions. They highlight the importance of the current year's antler growth and how it may not be replicated in future years. They also discuss the challenge of deciding whether to shoot younger bucks that may have exceptional antler growth this year. The conversation then shifts to the topic of planting fruit trees for deer and the importance of choosing disease-resistant varieties. Don shares his approach to planting and caring for fruit trees, including spraying them with micronutrients. In this part of the conversation, Don and Terry discuss various topics related to deer hunting and land management. They talk about planting fruit trees in sanctuaries, the use of plastic weed mats, converting food plots to a more natural approach, the effectiveness of crimper rollers, the time it takes to gather enough data on a new hunting property, and the impact of feeders and water holes on deer. They also address the issue of ticks on deer and the use of garlic in feeders. The conversation ends with personal updates from Don and Terry. antler growth, weather conditions, future growth, shooting younger bucks, planting fruit trees, disease-resistant varieties, caring for fruit trees, spraying micronutrients, deer hunting, land management, fruit trees, sanctuaries, plastic weed mats, food plots, crimper rollers, data gathering, feeders, water holes, ticks, garlic Takeaways -The current year's antler growth may not be replicated in future years, making it important to consider shooting younger bucks with exceptional antler growth. -Choosing disease-resistant varieties is crucial when planting fruit trees for deer. -Spraying fruit trees with micronutrients can help promote their growth and health. -It's important to avoid excessive intrusion on deer properties, especially during the early stages of antler growth. -Monitoring and managing crop growth, such as corn and soybeans, can provide valuable food sources for deer. Plant fruit trees on the edges of sanctuaries to enhance stand sites and attract deer. -Avoid using plastic weed mats around trees as they can cause the roots to grow on top of the ground. -Consider converting food plots to a more natural approach using regenerative agriculture practices. -Crimper rollers can be effective but require the right timing and ground conditions. -It takes at least two to three years to gather enough data on a new hunting property to consistently be successful. -Feeders can be used to supplement deer nutrition, and water holes are not critical on most properties. -Expect Healthy Deer technology from Real World has anti-parasitic ingredients that can help with ticks. -Garlic can be added to feeders to benefit deer health. -Personal updates: Don is going on a business trip and working on the next issue of Whitetail Life magazine, while Terry is preparing for his daughter's wedding and pursuing a career opportunity. -Prayers are requested for Andrea's last radiation treatments and clean skin, as well as for Terry and his wife's career venture.