“As hunters, we should be judged more by what we choose not to shoot than by what we do shoot.” Great quote. 7:43

@UncleBuckysOutdoorAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

but why is that ? are antler size the only thing we judge by ? It should be the moment, each deer big, small and in between are the best to me... I shot a 181" buck with my bow and 3 days later my 12 yr old son shot his first buck a small fork horn and I was more worked and excited about that then the 181.. go figure.. I have no problem with someone chasing antlers, just do not judge others that do not take the time, effort or have the resources to chase the big boys.... and I am not knocking Don.. just giving another perspective....

@jazzdude904

3 жыл бұрын

@@UncleBuckysOutdoorAdventures if you listened in the video, he chose not to shoot because of the deers age, not the antler score which was over 200 at the time. As for a first buck for a child, nobody is going gripe about a kid shooting a spike or a 4 point as a first buck. That’s an amazing feeling for a child. But as I was always told, your next buck should always be bigger.

@UncleBuckysOutdoorAdventures

3 жыл бұрын

@@jazzdude904 no one has a right to gripe no matter who takes any legal deer.. and why should your next buck always be bigger ? that puts you in a box.. some folks will never shoot bigger bucks because of genetics .. does that mean if they shoot a smaller buck they are less a hunter ? not arguing, just debating, love to hear others views

@jazzdude904

3 жыл бұрын

@@UncleBuckysOutdoorAdventures I hunt with the mentality that I’m always going to make sure my next buck is bigger than my last. I’d like to see deer live a good long life and I’d rather let younger, smaller bucks live on to get bigger, breed, and enjoy their life. My mentality is that if you harvest smaller deer, eventually you’ll thin our your herd since less bucks are rutting and your genetics will be unfavorable.

@cpsclan2447

3 жыл бұрын

@@jazzdude904 yeah I’d say after two or three deer you should be chasing at least 6-8 points

“Dream big, because Gods reality is bigger than your dreams” - great words

@scottblair1113

3 жыл бұрын

Just shared this video with my 14 year old son. I wanted him to hear those words .

@042monty

3 жыл бұрын

@NavDocRet I pray that before you leave this earth that you will say God is real because once you leave this earth you will know 💯that He is, but that will be too late❤️

@realworldwildlifeproducts5512

3 жыл бұрын

@NavDocRet not attacking you friend. I understand that doubt and fear give some the feeling that God isn’t real. I urge you to talk to someone. Reach out to us - praying you find peace and that something spikes to learn more about Jesus. He died for you and loves you

@patrickpk6299

3 жыл бұрын

@NavDocRet psst...covid is a hoax...

@draven3838

3 жыл бұрын

Words to live by

By far the best hunting documentary I've ever seen. Prior to the shot when Mel stops, looks to the heavens and closes his eyes. Was he saying thank you and it's time? I don't know, but so amazing. Fantastic tribute to a true woodsman/man and a deer.

This man is the best kind of hunter.

Getting ready to head into the woods and the part where you waited for your grandkids brought tears to this 32 year old fathers eyes. Thats what its about my friend

@1234tric

3 жыл бұрын

There is no crying in deer hunting you baby. Lol!

@mikemitchell9157

3 жыл бұрын

@Octavian The Hooper well my response to him must've been deleted by youtube or something. Good luck little man. I'm getting ready to head to the woods myself. And on a side note just realized I said I'm 32..... im 33 lmfao. Enjoy the time ya have cause sooner or later you start forgetting how old ya are lol

@dwaincearley1916

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely

This video is so much more than hunting. Absolutely incredible.

@21212121666

3 жыл бұрын

I could not agree more I have now watched his video three times in a row for some reason this video means a lot to me and it’s not even my video

@jakeenders7

3 жыл бұрын

This *is* what hunting's all about for me

Best video I have every seen on KZread

Thank you sir for the great video and sharing all of your feelings and information

Don Higgins, if you ever see this comment, I just want you to know, you are a great man! You have values that, I’m afraid, are not too prevalent in this day and age. You are a good role model for young people, and even some not so young people, too!lol thank you. Ya got a good name too! Same name as mine! -Don

This is the best documentary of a hunter chasing his dreams and the life of a buck dreams are made of. What a gift from GOD! Congrats Don!

what a stud of a whitetail that is a dream whitetail. Your story is awesome.And love the quote.

