Habitat & Food Plots — Listener Q&A

Questions 321–413 of 556 in this category (page 4 of 5). ← previous · All listener questions · next →

Supplemental Nutrition

Question: Danny Sanders asked if perfect habitat alone could match a buck fed high-quality supplemental feed, expecting 10-15 inches more antler growth by year five. 38:38 — asked by Danny Sanders — #330 - Can Supplemental Feeding Add 15”+ to a Buck? Don Higgins Answers

Question: Carl Compton from Findlay, Illinois asks whether hairy vetch seeds, known to poison cats, dogs, and horses, are also dangerous to deer. 50:37 — asked by Carl Compton — #329 | Why Don Higgins Gets More Excited About July Than Opening Day

Question: Eli Doyle from Lewistown, Illinois asks whether Don has tested the nutrient content of Nutri-Crave Corn as roughage or silage, not just the kernel. 54:34 — asked by Eli Doyle — #329 | Why Don Higgins Gets More Excited About July Than Opening Day

Question: Terry asked Don to explain how deer, as browsing animals, decide what to eat coming out of winter. 34:37 — The Biggest Mistake Food Plotters Make in June | Chasing Giants #328

Question: Dalton asked whether Don would place a feeder in his food plot for supplemental feeding, and how he’d approach feeding deer if Illinois permitted it. 38:03 — asked by Dalton Amburn — Why Mature Bucks Go Nocturnal | Chasing Giants Podcast 326

Question: What time of the year do deer start to eat or need mineral? 38:51 — Doubting Thomas, Dealer Event & BIG Scrape Magnet News | Chasing Giants Podcast 314

Question: Terry asks how giving deer more calorie-dense, higher-fat and protein food impacts them if they eat the same volume. 27:53 — asked by Terry — Chasing Giants LIVE at the Midwest Sportsmen’s Classic | Shipshewana, IN | Presented by FAE

Question: Elmer Herzler asks why someone dumping corn and mashed potatoes near his posted signs might be doing it and what to do about it. 53:39 — asked by Elmer Herzler — Chasing Giants LIVE at the Midwest Sportsmen’s Classic | Shipshewana, IN | Presented by FAE

Question: Terry asked Don to explain why deer eat the tender nipped-off tips of woody browse this time of year. 8:30 — Snow, Sheds & Sorghum: Late-Season Deer Survival | Chasing Giants #311

Question: Terry asks whether drought-related nutrient deficiency during antler hardening could make antlers more brittle, similar to low calcium weakening human bones. 20:40 — Most Hunters Get This Wrong | The Hard Truth About Killing Mature Bucks | Chasing Giants #307

Question: Terry asked whether hunters need to watch their deer’s food situation more closely given how early this cold winter arrived. 21:29 — When Managing Deer Means Saying NO to Giants | Chasing Giants Podcast #304

Question: Listener Montana Moritz asked about winter supplemental feeding regimens and whether feeding could do more harm than good. 44:31 — asked by Montana Moritz — When Managing Deer Means Saying NO to Giants | Chasing Giants Podcast #304

Question: Terry asked what nutrients the deer herd needs in late season — fat, protein, starches, or carbs — beyond just shelled or ear corn. 27:07 — Late Season Starts NOW — Cold Fronts, Bucks on Food, and Thanksgiving Reflections | Episode #301

Question: An anonymous Pennsylvania listener asked whether NutriCrave corn’s high oil content is safe as cattle feed, and how its yield compares to standard ag corn. 50:08 — Late Season Starts NOW — Cold Fronts, Bucks on Food, and Thanksgiving Reflections | Episode #301

Question: A listener asked whether he could plant something instead of using minerals at his food plot mineral sites. 33:44 — EP #286 - Preparing for Hunting Season: Plots, Cameras & CWD Truth

Question: If deer can sense what minerals or vitamins they’re lacking, why isn’t feed separated by nutrient instead of combined? 29:25 — #279 - Live Hot Seat! Don Higgins Faces Tough Questions from Dealers | 2025 RWWP Summit

Question: Terry asks what type of corn testing they’re pursuing against NutriCrave — green leaf, dried-down grain, or both. 17:55 — Episode #273 - Clover Maintenance and Spring Planting

