Outdoors notebook

Dam meeting: The Corps of Engineers held a public meeting last week at McGavock High to explain its planned blockage of boater access below dams, and despite widespread opposition, it intends to proceed.

Most area anglers and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency oppose the measure, scheduled to go into effect in April. Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander also opposes it and there is a chance it could meet legislative opposition.

As it currently stands, however, the Corps is proceeding with plans to install cables to block boat access to the fast waters immediately below 10 dams on Corps-managed lakes, including Old Hickory, Percy Priest, Cheatham, Dale Hollow, Cordell Hull and Barkley.

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Duck stamp contest: Entries are being accepted for the 2013 Federal Junior Duck Stamp artwork competition. The program, began in 1989, encourages youngsters K-12 to submit their artwork for possible use on a variety of national duck stamps.

For details visit the TWRA website, tnwildlife.org

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Licenses expire: Hunting and fishing licenses expire Feb. 28. They can be renewed on-line at the TWRA website or at most outdoors stores. The wide range of licenses and their prices remain unchanged from last year.

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Turkey event: The Cedar Roost Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation will hold a banquet/fundraiser on March 1. Contact club president Jimmy Sloan at Lebanon’s Tractor Supply for details.

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Hunter input invited: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency invites hunters to submit advice and ideas about the 2013-14 hunting seasons.

Comments can be mailed to: Hunting Season Comments, TWRA Wildlife & Forestry Division, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, Tn. 37204; or e-mailed to: twra.comment@tn.gov

E-mails should include “Hunting Season Comments” on the subject line.

The TWRA and the Wildlife Commission takes the comments into consideration when determining future hunting seasons, rules and regulations. The deadline for submitting suggestions is Feb. 25.

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Trap shoot: Richy Bolin won the weekly trap shoot at the Cedar City Gun Club, breaking 49 of 50 targets. Rob Mathis won Class B, Garrett Sweeney Junior, Ray Hutcheson Veteran and Kristi Bolin Ladies competition.

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Deer totals: Just over 176,600 deer were killed in Tennessee during the 2012-13 season, up from the 167,821 killed the previous season. Giles County led the way with 5,600 deer killed.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR:

Feb. 28: squirrel, rabbit, quail seasons end

Feb. 28: raccoon, possum seasons end

Feb. 14-17: Wild Turkey Federation Convention, Opryland

Feb. 28: hunting, fishing licenses expire

March 1: Cedar Roost banquet/ fundraiser

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