Outdoors notebook

More bears: An abundant acorn crop this fall will result in an increase in Tennessee’s already-robust black bear population, predict wildlife officials.

The acorn bounty means healthier bears, which translates to more cubs being born in the spring.

Last year a shortage in the fall mast resulted in a fewer cubs being born and more cubs being abandoned by their mothers. A shortage in food also causes more fatalities on highways as the hungry bears are forced to travel further in search of forage. Last year there were numerous bear sightings in Middle Tennessee.

In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park there is an abundance of white oak acorns this fall, the species of acorn preferred by bears.

By remaining on the part where food is plentiful, the bears don’t stray off into residential areas and create nuisance problems.

Despite last year’s mast shortage hunters still had a successful season, with a near-record harvest. Hunting bears is considered the most effective way to control the animals’ population.

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Trap shoot: Despite cold weather Ben Schade did some hot shooting to win the Cedar City Gun Club’s weekly trap shoot, hitting 46 of 50 targets.

Lucas Greene won High Junior (39), K.J. Davis Sub-Jr. (30) and Ray Hutchensen top  Veteran (41).

For information about the weekly shoot contact Schade at the Gun Club.

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On-line checking: Hunters are reminded that once again the TWRA offers convenient on-line checking for deer kills. Click on Big Game Checking on the TWRA website, tnwildlife.org, and follow the simple instructions.

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Trout stocking: The TWRA’s annual winter trout stockings will begin soon. Details about dates for specific waters will be posted. A trout license is required, except for holders of special licenses such as Sportsman and Lifetime.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR:

Aug. 25-Feb. 28: squirrel season

Sept. 14-Feb. 28: raccoon, possum season

Nov. 3-Feb. 28: rabbit, quail season

Nov. 3-16: deer muzzleloader season

Nov. 17-Jan. 6: deer gun season

PHOTOS WELCOME: Caught a big bass or a batch of crappie? Bagged a buck or a fall turkey? Share your outdoors photos with readers of The Lebanon Democrat by e-mailing them to andy.reed@lebanondemocrat.com