Question: What role does mineral play for antler-growing bucks, fawning/nursing does, and newborn fawns, and what does each need nutritionally? 28:31 — asked by Terry — Episode #270 - Deer Nutrition with Dr. Aaron Gaines

Question: Wade Jackson asked whether Don uses Maximizer minerals, which he mentioned in a recent podcast, on his own cattle. 36:07 — asked by Wade Jackson — Episode #268 - Thermal Drone Tells the Truth on Don’s Farm

Question: Mylon Yoder asked whether a mineral claiming to make nighttime bucks feed in daylight is real or just a marketing scheme. 47:10 — asked by Mylon Yoder — Episode #264 - Big Rope Scrapes and Big Bucks!

Question: Should someone till, broadcast beans, then plant Nutri-Crave corn over the same ground, or stick with corn alone? 35:50 — Episode #262 - The Controlled Burn on Switchgrass GONE BAD!

Question: Is it a misconception that mature bucks won’t eat from feeders, and does it improve the longer feed is out? 53:30 — Episode #258 - Live Podcast from Mt. Hope Ohio

Question: As an Ohio resident, what would your wish list be for supplemental feeding and baiting regulations? 57:08 — Episode #258 - Live Podcast from Mt. Hope Ohio

Question: Travis from Harrington, Kansas asks whether to cut back on high-protein feed in late March or early April so fawns aren’t too large for does at birth. 54:29 — asked by Travis — Episode #257 - Too Early to Shed Hunt - Show some compassion!

Question: Levi Ochsner from Sarinville, Nebraska asks whether mature Whitetail bucks in bait states prefer corn on the ground or don’t mind eating from feeders. 71:51 — asked by Levi Ochsner — Episode #257 - Too Early to Shed Hunt - Show some compassion!

Question: Terry asks whether scarce food availability in a hard winter delays when doe fawns reach breeding weight. 9:08 — Episode #245 - Halloween Hunting Should Be Great! Weather and Hunting Forecast from Don Higgins

Question: An anonymous listener asked what Don would do about baiting and supplemental feeding regulations in Ohio if he oversaw the ODNR. 50:43 — Episode #242 - Stop Hunting October Mornings

Question: Matt Markway asks what to use for herd vitamins in Illinois since mineral can’t be put out there. 44:33 — asked by Matt Markway — Episode #240 - If Don Was DNR, How He Would Make Illinois Better Than Iowa

Question: Emery Miller asked why his deer ignore the Maximizer mineral and always choose Trophy Rock when offered side by side. 39:11 — asked by Emery Miller — Episode #231 - Timing is Key: When to Plant Fall Plots

Question: Ryan asks which style of deer feeder Don prefers in states that allow feeding: gravity or automatic. 33:17 — asked by Ryan Richardson — Episode #229 - Final Thoughts on the Buck Named Babe and Cameras are Out!

Question: Should NutriCrave corn be planted in the same field as regular ag corn? 42:01 — asked by Mylan King — Episode 225 - Big Antlers this Spring Mean Big Decisions this Fall!

Question: Jason Burner asks whether maternal does will aggressively drive young bucks away from mineral sites and sanctuaries as fawns begin dropping. 37:34 — asked by Jason Burner — Episode 224 - Saving Fawns and Farming for Nutrients: Insights from Don Higgins

Question: Nathan asks whether NutriCrave corn being harder to hand-shell explains why deer ate it slower than regular Pioneer corn. 46:05 — Episode #217 - Now Don wants to go fishing!

Question: Nathan Beiler asks how much supplemental feed and minerals would help deer on Don’s farm given his strong food plot program. 48:11 — asked by Nathan Beiler — Episode #215 - Could 2024 be a fantastic antler growing season?

Question: Eli Doyle asks Don’s opinion on using NutriCrave Corn as silage corn for feeder cattle. 53:04 — asked by Eli Doyle — Episode #210 - What to do with Bush Honeysuckle

Question: Rick Maga asked what cost-effective supplemental feed options exist besides plain corn. 44:23 — asked by Rick Maga — Episode #207 - Was Don a Hippie?

