01 February 2026
CULLING BUCKS: Why Shooting 3½-Year-Old 8-Points Actually Works | Chasing Giants #310
Chasing Giants with Don Higgins
About
Culling bucks might be the most misunderstood topic in whitetail management.
In Chasing Giants Podcast Episode #310, Don Higgins and Terry Peer break down why selective buck harvest works, why shooting certain 3½-year-old 8-points is about probability — not ego — and how long-term results tell a story most critics refuse to hear.
This episode also covers:
- Winter stress, snow cover, and food scarcity
- Shed timing and what it really means for antler growth
- Why saving every buck often hurts your top-end deer
- The difference between genetics vs. probability
- Real-world results after 20+ years of consistent management
- If you’ve ever been told “culling doesn’t work” — 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
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
Vortex Optics – https://www.vortexoptics.com
Grubb Implement – https://www.grubbimplement.com
TagOut Technique – https://www.tagouttechnique.com
Wildlife Farming – https://www.wildlifefarming.com
DISCLAIMER:
The views, opinions, and management strategies discussed in this episode are based on real-world experience on specific properties and may not apply universally to all hunting situations, land sizes, or regions. Results may vary based on habitat, pressure, acreage, and local deer dynamics. Always follow state regulations and practice ethical, legal hunting.
© Chasing Giants TV LLC.
Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without written permission from Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.
In Chasing Giants Podcast Episode #310, Don Higgins and Terry Peer break down why selective buck harvest works, why shooting certain 3½-year-old 8-points is about probability — not ego — and how long-term results tell a story most critics refuse to hear.
This episode also covers:
- Winter stress, snow cover, and food scarcity
- Shed timing and what it really means for antler growth
- Why saving every buck often hurts your top-end deer
- The difference between genetics vs. probability
- Real-world results after 20+ years of consistent management
- If you’ve ever been told “culling doesn’t work” — 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
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
Vortex Optics – https://www.vortexoptics.com
Grubb Implement – https://www.grubbimplement.com
TagOut Technique – https://www.tagouttechnique.com
Wildlife Farming – https://www.wildlifefarming.com
DISCLAIMER:
The views, opinions, and management strategies discussed in this episode are based on real-world experience on specific properties and may not apply universally to all hunting situations, land sizes, or regions. Results may vary based on habitat, pressure, acreage, and local deer dynamics. Always follow state regulations and practice ethical, legal hunting.
© Chasing Giants TV LLC.
Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without written permission from Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.