220 inch whitetail buck shot at 7 yards!

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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[@jazzdude904]

“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]

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]

@@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]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@042monty]

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

[@scottblair1113]

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

[@042monty]

@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]

@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]

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

[@draven3838]

Words to live by

[@scottallemong5079]

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.

[@danieldavis6647]

This man is the definition of a sportsman and a hunter

[@mdluk199]

Shooting an animal for no reason is not a sport

[@stevenpolk9575]

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

[@21212121666]

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]

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

[@mikemitchell9157]

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]

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

[@mikemitchell9157]

@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]

Absolutely

[@karolskakes388]

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

[@Triple87]

This man is the best kind of hunter.

[@blakewhelchel7191]

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.

[@drayve8590]

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

[@jeremyvarady7721]

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

[@bobbygetsbanned6049]

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

[@rickk4483]

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

[@jasonhesselberg1376]

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!

[@gregskipjack1352]

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]

amen to that

[@johnbarnett8052]

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]

I'll take that prayer 🦌✝️🦌

[@Alpha-move]

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

[@drewfiglo6834]

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

[@evanray8093]

Best video I have every seen on KZbin

[@user-tq1rz3gk8b]

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.

[@Bob_Diesel]

*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]

What an idiot. Who does that.

[@jacobc.1848]

@@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]

Herds**

[@jacobschweitzer2954]

@@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]

@@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.

[@straightouttaarrows235]

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.

[@kapperoutdoors]

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

[@GravelPit_life]

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!🙏

[@henrykulhawick6255]

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

[@thewibb]

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

[@rickstark85]

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]

@@petedogg369 exxxxxactlyyyy

[@williamgaines9784]

@@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]

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

[@rickstark85]

@@Rrailroad3 alright bro, whatever you say. Typical KZbin 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 🤷‍♂️

[@mattcampbell9353]

Congratulations on another amazing buck.

[@mikelauer8352]

Congrats Don ! You truely are the blessed.

[@windhamoutdoors6651]

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!!

[@chastoncossey8789]

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

[@jjohnson9750]

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

[@kidjetrecon7153]

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

[@joesteen9742]

Great job don! Dream buck!

[@coopersdad2115]

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]

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

[@aaronsymonds6044]

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

[@AJ-79]

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

[@claytonkrafft9716]

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.

[@jimenagulla9081]

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.

[@DavidGonzalez-ek3zh]

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

[@davescheer5038]

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 ,

[@bubba_good]

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

[@EnNergyTrix]

What a great guy and ethical hunter. All sportsman should take a word out of this mans book.

[@cdrandi7in]

OMG 18:;45 dream hunt and absolute perfect video and priceless look on Mel's face. Thank God and Don.

[@mattnelson7949]

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

[@mikeglinski9439]

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

[@text-1592]

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

[@bigterp75]

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

[@DfI8587]

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

[@gunner76]

Great story. Keep the family tradition going!!

[@billylorece]

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

[@text-1592]

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

[@brianingram8531]

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!

[@kevinmartin7354]

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

[@daveappleton2610]

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.

[@tristanmack5779]

Wow I came to watch a big buck get smoked and left almost in tears 😳 fantastic story with a great ending. You have captured the true essence of the hunt and everyone who hunts should see this video. It's almost sad once you do finally stick him. Knowing that he is expired and there is no more chase. Great buck and even better story!

[@text-1592]

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

[@hahahaha-ts7eh]

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.

[@ryanederer5913]

Clean, Honest and Awesome ! Thanks for sharing the story congrats again! Man when he was walking at the tree😳🤩

[@OutdoorFanatic365]

Congratulations on a nice ole buck

[@torreykistler5135]

Thank you for sharing a part of you.

[@edmundstyson2755]

All I can say is wow. True inspiration

[@johnson_outdoors]

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!!!

[@kimberlymcatee4590]

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

[@jerrywhite8810]

Nice work. You are truely blessed.

[@bobmiller9439]

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

[@johnoblak9631]

What a great role model and witness you have become. If I could be half as much and the deer part thats just bonus.

[@life.is.to.short1414]

What a great grandpa, great father, and friend

[@michaelbushey2787]

Trump 2024

[@joshcarter6058]

Congratulations!! Enjoyed the story of Mel.

[@aarongoeppner413]

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

[@butchpark6589]

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

[@louisblum6246]

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

[@text-1592]

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

[@scottvolkmann2387]

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.

[@brandonericson8323]

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

[@daveburton244]

"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!

[@TheBucktrot1]

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

[@erikschoff2272]

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.

[@davetoms63]

Outstanding video of a giant buck and an ethical hunter. Love the respect shown for such a magnificent animal, family and most of all to the God that created it all. Well done.

[@dukeman7595]

Amen Halleluiah.

[@danielpifer9222]

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!

[@mauibh1]

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

[@philruckle3959]

Just watched it again. Gave me the chills, again.

[@stevendurand1987]

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]

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

[@collinjack8399]

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!!

[@jamisonwolfer293]

Complete respect for this guy and congrats on the deer

[@ralphempson2719]

You are amazing Don!!!! Thank you.

[@jomama7458]

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.🦌

[@dadbesteman5569]

Congrats Don on another great buck! Wow!

[@kevinrodziewicz3145]

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.

[@pmak4078]

Such an inspiring story. Thankyou Don and Mel

[@text-1592]

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

[@reeloutdoors9421]

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]

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

[@BoDean52]

This time of year I watch a ton of videos on the passion we all have around deer hunting. This is by far the best video I have seen, hands down. Exciting, thought provoking and character all in one video and amazing editing. Thank you!

[@mikecoss3259]

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.

[@mickeybadertscher4340]

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

[@donaldaustin8679]

Unforgettable story , congrats Mr. Don

[@michaelfrost2248]

Best documentary video I’ve ever watched. If that doesn’t inspire us as hunters then Idk what will.

[@TheDudeBowling]

Congrats Don another great buck!

[@bryanshilts4637]

One of the best videos I've ever seen.

[@huckgoode9796]

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

[@martinbales8132]

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.

[@dimebagz22]

I'm here at 49k views and I'm wondering how there isn't 49k likes? Only 1.3 at this point come on ppl! Congratulations on a great deer and a great video

[@taken0218]

Great job 👏🏻

[@flacoral]

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.

[@wesley2005145]

Awesome video congrats on #3 well deserved!

[@jb22185]

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. 😭

[@mervjb809]

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!!

[@traysonwhitworth7950]

@@mervjb809 your correct but damn could be a lil nicer with it to start lmao

[@KR-ti5uz]

Tears of joy, your someone all hunters should learn from

[@blu5.0gt44]

One of the best videos I have ever seen

[@angeloc9923]

That’s the best whitetail story I’ve ever watched and heard Congratulations sir absolutely beautiful Thank you for sharing God bless you ❤️🙏

[@Eden_Quest]

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

[@sammylacks4937]

" 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.

[@OldHuntingGuy]

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