Michigan Gun Raffle Shoots for the Stars
By David Johns, Bugle Intern
Michigan may not have been one of the gun-slinging states of the Old West, but through a gun raffle held by Elk Foundation chapters in the state, members can tote some great new hardware.
Last year RMEF volunteers sold 1,200 tickets at $50 a pop to Michigan members for a chance to win one of 52 different shotguns, varmint rifles and big game rifles. Winners drawn for the 2007 RMEF Michigan State 52 Gun Raffle were given the option of either taking the firearm or the cash equivalent. The raffle took place on December 8 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, and netted over $31,000. Michigan state chair Dan Grice worked closely with all 15 Michigan chapters to make the raffle a success.
Michigan/Ohio regional director Roger Blaha says the money will be put toward mission projects to be decided on in September by Michigan’s PAC committee.
“We want a balance here in Michigan between people, land and wildlife,” Blaha says. “The 52 Gun Raffle, other RMEF raffles and fundraisers, and banquets put on by our volunteers, provide the funds we need to help find that balance for Michigan’s elk herd.”
During its history in Michigan, RMEF has permanently protected or enhanced more than 1,000 acres of elk habitat in the Pigeon River country and has completed 68 projects with a combined value of over $2.3 million. With elk habitat growing in the state, the money raised from the gun raffle continues a steady upward trend of elk conservation in the region. The cedar swamps and pine forests of the Pigeon River country offer elk hunting through a limited drawing system and tags are highly coveted. The money raised from the gun raffle will help ensure that elk habitat and hunting endure in the Wolverine State.
Contact Roger Blaha at rblaha@rmef.org or (616) 667-9946 for more information about the 2008 RMEF Michigan State 52 Gun Raffle.