Question: If using the Nutri-Crave Corn deer block, is it necessary to also put out Maximizer Mineral, and when should mineral go out? 64:20 — Ep# 205 - Don shares trail camera pictures from 2023

Question: Jordan Jacobs asked whether, living in a bait state, he’s doing more harm than good by choosing not to bait deer. 82:48 — asked by Jordan Jacobs — Episode #201 - New Year, New Tools, New Websites

Question: Hunter O’Leary asked whether, given his shorter growing season, he’d be better off planting regionally-suited field corn than NutriCrave, which needs more days to mature. 32:41 — asked by Hunter O’Leary — Episode 198 - Buck Traveling Long Distances After The Rut

Question: Why did Real World undersell NutriCrave corn’s actual yield potential? 52:45 — Episode #191 - Babe Out In Daylight - Giant Corn Yields for Food Plotters

Question: Can you explain what makes NutriCrave both a hybrid and non-GMO? 56:09 — Episode #191 - Babe Out In Daylight - Giant Corn Yields for Food Plotters

Question: Terry asked Don for an update on the status of NutriCrave deer corn, which he had posted about earlier that day. 69:19 — asked by Terry — Episode #188 - Apple Trees for Whitetails

Question: Joseph Miller from Hopkinton, Iowa asked why his horses eat Maximizer Plus deer mineral he’d set out for deer, and whether it’s safe for horses. 49:10 — asked by Joseph Miller — Episode #176 - Don’s Advice for Battery High Prices

Question: Grady Hostetailer from Sugar Creek, Ohio asks whether Don and Terry recommend supplemental feeding deer this time of year and what benefits it provides. 27:08 — asked by Grady Hostetailer — Episode 175 - June Food Plot Update

Question: Mark asked whether he should keep deer mineral separate from his corn-based feed mix so deer can choose between a protein-rich feed and a mineral site as needed. 44:42 — asked by Mark — Episode 173 - Can you find joy in killing GIANT Bucks?

Question: Travis Pennington from Archbold, Ohio asked whether Don had insight into a mineral seller’s claim that organic dewormer in their mineral produces a huge increase in antler growth. 71:19 — asked by Travis Pennington — Episode 173 - Can you find joy in killing GIANT Bucks?

Question: John asks whether milo is viewed as a lesser-preferred deer crop compared to modern corn and beans, given the shift away from it. 41:12 — Episode #165 - Farmers Planting Early Creates New Opportunities - EARLY SPRING

Question: Kevin Boyer asked whether feeding deer before fawns drop causes does to have fawns near feeders, drawing coyotes to hunt fawns close by. 26:46 — asked by Kevin Boyer — Episode #163 - The Hype of Chestnut Trees…

Question: What percentage breakdown of browse versus forbs makes up a whitetail’s diet? 34:53 — Episode #160 - Live with Dr. Bronson Strickland at Whitetail Master Class

Question: Cody Wolka asks why Real World Wildlife Products sells two mineral options if one is clearly the better choice. 52:37 — asked by Cody Wolka — Episode #158 - Is Hunting Contests Hurting the Hunting Industry?

Question: Is there a company that analyzes the exact mineral makeup of deer antlers to determine what’s lacking and formulate a targeted mineral product? 39:51 — asked by Mike Eggros — Episode #157 Frost Seeding Clover - Soil Builder - Switchgrass

Question: Would the new nutrient-dense corn work as a standalone year-round nutrition program, or should it be mixed with Maximizer feed, and will it be added to Maximizer Plus? 45:52 — asked by Alex Graham — Episode #157 Frost Seeding Clover - Soil Builder - Switchgrass

Question: An audience member asked whether NutriCrave corn outperforms beans as a food source. 38:14 — Chasing Giants #155 - Hilarious Episode Live from Middlefield, OH

Question: An anonymous listener from Guthrie, Kentucky asks if someone else is really selling the same Nutri-Crave Corn cheaper through the same distributor, or if it’s a sales gimmick. 40:34 — Episode #154 - Dogs Running Loose on Don’s Farm. HE IS NOT HAPPY!

Question: Jay Boot from Pella, Iowa asks how to manage a three-acre plot of NutriCrave corn for late-season hunting, and whether to mow or leave it standing. 41:35 — asked by Jay Boot from Pella, Iowa — Episode #152 - Are Trade Shows Dying?