Incredible. All I can say. Thank you for this video.

I done the same with my 200" deer. My brother in law and I hunted him 4 years and wanted to experience the recovery with him. It is a bittersweet moment.

Absolutely the best story i have heard, i am so glad to have watched this video. Thanks to you, and thanks for being such a wonderful human being. I am 67 years old and soon to be 68 my dream is to get one of those monsters and my hopes are my grandson who is 5 years old can follow in my footsteps. Take care and god bless.

Great story. Keep the family tradition going!!

Congratulations!! Enjoyed the story of Mel.

Congratulations on another amazing buck.

Never cried over a hunting video before. God has blessed us with your story - thank you for sharing God's work with us.

Nice work. You are truely blessed.

Thank you for sharing a part of you.

Prolly one of the best documentaries I’ve ever watched ... Congratulations on a world class buck . The story of “Mel” from your perspective just lets everyone see the integrity the passion the kind of person you are. Keep doing what you do and chase the Giants . Thanks again for the footage and the story of Mel and the other videos as well. Hope you and your family have a great thanksgiving and a merry Christmas...

@collinjack8399

3 жыл бұрын

amen to that

This documentary is one of the most inspirational deer hunting documentaries I have ever watched! Great job and congratulations !!

@bobbygetsbanned6049

2 жыл бұрын

It's not even hunting anymore when you see the same deer every year for 4 years. That's like raising cattle.

@rickk4483

6 ай бұрын

Agreed its a nice buck for sure but that's where it stops,public hunting is not even remotely the same, but anyway congrats to have the resources to get yo this point

God Bless you Don! Many can learn by your example.

Great story. I understand what you mean about finding the joy of checking trail cameras and watching the deer come by your stand.

Great job don! Dream buck!

This man is the definition of a sportsman and a hunter

@mdluk199

Жыл бұрын

Shooting an animal for no reason is not a sport

You are amazing Don!!!! Thank you.

Congrats Don ! You truely are the blessed.

Sir,you are doing exactly what i dearly wish that i could do, im 37 and my passion and obsession for whitetail deer hunting is beyond explanation,ive hunted alot of small private properties on people's good graces throughout my life,spent alot of hours in stand without seeing a single deer and feeling so down and out about it,but god gave me patience in the hunting department and the deer always come through after days with no deer in sight,ive been blessed with some nice bucks that i have mounted but largest is 135 inches,nothing like yours but big to me and they are beautiful animals,i look up to you,god bless.

We should all be so lucky to get to a point where "the chase means more than the kill". Such an amazing and inspirational story, thank you from every bowhunter that may never see this.

Wow, this video is deep......thank you.

Wow! What a great story...and well told.

"God's reality is bigger than your dream." An incredible hunt with a perspective and selflessness that is rare....and inspirational! Congratulations on your success, Don, and thank you for sharing this with us!

Just sent a prayer God would bless you for another. Every person I prayed would get a deer has and their biggest one yet. So thankful and more prayers sent

@drewfiglo6834

3 жыл бұрын

I'll take that prayer 🦌✝️🦌

@Alpha-move

3 жыл бұрын

I would not mind a prayer myself friend. I'll send some your way as well. 🙏🦌 name is Matthew, God bless!

@drewfiglo6834

3 жыл бұрын

@@Alpha-move thank you Matthew. I'll look for that big one 😉 I'll be out with my bow this week. -Drew

Great job 👏🏻

This is one of the most powerful hunting documentaries I’ve watched not only entertaining but very knowledgeable

@text-1592

Жыл бұрын

👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon. SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. .

"It's all about the chase, not the kill" Amen SIR

@rickstark85

3 жыл бұрын

Then go hunt next season all season and don't kill anything. Some of these comments are so ridiculous. And people are sheep. They just like it. No, it is not all about the chase. The chase makes the kill that much better, but that comment is nonsense.

