220 inch whitetail buck shot at 7 yards!
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- Опубликовано: 21 сен 2024
- This amazing story chronicles the life of a giant whitetail deer Don named "Mel" after Mel Johnson's world record typical whitetail deer. However, this deer becomes more than just a trophy. Follow along as Don Higgins makes choices that very few, if any, deer hunters would make. Not only is the story amazing, but it becomes a time of reflection for Don as well. Years of preparation turns to success but not without choices. This story will really give the viewers a glimpse into the man that is Don Higgins.
Enjoy.
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“As hunters, we should be judged more by what we choose not to shoot than by what we do shoot.” Great quote. 7:43
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....
@@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.
@@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
@@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.
@@jazzdude904 yeah
I’d say after two or three deer you should be chasing at least 6-8 points
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.
“Dream big, because Gods reality is bigger than your dreams” - great words
Just shared this video with my 14 year old son. I wanted him to hear those words .
@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❤️
@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
@NavDocRet psst...covid is a hoax...
Words to live by
Never cried over a hunting video before. God has blessed us with your story - thank you for sharing God's work with us.
This video is so much more than hunting. Absolutely incredible.
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
This *is* what hunting's all about for me
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
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
There is no crying in deer hunting you baby. Lol!
@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
Absolutely
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!
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.
This man is the definition of a sportsman and a hunter
Shooting an animal for no reason is not a sport
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
I'll take that prayer 🦌✝️🦌
I would not mind a prayer myself friend. I'll send some your way as well. 🙏🦌 name is Matthew, God bless!
@@Alpha-move thank you Matthew. I'll look for that big one 😉 I'll be out with my bow this week.
-Drew
This documentary is one of the most inspirational deer hunting documentaries I have ever watched! Great job and congratulations !!
It's not even hunting anymore when you see the same deer every year for 4 years. That's like raising cattle.
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
*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
What an idiot. Who does that.
@@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?
Herds**
@@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.
@@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.
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.
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.
This comment means more than you know. Thank you. ~ Terry
Thank you for watching the video and giving me a second chance just as Christ did.
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.
"It's all about the chase, not the kill"
Amen SIR
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.
@@petedogg369 exxxxxactlyyyy
@@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.
Rick Stark and pete dogg, your ignorance and jealousy are showing.
@@Rrailroad3 alright bro, whatever you say. Typical RUclips 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 🤷♂️
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.
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!!
Hands down, the GREATEST whitetail hunting video I've ever seen! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing experience with us!
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
"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!
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.
Stay strong brother you'll get ya a biggin im praying for you 🙏
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!!
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.
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.
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
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
Congrats Don! Couldn’t happen to a better guy and a better team.
Extremely inspirational- God has got it! The best is yet to come!
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 ,
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!
Thank you sir for the great video and sharing all of your feelings and information
You sir , are the pinnacle of what we strive to be. Congratulations and God bless.
Don, thanks for sharing that hint of a lifetime & being so candid throughout. Glad to know there are still good God fearing folks around!
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.
what a stud of a whitetail that is a dream whitetail. Your story is awesome.And love the quote.
What a great story. Thanks for sharing part of your life with us Don. Congratulations
Congrats Brother! Honored to be a part of your blessings! May you continue to be blessed in everything you touch!
What a great example for men and other hunters!!
I pray GOD continues to bless you!
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 Don, this is one of the best videos telling the story of a buck that I’ve ever seen
Thank you so much for this video...I have a 14 pointer for 2 years on my land and if I get him will cry...nobody understands how much a hunter loves mature deer and the respect.
Inspired stories is what I love about your success. The humbleness, thankfulness to God, and your patience makes you one of a kind. Congrats on Mel and the start of a new chapter.
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.
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!!!
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.🦌
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.
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.
You sir are a Good bow hunter, but you are a Great Human Being !
Thank you, Butch from Ashland, Ohio
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.
👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon.
SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. ..
Amazing. It truly is all about the chase. Thank you for taking us along. God bless you.