Question: Brady from Little Rock, Arkansas asks if Real World sells harvested NutriCrave corn in 50-pound bags as an alternative to baiting. 50:19 — asked by Brady from Little Rock, Arkansas — Episode #152 - Are Trade Shows Dying?

Question: Zach Anderson asked whether corn or soybeans lasts longer as winter food under equal browse pressure and plot size. 53:15 — asked by Zach Anderson — Episode #151 - Winter Scouting Tips

Question: Justin Ray, new to Kentucky hunting, asks whether it’s better to pour supplemental feed on the ground or use a feeder, and what type. 48:26 — asked by Justin Ray — Episode #148 - Are Bucks Shedding Antlers Early This Year?

Question: Jim asked whether feeding deer new food once natural food is gone, especially late in the season, could cause them to starve with a full stomach. 51:32 — asked by Jim Bonito — Episode #147 - Winter Buck Inventory… More Important than Summer?

Question: Joe from Hockley, Texas asked Don to expand on wanting supplemental feed legalized and whether legalized baiting would benefit deer nutrition. 46:15 — asked by Joe — Episode #140 - Fall Drought - What does that mean for deer hunters?

Question: Aiden asks whether supplemental feeding or a food plot program does more to enhance antler growth. 88:24 — asked by Aiden — Episode #133 - Special Guest Mark Luster - Buck Forecast Part 2

Question: Brad Hemmire asks whether Don strategically plants NutriCrave corn around certain stands to funnel deer along the edges. 65:50 — asked by Brad Hemmire — Episode #132 - 2022 Buck Forecast Part 1

Question: Should mineral be placed in high-traffic deer areas away from where you hunt, even if that means frequent woods intrusion? 67:29 — asked by Derek — Episode #131 - Don forms his own Dream Team

Question: An anonymous Amish listener asked if a diverse food plot system can provide equal nutrition to supplemental feeding. 40:52 — Episode #128 - Watching Summer Velvet Giants!

Question: Marvin Beachy asked for a feed with corn’s drawing power that is healthier for deer and affordable. 61:16 — asked by Marvin Beachy — Episode #128 - Watching Summer Velvet Giants!

Question: Alan Miller asked whether a deer fed mineral-mixed supplemental feed keeps eating it after meeting its mineral needs, or stops once it’s satisfied. 49:26 — asked by Alan Miller — Episode #127 When to Plant Fall Food Plots?

Question: Dustin asks whether to use a feeder instead of dumping bait on the ground, if feeders spook mature bucks, and whether to add mineral to supplemental feeding. 14:08 — asked by Dustin — Episode #123 - How much does Don spend on batteries for trail cameras?

Question: Don asks whether Terry is growing NutriCrave corn to put in his feeders. 17:58 — Episode #123 - How much does Don spend on batteries for trail cameras?

Question: Cody Walker asks whether GMOs, herbicides, and insecticides could cause deer mutations, sterility, abortion, or abnormal antler and body size. 29:32 — asked by Cody Walker — Episode #119 - Memorial Day Tribute and Aging Bucks on Trail Cam Pics

Question: Jeremy Slooter asks whether Don would supplementally feed and use mineral year-round in Illinois, what feeder types he’d use, and how he’d situate feeders relative to stands. 66:38 — asked by Jeremy Slooter — Episode #113 Prepare Now… Results Come Later!!!!

Question: Referencing Bronson Strickland’s claim that nutrition unlocks genetic potential, an audience member asked Lee Mitchell if he sees the same link in Texas and locally. 55:48 — Episode #110 - Double Episode live from Master Class - Al Foster gives great advise

Question: Alan asks the best way to get corn-pile baiting banned in a state, since he’d like to eliminate it. 74:49 — asked by Alan — Episode #108 - Mind Blowing Deer Management with Dr. Bronson Strickland

Question: Brandon jokingly asks if there’s a mineral to control COVID in the deer herd and whether the hosts recommend him the vaccine. 35:23 — asked by Brandon — EPISODE #107 - Don Knows How To Fire Up Southern Folks!

Question: Can a healthy deer herd get all needed minerals and nutrients from a bag alone, without a food plot program? 95:06 — Episode #95 - Live from Guthrie, KY

Question: Alex Graham from Troy, Ohio asks what kind of deer feeder is best, gravity or spin type, and what size to use. 41:38 — asked by Alex Graham — Episode #94 - Late Season is Here! Change Your Approach

Question: Eric Wolf asked whether he should remove all older does as soon as possible to ensure buck fawns get maximum nutritional benefit before birth. 54:45 — Episode #92 - Don in Facebook Jail?