@rickstark85

3 жыл бұрын

@@petedogg369 exxxxxactlyyyy

@williamgaines9784

3 жыл бұрын

@@petedogg369 If it's not high fenced, the buck stays because it is preferable to it. A person who buys land and pays his taxes on it should be able to post it. The deer may roam wherever, but people may not. The man created a habitat that attracted and held deer, even if he bought the seed stock of the herd from a high fence farm. Land is always for sale or lease, get you some.

@Rrailroad3

3 жыл бұрын

Rick Stark and pete dogg, your ignorance and jealousy are showing.

@rickstark85

3 жыл бұрын

@@Rrailroad3 alright bro, whatever you say. Typical KZread comment stupidity. Anyone who feels any type of way contrary to the masses is jealous, ignorant, etc. No need to actually found those assertions in any sort of objective reasoning. Just claim that we're ignorant and jealous, because we disagree 🤷‍♂️

Don sure drives home what’s important in this life, awesome stuff!

Bittersweet is the perfect word. Had that feeling watching you place the perfect shot.

Such an inspiring story. Thankyou Don and Mel

@text-1592

Жыл бұрын

👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon. SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. .

Thank you Don and congratulations.

All I can say is WOW, what a great guy! No fist pumping or macho antics, and more importantly giving credit to God,. Thank you for an awesome video and God bless you and your family.

Your stories are as good as the bucks you kill. Almost better. Thx for sharing. Congrats

Unforgettable story , congrats Mr. Don

*In the process of chasing a 220 inch deer*... “I just can’t turn down the opportunity to shoot a coyote.” 😂😂 I feel ya there Don

@jacobschweitzer2954

3 жыл бұрын

What an idiot. Who does that.

@jacobc.1848

3 жыл бұрын

@@jacobschweitzer2954 a true outdoorsman, coyotes are terrible for deer beards, turkeys, quail, pheasants, you name it! Furthest thing from an idiot bud... how many 200” deer you killed?

@jacobc.1848

3 жыл бұрын

Herds**

@jacobschweitzer2954

3 жыл бұрын

@@jacobc.1848 I’m very aware what yotes do to the game we hunt. My point is simply, if I’m hunting a 200” buck, I’m letting a Yote walk to get to him.

@westompkins9942

3 жыл бұрын

@@jacobschweitzer2954 how’s he an idiot? He killed the deer. He hunts the correct way and for the correct reasons. To see Gods Creation. Killing big deer is great, but that’s not the reason to hunt.

Congrats Don!!! You the man!! Humble and kind

Hell of a story! Thanks for sharing it!!

Nice story

This almost had me in tears 23:00 on telling us to chase are dreams and sharing everything with his family great way to get it done!!

You sir are a Good bow hunter, but you are a Great Human Being ! Thank you, Butch from Ashland, Ohio

69 years old and only deer hunted 3 or 4 times in my life. But through the magic of the internet I "hunt" vicariously through others. I've seen the beauty of those, young and old, male and female, that have shared that special time of their dream come true. And I've shed tears with them but no more so than watching you. Thank you for sharing your story and your heart. {yes, I'm shedding tears because I'm connected to people of heart}. Made my heart smile.

Amazing video! Love it love it love it!!!

That's got to be "THE BEST" if not, one of the best hunting videos I've seen . Simply and just beautifully narrated. Sir me thanks you most kindly. Stay forever blessed.

Fantastic documentary, more than a few life lessons included. Thanks for the upload

Mr. Don, Thank you so much for sharing this one of a kind deer but must of all that you for sharing your love for the outdoors.

@text-1592

Жыл бұрын

👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon. SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. ..

What a great buck and a wonderful story, thank you for sharing..

You sir , are the pinnacle of what we strive to be. Congratulations and God bless.

Don, I've been a fan from day one! Never commented on a post or a video. First congratulations on a beautiful deer and the story that came with it. I woke up extra early to watch this. This just wasn't another video it was a side of Don not to many get too see. Thank you! You inspire me every year to not only a better hunter but a better man though God. You keep it real and unlike some of these celebritie hunters you don't care what people think. This industry needs more Don Higgins. Thank you Don and Terry and everyone that has a part in what we get to enjoy.

@collinjack8399

3 жыл бұрын

amen to that if thoes big deer hunters would be more like this not just for tv but in life without being on tv id watch them again. this was truey inspirational video

Great buck Don,and even better story!

