Episode #252 - Don says, "THERE IS NO SECOND RUT!"

Chasing Giants with Don Higgins

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 management, discussing the peculiarities of deer health, the survival rates of buck fawns, and the effectiveness of mock scrapes. They also address the controversial topic of the second rut, emphasizing that it is a myth, and share strategies for managing poaching and protecting crops. The conversation is rich with insights on deer behavior, health issues, and practical hunting tips. Takeaways Don received overwhelming support during his health scare. Every property has a ceiling that limits potential. Hunters should recognize their property’s ceiling before making decisions. Late-season hunting requires a commitment to original goals. Compromising hunting goals can lead to missed opportunities. The community's support often outweighs negative feedback. Health changes can lead to better lifestyle choices. Understanding deer movement patterns is crucial in late season. Hunters should focus on long-term goals rather than short-term gains. Videoing deer can provide satisfaction without compromising goals. The size of the abscess on the deer was unprecedented. A deer's age can be misleading based on physical appearance. Survival rates for buck fawns are significantly low due to various factors. Mock scrapes can be more effective with ropes than natural vines. Orphaned fawns may struggle with health issues due to lack of maternal care. Bacterial infections can severely impact deer health and antler growth. There is only one rut each year, despite common beliefs about a second rut. Proper management of deer herds can lead to healthier populations. Using Miscanthus as a screen can deter poachers effectively. Unethical hunting practices can undermine conservation efforts. 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 use of reproduction without the expressed written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited. #mathewsarchery #mathews #liftx #foodplots #archery #whitetailhabitat #giantbuck #chasinggiants #liftx