Smith wins guns in Lions raffle

Anthony Smith of Columbia Falls was one of the happiest hunters in the area to see the 2008 hunting season begin. He won the 29th annual rifle raffle sponsored by Kalispell Lions Club.

Smith's $5 ticket purchase won him a CZ 550 American Caliber 270 Winchester rifle and a CZ 103D 12-gauge black Canvasback shotgun. The rifle has bolt action, Leupold VX-1 4-12x40 mm scope with duplex crashers. The shotgun has a black 28-inch barrel, with interchangeable chokes.

The guns were presented to Smith during the club's noon luncheon meeting at the Kalispell Elks Club last week. They were presented by Doug Kalvig, club secretary and rifle raffle chairman, and Rod Gillman, first vice president. Marv Berg is president.

John Fraley of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is the traditional guest of the Lions Club when the winning ticket is drawn.

Smith's wife, Lydia, was with her husband when the single ticket was purchased at Snappy Sports Senter. She suggested he should buy two tickets and double his odds, but he only bought one ticket.

A successful three-generation hunting trip was the event for Smith, his father-in-law, Ervin Schroeder, and son, Craig Smith, 18, a Columbia Falls High School senior. The Smith's other son, Joey, 14, has passed Hunter Safety classes, but did not accompany them on the hunting trip.

Anthony Smith has worked for Plum Creek 15 years.