An excellently produced video. That was an enormous buck harvested by even a better, enormously charactered man.

Wow.! Mr.Don Words in no way shape or form can express how I feel after watching this! What a fantastic job Steve the way you capture things is completely phenomenal and you have touched more deer hunters with this video than you will ever know! God Bless you Both

What a great example for men and other hunters!! I pray GOD continues to bless you!

Congrats Brother! Honored to be a part of your blessings! May you continue to be blessed in everything you touch!

One of the best videos I've ever seen.

“As hunters, we should be judged more by what we choose not to shoot than by what we do shoot.” Love this quote .

Amazing. It truly is all about the chase. Thank you for taking us along. God bless you.

Brother Higgins, thank you so much for sharing this! I so often say to my friend who is a retired game and fish wildlife biologist with the State of Tennessee, a real hunter is a conservationist. He/she only kill the amount they will eat and catches the only amount he/she will eat. The real hunter never trashes the water ways or the woods, but keeps it clean because-- "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein." (Psalm 24:1) I started hunting when I was 8 and when I went to college and later to the military, I stopped. I started back hunting about 5 years ago. I am 60 years old and I have never killed a deer. LOL Squirrel, rabbit, quail, ducks, but never a deer. This my brother was exciting to watch. God bless you!

One of the best videos I have ever seen

This was the first year in 10 years straight that I did not harvest a whitetail (doe or buck) and I have been pretty bummed about it and lamenting my close calls and misses for a couple weeks now....after watching this I am reminded that it is about "the chase" and not about the kill, and that is why we hunt. That brings me peace and closure on this hunting season and I want to thank you for that as a reminder Don. Congrats on Mel...I will always remember to dream big and be thankful for every opportunity I have ever had to harvest a whitetail by the grace of God. Subscribing now for more wholesome future content.

@cecilarnold6843

3 жыл бұрын

Stay strong brother you'll get ya a biggin im praying for you 🙏

@collinjack8399

3 жыл бұрын

hey man ive been there and im there this year 1 remeber you cant eat antlers as much as we all love to kill a big buck when it comes to putting meat in the freezer gotta do what you gotta do. and 2 youll get your biggen were all in it for the chace and that one day when it all comes together youll appreat it so much because youve seen and passed up deer. just remember if you dont feel comfterable or dont think that deer needs to be harvested dont shoot it and i commend any hunter that is able to do that. im 18 ive shot my fair share of small deer now i just enjoy learning from them and waiting for the moment i am able to get my big buck. good luck this season and to everyone else reading this!!

You have done what most hunters can’t do. Being patient enough to allow growth. Hats off to you and God bless! I appreciate your story. Total respect to anyone whom can pass on a buck to allow growth of that nature. Just awesome.

Congratulations on a nice ole buck

This is why heaven is going to be heaven...it will be filled with brothers like Mr.Higgins. I am very blessed after watching this.

Congratulations Don, this is one of the best videos telling the story of a buck that I’ve ever seen

Awesome story brought tears to my eyes...Praise God .

Excellent presentation. Not every day you hear a story like that.

@text-1592

Жыл бұрын

👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon. SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. ..

Bar none one of the best if not the best deer videos I have ever watched! God Bless Don! Well done.

The image of you sitting in the back of the truck looking at Mel was really powerful. Almost as if you were saying goodbye to a good friend.

All I can say is wow. True inspiration

I keep passing deer, 3-year-olds, year after year, with the hope that someday I will get rewarded. Thanks for your inspiration

Awesome video, amazing buck, but a better TESTIMONY!! God has Blessed you. Proud of your testimony and your prayers for thanks.

@text-1592

Жыл бұрын

👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon. SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. .

Wow and Amen! Congratulations! We are all blessed to have been part of this through this amazing footage and narration. Truly speaks of God's amazing wonders and how HIS blessing for us is always MORE than what ours may be. HE always give you more than enough.

