If there’s one thing Alabamians love, it’s good food full of classic Southern flavor. This fall, the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) is giving state residents a chance to taste home-cooked food, support wildlife conservation and have a little fun at the same time.

Beginning in September, AWF is presenting its annual Wild Game Cook-offs. The competitions, which will be held around the state through October, offer guests an opportunity to fellowship while sampling wild game dishes including entrees such as venison, duck, dove and pheasant.

The cook-offs fund AWF projects such as outdoor education, wildlife habitat management, youth and adult hunting and angling. They also demonstrate that local sportsmen and sportswomen are responsibly using the game and fish they harvest.

“The cook-off is a fun way to bring AWF members and supporters together to learn more about AWF,” said Tim Gothard, executive director of the AWF. “We’re excited to spend another year tasting what Alabama has to offer.”

The events will feature music, a silent auction and friendly competition, with awards for the cook teams with the best dishes. The categories include fish, fowl and game. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place in each division, as well as best overall and a People’s Choice Award.

Admission ranges from $35 – $50 per couple, depending on the location. The ticket price includes one AWF membership, a subscription to Alabama Wildlife magazine and all of the food you can eat. Admission is free for cook team members and youths 15 and under.

The dates for the cook-offs include:

• Birmingham: Sept. 24
• Decatur: Oct. 6
• Mobile: Oct. 14
• Selma: Oct. 29

Visit Alabama Wildlife Federation for updates and schedules for all 14 AWF Wild Game Cook-offs in the coming year.