Fundraiser shoots for the stars; annual gun raffle is wild success

The ticks had mostly gone dormant for the season, but the Woodtick Inn in Cuyuna was hopping with energy on Saturday, Oct. 25, for the annual firearms raffle supporting Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN.

This year’s raffle raised $30,800 through 1,540 ticket sales, topping last year’s total by $800. Last year, the event became the largest single fundraising event for HWW–MN. And as the cars circled the Cuyuna streets for any inch of available parking space, that trend was going to continue.

This year’s prize pool included a selection of 15 firearms, donated by the Cuyuna Fire Department and purchased through Tutt’s Bait & Tackle of Garrison. Winners also had the option to claim the cash equivalent toward merchandise at Tutt’s.

Tickets and tip ups …

Ice fishing raffle planned at Woodtick

Hockey season may be in full swing, but our local diehard anglers are eagerly waiting for the ice to form. In the meantime, they can look forward to another raffle that’ll tie them over until the lake ice forms.

The annual ice fishing raffle supporting Homeless & Wounded Warriors – MN will reportedly be held much earlier for the winter season. The former February event aims to slide into a better seasonal slot in December 2025, allowing lucky winners and anglers more time to enjoy their prize winnings and catch more fish.

The annual raffles, previously held at the Bridge Tavern of Crosby, will now be at the Woodtick Inn in Cuyuna — the new home base for HWW–MN raffles. Past prizes have included ice augers, rods, reels, scoops, buckets, tackle packages, guided trips and lifetime licenses for youth anglers.

The most recent ice fishing raffle — held in February — raised $18,000 for HWW–MN. All tickets were sold out.