This video was a Blessing. Good encouragement at the perfect time. I recently turned 60 this past Summer and then lost my Mother on October 30th. My Mother always encouraged my hunting drive, all the while knowing I’ve had very minimal success hunting public land. I broke the bank this year and scheduled a bull elk hunt in Colorado for mid-Nov. I was uncertain if I’d be going, due to my Mother’s condition, but I put it out of my mind and focused on her. As I said, she passed away on October 30th and on the 1st day of my hunt, I hunted my tail off and was able to fill my bull tag with a nice enough 5x5. The entire day, I had that feeling you get when you know God’s with you extra close by that day. It was the toughest physical one day hunt I have ever had, to follow up the 363 yard shot, find it and get back to camp. But it was all worth it. I’ve been hunting elk 30 years, bought at least 20 tags, some rifle and mostly archery on public land and never filled one. I’ve gutted and carried many for my buddies. Don’t give up your dream and dream big and trust God, not yourself, like he says.

Beautiful Hunt and Great Story

i am a bowhunter from maui hawaii, i started bowhunting later in my life, your story is really what its about,the experience of being in the woods and enjoying this god given resource, aloha from maui

Thank you for sharing your story of that fantastic buck Mel. I understand that bitter sweet part of when after the shot the game is over. Its the thrill of the hunt, not the kill and the time outdoors that i love. I hunt on some property up here in Michigan's Thumb that i finally purchased at 66 years old. I have been hunting that land for over 40 some years. Lots of hunting pressure around me. Still hope to someday have a shot at something big. Time will tell. Thanks again for your awesome story of Mel.🦌

What a great story and video

Awesome video and story Don!

" As hunters , we should be judged by what we choose not to shoot , than what we do shoot...... What an awesome ethos to set for ones self. I ve never heard that before but I can bet you I won t be forgetting it. Well said my friend.

I appreciate you sharing the story and even more so sharing your faith. I was one that had a couple more critical opinions of your company a couple years ago but as I've listened to your podcast and got a better idea of who you are as a person I gladly eat crow and apologize for jumping to conclusions like so many of us do in the world of social media. You clearly are a man of integrity and have made an eternal impact on many lives. Keep being bold in your faith and sharing the good news we have in Christ Jesus. Take care brother.

@realworldwildlifeproducts5512

3 жыл бұрын

This comment means more than you know. Thank you. ~ Terry

@chasinggiantswithhigginsou6147

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for watching the video and giving me a second chance just as Christ did.

Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing it and your faith. Much respect to you Sir. God bless

God bless you love your story . Roy

Amen very well said

Congrats Don on another great buck! Wow!

Don, thanks for sharing that hint of a lifetime & being so candid throughout. Glad to know there are still good God fearing folks around!

Congrats. Touching story after reading about the covid situation. I missed first week archery due to covid. 2 nd week was dry .and went back to a tiny tiny gameland again and had 6 deer in distance missing a true giant that ended up shot 15 min later above me. Dream big yes is always a goal and it's been 21 yrs awaiting something worthy to wrap up a true goal as a last in the fam tradition.theres no child to pass it down to do dream big has always been a positive outlook. You only get out of life what you pray and work towards.def a great story on this beautiful buck. I just pray covid does not hinder others for setting goals and dreams.stay blessed as this archery hunting has been a 33 yr passion even on the typical dead days lol.keep dreaming n live big!

This is a great video ! It reminds me of one buck we saw almost every year on our dairy farm in upper central Wisconsin, Pops called him “ pistachio “ I asked why he called him that a pops answered because he drives me nuts every time I see um . He was what we called a swamp buck , and didn’t look like any white tail around , his rack grew more from the back of his head coming up over the front and was taller than wider, and his coloration was very dark almost black and was bigger than a regular deer , he was always out on our back 40 and we could see um from the house but there was no way you could ever get close , after about 7-8 years we didn’t se um anymore , he was the mystery buck that we always talked about , A legend ,

All I ever wanted in a hunting video. Love the story of the deer more then anything. Please keep these videos coming. They are absolutely the best. Congrats Don!!!

Wow! What a story. Wonderful job retelling the story of Mel and the journey it took to get to where you are today. Don, you are a great role model for all!

Ethical and disciplined. Very impressed. I'm a very beginner hunter at the age of 52. Haven't had any success in my few years hunting.

Thank you for your story. It was truly what Deer hunting is about . This year was our best on my place we took 4 nice Buck