When Andrew Hunter, 24, of Dawsonville threw away his Mega Millions ticket, he thought he had wasted more money. However, that thought changed when he realized it was a winning ticket.

I didnt realize you could win $3 for matching one number plus the Mega Ball, he said. I pulled it out of the trash and cashed it in for three more tickets.

Hunter called the Georgia Lottery hotline to check the numbers on his newly purchased tickets.

When the automated service was calling out the numbers I kept telling myself I got this number but I know I wont get the next one, Hunter stated. But, as the numbers were continuing to be called, Hunter found himself saying the same thing repeatedly. I just didnt believe it, Hunter said, I checked the numbers at least ten times and had several other people look at them, too.

Hunter was trying to come to realization that he had just won $250,000.

I would have never bought that ticket if I hadnt pulled the other ticket out of the trash, Hunter said.

Hunter plans on investing much of his newly found funds but he also has plans to continue his education. I was returning to school to be a nurse, he said, but now I might go to pursue a degree in business.

Hunters dreams include opening his own beer brewery. Ive always wanted to have my own brewery and this might be what I need to help get it started.

Hunter is currently a server at Taco Mac in Cumming. I plan on keeping my job, he stated.

Hunter purchased the lucky Quik Pik ticket from a Quik Trip convenience store on Buford Highway in Cumming.