PLWA 2020 RAFFLE RESULTS

MAY 2020

One major PLWA event that did NOT get cancelled this year was our annual PLWA mail-in raffle, which ended on June 1st.  Kudos to our prize donors and the many folks who purchased over 3500 raffle tickets, raising over $14,000.  The three lucky winners appreciated their prizes, and even more so, greatly appreciated PLWA’s efforts to protect and restore access to public lands and waters.

Jim Johnson of Billings won the 1952 vintage Savage classic lever action rifle, donated by long-time PLWA supporter Reid Stevens (see related article in this Keynote issue).  Jim said winning this rifle was “the best surprise of the year.”  He noted that the rifle is a rare caliber and in such beautiful “mint” condition that many of his gun collector friends are drooling with jealousy.  Jim is a longtime PLWA member and plans to continue his strong support of PLWA to help fight the “constant public access battles.” And judging by the rising number of access complaints, those battles indeed continue.  Jim says that his continued support will include buying raffle tickets next year.

Paul Rebauchak of Boalsburg, PA won the Sage fly rod and reel donated by Angler’s West Fly Fishing of Emigrant, MT.  Paul has come to MT for annual fishing adventures for decades.  He learned about PLWA through conservation-minded MT friends and, coincidentally, has been a client of Angler’s West Fly Fishing.  Paul likes that “PLWA’s main focus is land and water access for individuals, and not big, private clubs.”  He describes PLWA “as a great organization that knows well how to keep public lands in public hands.”  And while he treasures his Montana fishing trips, he notes that central PA has some “rival” top fishing rivers, too.

PLWA gives special shout out of recognition and thanks to Matson Rogers, the owner of Angler’s West Fly Fishing.  Not only has Matson generously donated prizes and contributed to PLWA over the years, he has referred clients who are appreciative of Montana’s bountiful stream access law and quality fishing opportunities to PLWA.  And, in the small world that is MT, PLWA Board Member Lance Gray is a guide for Angler’s West.

Greg Pope of Billings won the Eagle Optics binocular, which will come in handy for his family’s bird-watching activities.

Hunting, Shooting, Fishing, Floating, Birding….PLWA raffle participants, donors and prize winners one and all relish such activities in the great MT outdoors and appreciate PLWA’s efforts to protect such treasured opportunities.  But the biggest raffle winner of all is those who recreate on and in Montanan’s treasured waters and public lands. Thank you all for your support.