Doubting Thomas: Don Higgins’ New 203” Giant — Complete Hunt Story Revealed - Episode 299

What this episode covers

Chasing Giants Podcast Episode 299 In this special episode, Don Higgins shares the complete behind-the-scenes story of his fourth 200-inch whitetail, a giant buck now known as “Doubting Thomas.” From the emotional solo moments beside the fallen deer, to the unbelievable footage, history, and encounters leading up to the shot—this is the first and only place Don tells the story in full detail. Terry and Don walk through: The chaos of text messages, calls, and social media after the buck went public Why Don passed this deer twice in bow range How the buck earned the name “Doubting Thomas” His unique antler characteristics, sheds, summer growth, and final score Why this buck was kept quiet from the public Why the hunt video will premiere LIVE at the 2026 Midwest Sportsman’s Classic Plans for the full multi-year documentary on this deer Listener questions about lockdown, doe lactation, and rut behavior A message of faith that ties Don’s experience to a bigger purpose Plus: • Details about the upcoming King David Thanksgiving video • The new Chasing Assurance series on Biblical teachings about divorce • Wes Delks’ new hunt “U-Haul” on Chasing Giants TV • Sunday night prayer from Tate Hale Stick around for the prayer session at the end of the episode. 📌 Timestamp Chapter Guide (You can paste this directly into the YouTube chapters box.) 00:00 – Intro 01:25 – Don reacts to shooting his fourth 200” buck 05:00 – The social media explosion 07:50 – Why Terry kept quiet about the buck 10:00 – Don walks through the morning of the hunt 18:00 – Alone time with the buck and prayer 22:00 – Dragging, photos, scoring, taxidermist 27:30 – Rack breakdown & antler characteristics 33:00 – Three years of history + shed antlers 37:00 – Why Don wasn’t going to shoot him at first 43:00 – Two encounters where Don passed the buck 47:00 – Why the name “Doubting Thomas” 53:00 – Why the buck was kept private 57:00 – Video premiere announcement (Shipshewana) 1:02:00 – Plans for full documentary 1:07:00 – Faith message tied to the hunt 1:12:00 – Chasing Assurance divorce series announcement 1:15:00 – Chasing Giants TV update (U-Haul, King David, Christmas video) 1:20:00 – Higgins Hot Seat question 1:25:00 – Listener Question #1 – Lockdown explained 1:31:00 – Listener Question #2 – Doe lactation & estrus 1:37:00 – Listener Question #3 – “Meeting Place” on a property 1:43:00 – Reminder about submitting questions 1:45:00 – Closing thoughts & faith message 1:48:00 – Sunday Night Prayer with Tate Hale