Outdoors notebook

Friends of NRA: The annual Wilson County Friends of NRA banquet & fundraiser will be held April 5 at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center.

Advance tickets cost $30 and include dinner. Tickets at the door, if still available, will cost $40. A wide range of outdoor gear and hunting items will be auctioned, with all proceeds going to FNRA.

The organization promotes the shooting sports and over the years has provided hundreds of grants to local teams, clubs and individuals.

For tickets or other information call Eddie Kirkus (615-533-8721) or e-mail Lisa Kirkus (lisakirkus@comcast.com)

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Trapshooting team: A Wilson County trapshooting team for youngsters in grades 9-12 is being organized by Ben Schade. The team will compete in state-wide scholastic competitions that have grown in popularity in recent years, emphasizing shooting skills and firearm safety.

Individuals, civic clubs and school administrators seeking information can contact Schade by phone (615-478-8019) or at the Lebanon Gun Shop or Cedar City Gun Club.

Tickets for the March 5 Friends of NRA banquet and fundraiser are available at the Gun Shop.

The Gun Club held its weekly trap shoot last Thursday, with Will Myers hitting 48 of 50 shots to take top honors. Ray Hutchenson was top Veteran (43) and Tim Whitlock top Junior (25).

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TWRA explains mobile check-ins: The TWRA explained in detail its new mobile web application for big-game checking during the Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission’s recent monthly meeting.

Hunters can check in their kills via a smartphone or tablet device, and also can purchase licenses and renew boat registrations on the devices. Details are available at the TWRA website, tnwildlife.org

Big game can still be checked in at TWRA checking stations on on-line on the TWRA website, as in the past. The new system does not replace the former systems, but is merely another option for hunters.

The new mobile web system is available for renewal of hunting and fishing licenses that expire Feb. 28, and will be ready for hunters to use by the start of the March 30 turkey season.

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Corps threatened: Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander has threated to take “legislative action” against the U.S. Corps of Engineers if it proceeds with plans to block boats from waters immediately below its Middle Tennessee dams.

Alexander announced his plan at a Thursday press conference at Old Hickory dam, one of those affected by the Corps plan.

 Senator, Alexander wields considerable influence in Washington. The Corps operates under the sanction of the U.S. government.

The Corps has set April as a target date for having its restrictions in place, but continues to meet adamant opposition from fishermen, the TWRA and other outdoors groups.

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Turkey Turnout: 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.

The club supports such causes as Wounded Warrior hunts and Hunter Safety Courses and promotes the sport of turkey hunting.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR:

Feb. 28: squirrel, rabbit, quail seasons end

Feb. 28: raccoon, possum seasons end

Feb. 28: hunting, fishing licenses expire

March 1: Cedar Roost banquet/ fundraiser

March 30-May 12, turkey season

April 5: Friends of NRA banquet

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