Shelby County 4-H Youth Tackle Deer Processing

By 4-H Club Reporter Camille Greer

November 16, 2018 - At the monthly 4-H Club meeting in November, youth were introduced to cutting up and preparing a deer for cooking by 4-H taxidermy leader Sherryl McGown. The kids got their hands dirty cutting the membranes off the shoulder and backstrap of the deer. Riley Hopkins, 4-H member said, “It was gross cutting off the shoulder membranes, but the food was delicious!” As Riley worked on the shoulder section she finally got the hang of it and seemed to enjoy the activity. McGown also provided a sampling of homemade stew, chili, burgers, jerky and pastries all made with venison. She also provided the recipes so that participants could prepare at home.

The Shelby County 4-H Club meets the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Extension gym building at 266 Nacogdoches Street – Center. Our 4-H program includes projects in food and nutrition, photography, robotics, textiles and sewing, livestock/showing, taxidermy, shooting sports, and horse. Youth in grades 3 through 12 are invited to come out to our next club meeting scheduled for Monday, December 3, 2018 for our annual ugly sweater contest and pizza party and see what 4-H is all about. If you have any questions regarding the 4-H program, feel free to contact county agents Jheri-Lynn McSwain or Lane Dunn at 936-598-7744.