Tarsal Gland

[Fishbonker]

Does anybody cut the tarsal gland off their deer? The smelly thingy on their hind legs that I think is a Tarsal Gland but I could be wrong.

Thanks

The 'Bonker

 

[Bigbottombuck1]

i cut the tarsal glands out and hang them close to my stand. it sumtimes works for me but sumtimes i dont hunt that stand for a while. Try it.. maybe u will have luck with it

 

[boacephus]

Maybe just an old tale, but I was taught to always remove them during rut. They claimed it would give the meat a funny taste, atleast the meat in that area. Course I grew up we always processed our own deer, and I still do. If its cool enough I like to let them hang atleast a day. Habit but I always cut them off helps the odor in the garage to, as you know some of them tarsals are quiet odoriforous. Usually toss them but on occasion I will tie it from a string on my boot, then toss it into a shooting lane when I get to the stand.

 

[teeroy]

we always cut them off when we gut the deer. i too, always hear that it taints the meat, but i don't believe it. but, if you leave them on, and touch the gland while you are skinning, THEN touch the meat with the same hand, i think that WOULD definately taint it. its pretty quick and easy to cut them off

 

[Skully]

I like to put one tween my cheek and gum, bout every 10 steps I stop and spit. Leaves a helluva scent trail AND hides your breath!

 

[Fishbonker]

I used to carry two knives, one to cut off the glands and one for gutting because I was told you never used the same kinfe for both. Then one day I only had one knife with me so I left them on one and the meat was OK. I just wondered what everybody did.

The 'Bonker