Saving glands

At what point are glands worth saving? Specifically, say a small liner catches 5 fox, or 5 coyotes a year, maybe able to get some carcasses from hunters (5 more or so) and a bobcat or two.

How many critters do you need to catch for the glands amount to be worth saving for personal use and/or selling.

How long can they be kept frozen for?

I always feel like I'm wasting a carcass not taking more from it but in my mind I'm not sure it'd be worth it if it's only a few animals.

If you can save small amounts of glands for a few years they will add up. With todays vacuum sealers or using a shop vac with a small attachment hose or by taping a small tube on the end you can vac seal your own zip lock bags. Make sure that you clearly label every one with what is contained and date each bag with a permanent marker or other means of long term identification.

Keeping out air and excess moisture will allow the glands to keep for a few years and still be good. Too many put glands in loose jars etc. and they will frost quckly in a couple years causing the glands to degrade known as freezer burn. This will change the odor and quality. Glands can add up over time, keep them well handled and you will most likely find someone interested in trading or buying them.

Five big bobcat carcass's will make 4 or 5 gallons of bait and a small batch of gland lure if you want too give it a try? 5 bobcats is the limit where I trap. If i need more bobcat gland lure I will purchase it.
Do what Bob said if you want too sell the glands. Or you can save them until you have enough too make your own lure?

I've thought about doing bait from certain critters. PA bobcats we get one.

I'm sure there is some moisture in the gland especially with added empty bladders if that's wanted, but I know you could seal them with as little air as possible need be.

5-10 critters annually I wouldnt bother with. Unless you want to play around with your own lure making.

Thanks Boone. I don't know that it'd be much for my use except maybe bait, lure making isn't in the foreseeable future. I more or less was wondering if it would help make trapping a little more profitable.

Dak, If you do as Bob describes, have a freezer running anyway, It takes around 15 or 16 coyotes to make a quart of glands. In recent years Ive been selling my coyote glands for 150.00 per gallon..Thats around 35.00 per quart. This is cash. Many lure makers will also trade you youre glands for the products they make and sell and this may be worth more than the cash deal. Either way, save those glands. Well worth it. If you have to keep a freezer running for the soul purpose to save a few glands, well, thats a different story. Good luck!