15 March 2026
Cut More Trees! How Aggressive TSI Creates Better Deer Habitat
Chasing Giants with Don Higgins
About
In this episode of the Chasing Giants Podcast, Don Higgins and Terry Peer dive deep into one of the most misunderstood habitat topics in deer hunting — Timber Stand Improvement (TSI).
Many landowners hear the term TSI, but few truly understand how aggressive timber cutting can dramatically improve deer habitat. Don explains why opening the canopy is critical for creating understory, browse, and bedding cover for mature bucks. The conversation also covers the differences between forestry practices, turkey habitat management, and deer-focused habitat management.
The guys also discuss:
• Why most landowners don’t cut their timber aggressively enough
• How sunlight drives understory growth and deer bedding cover
• When to combine timber harvest with TSI work
• Why mature bucks prefer thick cover over open woods
• The importance of sanctuaries and low hunting pressure
• How to manipulate deer movement on your property
• Whether large timber projects should be done all at once or in phases
Later in the episode, the guys discuss current consulting projects, upcoming speaking events, and answer listener-submitted questions on food plots, soybeans, herbicides, and more.
If you own hunting property or are planning habitat improvements, this episode will give you practical insights that can dramatically improve your land management strategy.
Sponsors
Asio Gear
Premium technical hunting apparel designed for serious hunters.
https://asiogear.com
Midwest Land Group
The leader in recreational land real estate.
https://midwestlandgroup.com
Hawke Optics
Precision optics designed for hunters and shooters.
https://us.hawkeoptics.com
Novix Outdoors
Lightweight, mobile hunting gear built for serious hunters.
https://novixoutdoors.com
Mike’s Mighty Micros
The most powerful soil biology products for food plots.
https://mikesmightymicros.com
Victory Auto Group
Visit Victory Auto Group for your next vehicle.
https://victorykc.com
360 Hunting Blinds
The ultimate hunting blind for comfort and concealment.
https://360huntingblinds.com
Real World Wildlife Products
Proven seed blends and habitat solutions designed for whitetails.
https://realworldwildlifeproducts.com
Mathews Archery
The most advanced bows in the world.
https://mathewsinc.com
Gingerich Tree Farms
High quality trees for habitat and property improvement.
https://gingerichtreefarm.com
Brenton USA
Innovative firearms and suppressor-ready hunting rifles.
https://brentonusa.com
Grubb Implement
Quality equipment and agricultural solutions.
https://grubbimplement.com
TagOut Technique
Tools designed to improve your hunting success.
https://tagouttechnique.com
Wildlife Farming
Habitat improvement products designed for serious land managers.
https://wildlifefarming.com
This content is the property of Chasing Giants TV LLC.
Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without the express written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.
Many landowners hear the term TSI, but few truly understand how aggressive timber cutting can dramatically improve deer habitat. Don explains why opening the canopy is critical for creating understory, browse, and bedding cover for mature bucks. The conversation also covers the differences between forestry practices, turkey habitat management, and deer-focused habitat management.
The guys also discuss:
• Why most landowners don’t cut their timber aggressively enough
• How sunlight drives understory growth and deer bedding cover
• When to combine timber harvest with TSI work
• Why mature bucks prefer thick cover over open woods
• The importance of sanctuaries and low hunting pressure
• How to manipulate deer movement on your property
• Whether large timber projects should be done all at once or in phases
Later in the episode, the guys discuss current consulting projects, upcoming speaking events, and answer listener-submitted questions on food plots, soybeans, herbicides, and more.
If you own hunting property or are planning habitat improvements, this episode will give you practical insights that can dramatically improve your land management strategy.
Sponsors
Asio Gear
Premium technical hunting apparel designed for serious hunters.
https://asiogear.com
Midwest Land Group
The leader in recreational land real estate.
https://midwestlandgroup.com
Hawke Optics
Precision optics designed for hunters and shooters.
https://us.hawkeoptics.com
Novix Outdoors
Lightweight, mobile hunting gear built for serious hunters.
https://novixoutdoors.com
Mike’s Mighty Micros
The most powerful soil biology products for food plots.
https://mikesmightymicros.com
Victory Auto Group
Visit Victory Auto Group for your next vehicle.
https://victorykc.com
360 Hunting Blinds
The ultimate hunting blind for comfort and concealment.
https://360huntingblinds.com
Real World Wildlife Products
Proven seed blends and habitat solutions designed for whitetails.
https://realworldwildlifeproducts.com
Mathews Archery
The most advanced bows in the world.
https://mathewsinc.com
Gingerich Tree Farms
High quality trees for habitat and property improvement.
https://gingerichtreefarm.com
Brenton USA
Innovative firearms and suppressor-ready hunting rifles.
https://brentonusa.com
Grubb Implement
Quality equipment and agricultural solutions.
https://grubbimplement.com
TagOut Technique
Tools designed to improve your hunting success.
https://tagouttechnique.com
Wildlife Farming
Habitat improvement products designed for serious land managers.
https://wildlifefarming.com
This content is the property of Chasing Giants TV LLC.
Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this content without the express written permission of Chasing Giants TV LLC is strictly prohibited.