Pictured are, front row (L to R): Lauren Keller, Rachel Silhanek, Wyatt Silhanek, Maeley Elsbury, Autumn Elsbury. Back row: Jim Smith, Nancy Smith, Keegan Beyer, Jaycie Rauch, Eric Keller, Hunter Caraccio.

On Thursday, January 19, 2017, the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Club and several parents visited the Smith Fur Company of Toledo, Iowa. Jim and Nancy Smith, owners, taught the 4-Her’s about their fur business. The 4-Her’s observed how raccoon and muskrat pelts are prepared, cleaned, dried, and learned how the pelts are then sold to larger companies for use as coats, hats, gloves, and other leather products. The group also learned that the carcasses can be utilized as food sources, are often used in ceremonial celebrations, and how some animals’ oil glands are useful in various products. The 4-Her’s enjoyed learning about a variety of pelts including: beaver, wolf, bear, coyote, mountain lion, skunk, badger, and mink. This field trip is one of several planned this winter for the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Clubs Wildlife Discipline.

The Tama County Young Guns is a 4-H club that teaches youth development through shooting sports. The disciplines offered include archery, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and wildlife skills. For more information on the Tama County Young Guns 4-H Club, please contact the Tama County Extension Office.