A Deer Interdigital Glands

When you harvest a deer this season, look for the hidden gland between the hooves on all four feet. It's located between and just above the hooves and underneath the fur. This small opening is the “interdigital” gland, one of seven different external whitetail glands.

The interdigital glands produce a secretion that some people describe as smelling like rancid butter. Biologists don't fully understand the function of the interdigital glands, but it's likely that they enable deer to deposit a unique scent in each track as they walk. This could help them retrace their own paths and remain within a familiar home range. Or, they could be sharing information about their location and how recently they passed with other deer.

When deer detect danger and stomp their front hooves, they might deposit extra scent from the gland, which could warn other deer about this location. All these are theories, and you can add your own when you show your friends the interdigital glands on their deer and share this cool deer science

Bucks Butting

The Big 8 got his butt beat this morning!!!

My Facebook friend, Mike Persichini, who is a deer whisperer, took pictures of what he calls the "Big 8" sparring with another buck. Someone said they were just playing right now; give them a couple of months. But Mike said they were not playing; it was pretty vicious for 15 seconds.

My First Great-Granddaughter

My Granddaughter, Lucy, told me on June 20th that she was going to have a baby. In July, the baby announcement came out. Yesterday, she found out it will be a girl. I am so happy and excited for her, Hunter, and my two great-grandsons, Will and Noah. This will be my first great-granddaughter. I'm already blessed with 5 great-grandsons: Tidus, 19; Ian, 18; Will, 8; Noah, 7; and Asher, 5.

Sharing Chicago Pictures

I'm sharing some pretty nice pictures my daughter, Suzi, sent me; they were taken by my son-in-law, Dennis, while attending a conference in Chicago this week. Pretty impressive.

Trump Tower

Nicknamed "The Bean" statue, aka. Cloud Gate is in Millennium Park and mirrors the city's famous skyline and clouds on a seamless, highly polished surface.  Designed by British artist Sir Anish Kapoor and constructed between 2004 and 2006.

Skyline of Chicago.

Lake Michigan

Buck Photo-Op

My Facebook friend, Mike  Persichini, took this picture of a buck who is looking for a magazine cover!

Big Bite - Tight Lines & Happy Fishing

"BIG Bite Just A Bit Ago!!"

Well, first of all, Thank You, "Delta Outfitters" here in Vicksburg, where I just came back from, and for buying my new Smokin Shad to cast out and fish with off of my pier. I was just testing it, not REALLY expecting to catch anything, except for maybe a small Bass!!

No sooner than I threw my line out to the middle of the lake, this beautiful Bass took off with it like it was starving!!

I was fishing with my fun little Zebco 33 Micro that I bought from Delta Outfitters again here in Vicksburg. I took off the 4lb test line and replaced it with an 8 lb test line. It's the same pole that I caught my 4½lb Bass on Memorial Day this year. Very lucky little Rod & Reel, but this time, this Bass broke off the tip and the first eyelet of the pole. That's ok; I bought a second Zebco Micro 33, exactly the same, just in case!!

WOW, what a FUN catch, and reeling in this one was, but it felt so much heavier than the 4½ pounder. Once again, I was so doggone excited that I forgot to measure its length. As always, I did release it back into the lake for a longer life!!

Thank you, Devin and Finn, for coming out to the pier and helping me with pictures!!

Ok Rudy and Brady, your turn!! ... LOL ... Tight Lines and Happy Fishing!!

My congratulations to Yvonne Robinson for an awesome catch in our great Vicksburg, Mississippi, outdoors!

Curious Doe

Steve Creek said - I thought this White-tailed Doe was about to stick her head right through my open truck window!  She came in incredibly close and gave me quite the look. If you look closely at her eyes, you can even see the reflection of my truck.  

(Mt. Nebo State Park, Arkansas)

Impressive Buck

My Facebook friend, Mike Persichini, said he only took 700 pics of himself this morning!!! More to come later.

The Yazoo River

The Yazoo River is a major river located primarily in the U.S. state of Mississippi. Stretching approximately 188 miles (303 kilometers), it is formed by the confluence of the Tallahatchie and Yalobusha rivers near Greenwood. From there, it flows generally southward before joining the Mississippi River at Vicksburg. The river is an important part of the lower Mississippi River watershed and has played a significant role in the region's history, geography, and economy.

The Yazoo River forms the eastern boundary of the Mississippi Delta, a vast alluvial plain known for its exceptionally fertile soil. This region became one of the most productive agricultural areas in the United States during the 19th century, particularly for cotton cultivation. Before the American Civil War, the Delta was dominated by large cotton plantations that relied on the labor of enslaved people. Following the war, agriculture remained the region's primary industry, with crops such as cotton, soybeans, corn, and rice continuing to be grown on a large scale.

Historically, the river served as an important transportation route for moving agricultural products and supplies throughout the Delta. Its slow-moving waters and extensive network of nearby streams and wetlands also created valuable habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Today, the Yazoo River remains significant for farming, flood control, recreation, and conservation. Numerous levees, drainage systems, and flood-control projects have been developed along the river to reduce flooding and protect agricultural lands and nearby communities while preserving the river's role in Mississippi's natural and cultural landscape.

Camouflaging Myself Back Years Ago

Now you see me!

 

Now you don't. 

I came across these two pictures of me taken back in 2007 while deer hunting in warmer Mississippi weather.  Thought I would post them today.