This is one of the most powerful hunting documentaries I’ve watched not only entertaining but very knowledgeable
👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon.
SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. .
“As hunters, we should be judged more by what we choose not to shoot than by what we do shoot.” Love this quote .
Thank you for sharing a part of you.
That’s the best whitetail story I’ve ever watched and heard
Congratulations sir absolutely beautiful
Thank you for sharing
God bless you ❤️🙏
That’s an incredible story. I’ve never had the opportunity to take or even see a Buck of the size, but this past hunting season here in Nova Scotia Canada I was able to harvest a nice 8 point buck. I had hoped my son could be there with me this particular evening, but he wasn’t able to join me at our hunting camp until after the hunt. Long story short, I took the buck, and like you watched him run just out of sight and could hear him expire. I left my stand without going to find him and headed back to camp to wait for my son to arrive. Then we went together about four hours later. With flash lights in hand, I let him walk up and find the deer. It was special, but really wish he could’ve been there with me when I took the shot.
Cheers.
Fascinating story. Thanks for sharing it and your faith. Much respect to you Sir. God bless
One of the most honest and heart felt stores of the real hunt.The LOVE for the animal. That's for sharing this great story..
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...
amen to that
Great story. I understand what you mean about finding the joy of checking trail cameras and watching the deer come by your stand.
What a great guy and ethical hunter. All sportsman should take a word out of this mans book.
OMG 18:;45 dream hunt and absolute perfect video and priceless look on Mel's face. Thank God and Don.
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!
Awesome story brought tears to my eyes...Praise God .
Such an inspiring story. Thankyou Don and Mel
👆👆Thanks for the feedback Expect more videos soon.
SEND A DIRECT MASSAGE I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU 🎁. .
Congrats Don!!! You the man!! Humble and kind
Deer hunting was my passion too. Waiting for the right buck to come along is a rewarding experience. My time has come and gone with a good friend having fallen out of a tree stand and having lived to tell the story. I was thankfully hunting with him that day and was the one who found him. He also suffers from MS and is now in a Veterans home. I too have had both knees replaced and having back trouble. I love watching videos like yours because it shows the ethics and respect we hunters have for our wildlife. To wait to the proper time to take Mel shows the incredible dedication you have for the sport. It made me wish I could have been with you that day to have seen the surprise and wonder in your grandson's eyes when they found Mel. You are truly blessed. Have a wonderful hunting season this year!
Congratulations Don! I'm headed out to a property I just purchased earlier in the month for the 1st time. It has tremendous potential. I hope to build a legacy there much as you have on your ground.
God Bless you Don! Many can learn by your example.
Great video and an absolute INCREDIBLE whitetail! Congratulations Don. Holding true to one’s beliefs will allow one to achieve their most desired goals!
Congratulations!! Enjoyed the story of Mel.
Literally shed a tear when he looked to the heavens and closed his eyes, as if to tell you he's ready and at peace. 😭
He was checking to see if the doe was ready to breed. Had nothing to do with being at peace. Animals are not human and therefore can't reason like that. Get a grip and blow your nose!!
@@mervjb809 your correct but damn could be a lil nicer with it to start lmao
This man is one of a kind !! I’ve watched this 4 times in a row and loved it every time .
The work this man puts in shows everyone what passion looks like. Very humbled after watching this.
Like I have always said, deer hunting is great getting a buck is iceing on the cake. A classy guy, to wait and share the deer with friends and family, very cool.
Congratulations on another amazing buck.
What a well made video! Congrats on getting Mel and turning that property into a big buck paradise!
I shot a 168” typical 10 when I was only 17 years old. Pure luck. It was the biggest deer shot in the county that year. Many people told me I was ruined but I never agreed with them. Now 26 years later, at age 43, I am happy to say they couldn’t have been more wrong.
We don’t have 200” deer but we do have very nice 140” to 170” deer. I’m most proud of harvesting the exact buck I was after six years in a row, from 2011 to 2016. I’m certain I will never have a streak like that again. In fact, I haven’t harvested any bucks since.