Question: Daniel Morell asks Don to explain the difference between supplemental feeding and food plots, given states are banning feeding over CWD concerns. 58:32 — asked by Daniel Morell — Episode #90 - November 7th - WHERE IS THE RUT

Question: Tyler from Robinson, Illinois asks how widely deer attractant and mineral products are actually used in Illinois despite a ban on supplemental feeding. 54:12 — asked by Tyler — Episode #88 - Hunting MATURE Bucks on October Mornings?

Question: Nate Brummer, running a 700-acre dairy farm, asked whether local bucks get adequate nutrition or if he should plant Real World soybeans. 54:09 — asked by Nate Brummer — Episode #65 Spring Plot Herbicide Discussion and Fawns dropping

Question: Josh from West Virginia asked how much nutrition young versus old does keep for themselves versus give to a growing fetus. 62:20 — asked by Josh — Episode #58 - Burning Native Grass Tips and Great Questions from 3rd Master Class

Question: What are the pros and cons of using rice bran and cotton hulls as deer feed, and how does it affect deer health? 45:08 — asked by Jody Hooks — Episode #53 - Iowa Deer Classic, Deer Foundering, Cull Bucks, and Don gets fired up about politics at the end

Question: Dylan Smith asks whether feeding only corn from January to green-up harms the herd, and whether earlage, silage, or dried distillers grain would be better. 37:35 — asked by Dylan Smith — Episode 51 - Serving the Hunting Community instead of using the Hunting Industry

Question: A seminar attendee asked Don what regulation change Ohio could make to improve its deer hunting. 20:22 — Episode #47 - Hunting Ethics, Annual Cycle Of Whitetail, Should we leave Social Media?

Question: Listener Brian Prior asked Don’s opinion on supplemental feeding, whether he practices it, and his recommended feed type and duration. 49:07 — asked by Brian Prior — Episode #47 - Hunting Ethics, Annual Cycle Of Whitetail, Should we leave Social Media?

Question: What effect does the new higher-protein NutriCrave corn have on deer herd health compared to soybeans? 52:29 — Episode #46 Dual Bolt Crossbow Opinions and New Products from Real World

Question: Paul asks how much Don learned from his herd of pinned deer that translated into his hunting success. 37:22 — asked by Paul Cerrita — Episode #41 - Don and Terry start a new December Series called “Make A Good Spot Great!”

Question: Don asks Bronson to explain the Mississippi State study on pregnant does and what it revealed about prenatal nutrition’s importance for fawns. 8:10 — asked by Don — Episode #31 - Special Guest Dr. Bronson Strickland - Fetal Programming, Deer Dispersal, Minerals, and CWD

Question: Don asks whether it’s accurate that worse soil conditions mean a good mineral supplementation program can have more impact on deer. 40:26 — asked by Don — Episode #31 - Special Guest Dr. Bronson Strickland - Fetal Programming, Deer Dispersal, Minerals, and CWD

Question: Joel Miles asked whether supplemental feeding and mineral use mainly benefit neighboring properties, since young bucks disperse away from their birth farm. 20:17 — asked by Joel Miles — Episode #15 - Passion vs. Discipline

Question: Since bucks can lose up to 50 pounds during the rut, does helping them recover weight then benefit later fawn production and antler growth? 9:35 — Episode #14 - Don and Terry talk deer during the superbowl…

Question: Is there a nutritional tie between feed/mineral intake and fawn production, and does timing matter for when that benefit occurs? 14:09 — Episode #14 - Don and Terry talk deer during the superbowl…

Question: Beyond just feeding corn, what should hunters look for in a supplemental feed program? 24:35 — Episode #14 - Don and Terry talk deer during the superbowl…

Question: Terry asked whether a deer searching for food in the corn-versus-soybeans debate is seeking carbs, protein, or simply anything to fill its belly. 4:00 — asked by Terry — Episode #11 - Merry Christmas and Late Season Insights

Unofficial fan project. AI-synthesized from public episodes; may contain errors.