The average cost of a new rifle...about $800. The average cost of a box of ammunition...about $25. The average cost of keeping it original...priceless.

Priceless is not what Noxon Rod and Gun Club members are up against. They are in a situation where the original club house, a Noxon School District classroom building purchased in 1961 along with 17 acres on Pilgrim Creek, is in dire need of repairs totaling $8,000. Problem is, they do not have the funds to pay for them.

The 23-foot by 90-foot club house located at 2 Remington Road in Noxon, is in need of new linoleum flooring and subflooring to replace the one that's been in use for over 50 years. There is also a need for new insulation for the walls and ceilings so winter league small arms and air rifle competitions can continue.

The Rod and Gun Club states that "these repairs must be completed soon to provide a safe and appropriate facility for northwest Montana and north Idaho users."

Without having the funds to make repairs, the club is asking for outside support in order to maintain operability of the multi-use facility that continues to provide grounds for many uses.

Though not all-inclusive, the 70-year old facility regularly hosts (often without fees) hunter education and concealed carry classes, sheriff's department trainings, local indoor rifle and pistol league events, 4-H shooting club meetings, winter trap league events, open shooting range (25 to 200 yards) practice, single-action shooting society and cowboy shoots, fall turkey shoots and hunting season sight-in services for resident and non-resident sportsmen and guides.

In addition, on the 17-acre parcel, the club maintains the main club house, a cowboy-action replicated old west town, trap house and range, concession building, partially covered outdoor range, indoor small arms and air rifle range and roadways for public use and enjoyment.

Since the club is entirely self-supporting and does not receive any outside funding, they depend on those who utilize the facility, as well as those who wish to see it continue, to ante up in order for the Noxon Rod and Gun Club heritage continue.

"We ask that you include Noxon Rod and Gun Club in your donations and gift giving," members ask. "If you are looking for long-term giving, please consider Noxon Rod and Gun Club. We believe your dollars would be better invested in local needs rather than sending your hard-earned money to New York, Chicago or L.A."

In keeping with that theory, the non-profit and completely volunteer-based gun club proudly supports local Kid's Fishing Days, Noxon High School fundraisers and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and National Rifle Association.

Donations may be addressed to Noxon Rod and Gun Club, P.O. Box 1491, Noxon, MT 59853. Additional information may be obtained by calling Robert Flansaas at (406) 827-3207.