Two thumbs up for your patience and restraint. However, I have to admit seeing your grandson riding on the skid steer made me nervous and I was disappointed the only one being gentle with Mel’s rack was the lady. 😄
Absolutely amazing production. I’ve never seen a deer hunting story told better. Thank you.
Thank you Mel! And thank you sir for sharing this memory of a lifetime!
This is honestly one of the greatest videos i have ever seen. So inspirational and what an amazing story. God Bless!!!!!
I keep passing deer, 3-year-olds, year after year, with the hope that someday I will get rewarded. Thanks for your inspiration
Loved your story and the family aspect. Glad you recovered from Covid. I had it in the summer and am still chasing my dream yet.
" 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.
Congrats Don, this is easily the best hunting video i have ever watched. What an incredible story.
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.
You are a true professional don and a hero of mine because of your integrity God bless!!!
Incredible. All I can say. Thank you for this video.
Complete respect for this guy and congrats on the deer
Incredible story and incredible buck! I remember as a young hunter harvesting every deer i could. With over 30 years of deer hunting now i find the piece in watching the deer pass by my stand unharmed to live another day. My time spent in the deer woods these days are to reflect on life family and all the blessings God has given me!!
Congratulations Don!! All I seem to hear are the negative stories about hunters. To see a documentary this well put together is incredible. It is very much appreciated. I wish you nothing but the best going forward. Glad to hear you have recovered from covid. I totally get the bitter sweet feeling you are talking about. To know you will never get the chance to see that animal come by again makes me very emotional. More so than I would ever think, it surprises me sometimes. To go from such a high to almost sad is such a roller coaster ride. The ethics and morals you exhibited are second to none and I commend you for that.
You are amazing Don!!!! Thank you.
Don sure drives home what’s important in this life, awesome stuff!
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.
This is one of the best hunting videos I have ever watched . Thank you for being willing to share your life with us Don . Your character , work ethic , discipline and transparency is refreshing and second to none . Looking forward to meeting you some day .
You said it all.if you can get a mature buck within 20 yards of ur tree, you outsmarted that magnificant animal.its the chase that means the most to me as well.its mot always about arrowing that buck.just to know you scouted, found& got within bow range of a mature buck is one of the greatest feelings on earth.well done.i know the feelings you have for that buck is spiritual.
All I can say is wow. True inspiration
I've just discovered Don and his videos and advice. I'm so impressed, not so much because of the incredible bucks, but more the quality, wisdom and perspective insights of the man himself.
What a great and inspirational story. I especially liked the quote and how Don applied that to his life. Thanks for sharing that special deer with your grandkids and waiting for Steve to get there to share in the "find" since he had also seen the deer for years.
I'm a fellow hunter from southern Indiana 40 minutes North of Evansville and I love this documentary! God is an amazing creator and to see someone like you taking care of his creation is awesome! Congratulations on Mel!
What a great role model and witness you have become. If I could be half as much and the deer part thats just bonus.
Don, You have to be the most humble, professional whitetail hunter ive ever seen. Your humility and respect for the deer, only makes me want to hunt harder and dream bigger. I just got back kansas for 18 days, hunting which might be, a 190 inch non typical. I never laid eyes on him this year, and i couldnt be happeir with my trip. I came home empty handed, but the experience and honor to hunt a once and lifetime buck like that, makes me respect these beautiful animals evem more than i already do. So thank you Don, god bless you, and please, keep being you and keep being the same amazing person i cam see you are. You took the words right out of my mouth with stages of being a hunter. Its bitter sweet. And i neber want the chase to end either. You have taught me more than you will ever know. So thank you for sharing fpr wealth of wisdom. You and Bill Winke are the kind of hunters I strive to be. Good luck the rest of your season.
Great story! That was a true majestic giant. The footage at 3yrs old while he's staring at the camera put me in a trance! Keep it up, love all the content you're putting out there.
The most Humble Man I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to as a 25 yr older these are the role models our young ones need loved the video!🙏