Outdoors notebook

Boy Scouts shoot: Nine members of local Scout Troop 436 met at the Cedar City Gun Club last week to plan an upcoming competition for Merit Badges.

The Scouts studied the basics of clay bird shooting, ethics and firearms safety, under the guidance of Troop Leader Brian Pike.

The Merit Badge qualifying is scheduled for Jan. 12 at the Gun Club.

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Sturgeon showing up: Thirteen sturgeon have been caught recently on trotlines in the Tennessee River, an indication that the TWRA’s stocking program is succeeding.

Two of the fish appeared to be about eight years old and several others around two years.

Thousands of sturgeon have been released in the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in recent years in an attempt to restore the indigenous fish to its native waters.

The fish can live over 100 years and grow to weigh hundreds of pounds.

The TWRA reminds fishermen that the sturgeon is a protected species, and if caught they should be returned to the water.

A fisherman who catches a sturgeon is asked – after releasing it -- to contact the TWRA Fisheries Department and provide as much information about it as possible, such as the date and location it was caught, and the approximate length and weight of the fish.

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Trap invite: Ben Schade says a number of youngsters have expressed interest in starting a Wilson County youth shooting team and he is willing to assist. For information contact Schade at bennie@lebanongunclub or at the Cedar City Gun Club.

In the Gun Club’s weekly trap shoot, Danny Shaw shot a near-perfect 49 to take top honors. Ray Hutchinsen was top Veteran (48), Ashley Swift won the Lady’s competition (31) and Logan Crabtree was top Junior (45).

Chris Cooper won a previous shoot by hitting 48 of 50, while Lucas Green was top Junior with a 40 score.

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Gun show: The Great American Gun & Knife Show is set for the Wilson County Fairgrounds Dec. 29-30. Visit greatamericanpromotionsllc.com for more information.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR:

Aug. 25-Feb. 28: squirrel season

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

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

Nov. 17-Jan. 6: deer gun season

Dec. 18: dove season resumes

Dec. 29-30: Gun & Knife Show

Dec.-March trout stockings

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