Is there a difference between being a great archer and being a great bowhunter? How far is too far when taking a shot at a whitetail deer? In Chasing Giants Podcast Episode #346, Don Higgins and Terry Peer tackle one of the most debated topics in bowhunting today: long-distance archery shots and the responsibility hunters have to the animals they pursue. After a listener questions hunters taking 70-yard shots at live deer, Don shares his perspective from nearly 50 seasons of bowhunting. He explains why he prefers to get mature bucks within 15–20 yards, why knowing your limitations matters, and why the real challenge of bowhunting may be getting closer rather than shooting farther. But that's only part of this week's conversation! IN THIS EPISODE: Don Higgins' Next Big Habitat Project Don takes us behind the scenes of his 300-acre Illinois property and reveals his plans to eliminate nearly a mile of maintained paths to create larger, less-disturbed bedding areas. He also discusses his long-term goal of producing more mature, giant-antlered bucks and leaving an incredible wildlife habitat legacy for future generations. Fruit Tree Management Tips - How much water newly planted fruit trees need during drought conditions - When and how to transplant young fruit trees - The hidden dangers of mice nesting inside tree tubes - Protecting young trees from damage during fall Food Plot and Herbicide Updates Terry shares the results of a surfactant experiment on waterhemp and marestail at his southern Illinois farm. The results weren't what they hoped for, reinforcing the importance of proper weed management and pre-emergent herbicides. 2026 Rut Report Announcements Don reveals plans for this year's Rut Report, including daily prize giveaways and opportunities for hunters across the country to share what they're seeing in the woods. Listener Questions - What's the best way to organize trail camera photos and track individual bucks over multiple seasons? - Are 70-yard bow shots ethical? - Should you hunt October mornings when access, wind, and temperatures are perfect? Updates on the new Chasing Giants website, consulting resources, the latest ASIO Gear backpack, and Don's recent property tour on Chasing Giants TV. SUNDAY NIGHT PRAYER TIME Wes Delks closes this episode with an encouraging message about church hurt, forgiveness, and the importance of Christian fellowship. Scripture references include Matthew 24:10, Hebrews 10:24–25, and Ephesians 4:26–27. Subscribe for weekly conversations about whitetail deer hunting, habitat management, food plots, land management, and the pursuit of world-class whitetails. Visit our Chasing Giants channels for additional property tours, educational videos, and hunting content. Southland Christian Church Men's Event — https://www.southland.church/feed What's the farthest distance you would personally take a shot at a live whitetail with your bow? And do you think today's bowhunters are putting too much emphasis on shooting distance? Tell us in the comments! If you enjoy the podcast, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with another serious whitetail hunter. #ChasingGiants #DonHiggins #Bowhunting #WhitetailHunting #DeerHunting Chasing Giants Podcast Sponsors: Asio Gear Real World Wildlife Products Hawke Optics Novix Outdoors Midwest Land Group 360 Hunting Blinds Mike’s Mighty Micros Gingerich Tree Farms TagOut Technique Grubb Implement Brenton USA Mathews Archery Victory GMC & Auto Group Wildlife Farming WiseEye Technologies Chasing Assurance Podcast Sponsors: Heartwood Planning Group WiseEye Technologies Coonless Feeders Green Prairie Seed Company © 2026 Chasing Giants Podcast. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests and hosts during this episode are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Chasing Giants, our sponsors, advertising partners, affiliates, or associated organizations. This interview is presented for informational purposes and to encourage respectful discussion. Copyright Notice: Any unauthorized reproduction, rebroadcast, redistribution, recording, or use of this audio or video, in whole or in part, without the express written consent of Chasing Giants LLC is strictly prohibited.