Don Higgins’ annual Big Buck Forecast is here—and his outlook for the 2026 whitetail season may surprise a lot of hunters. After decades of running trail cameras across multiple properties, counties, and states, Don says this has been the worst summer he can remember for finding mature bucks. So what is happening to our mature whitetails? In Episode #341 of Chasing Giants, Don and Terry break down what Don is seeing across his trail-camera network, how mature buck numbers have changed, what role increased hunting pressure and technology may be playing, and why Don believes hunters who want to continue chasing mature whitetails need to start paying attention. They also discuss: • Why hot weather has crushed recent deer movement • Hard-horn bucks beginning to show up • Whether you should plant fall food plots in extremely dry conditions • The winner of the Lester’s Feet South Texas hunt • Why Don believes fewer 150"+ bucks are surviving to maturity • How technology is changing mature buck hunting • Whether the world-record typical whitetail will ever be broken • Why the next world record could be getting killed every year before reaching its potential • Whether mature bucks actually seek out areas without hunting pressure—or simply get lucky • One large hunting property vs. owning multiple properties • Don’s aggressive approach to managing his buck herd this season • Russian olive and honey locust for whitetail habitat • Apples vs. pears vs. persimmons for deer orchards • The importance of creating something on your property that your neighbors don't have Plus, we share an important update on Robin, talk about the incredible mission of Boone Brothers, and celebrate another successful Lester’s Feet fundraiser. As hunting seasons begin opening across the country, we wish every member of the Chasing Giants family a safe and successful 2026 season. God bless, and thanks for chasing giants with us. #ChasingGiants #DonHiggins #WhitetailDeer #DeerHunting #BigBucks Chasing Giants TV Sponsors: Real World Wildlife Products Asio Gear 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.