Backyard chefs from across the area will baste, glaze, marinate and grill in an attempt to secure bragging rights Thursday, Oct. 27 as the Alabama Wildlife Federation hosts its annual AWF Wild Game Cook-Off at the historic St. James Hotel in downtown Selma.

This popular event will bring teams from across the area to battle for the title of best wild game chefs.

Entry for the cook teams is free, but teams must pre-register prior to the day of the event at alabamawildlife.org.

Categories include wild game, fish and fowl. Prizes will be awarded to first through third place in each division, as well as Best Overall.

The overall winner will be invited to the state finals held at Lanark in Millbrook next August to compete for the title of AWF 2017 Wild Game Cook-Off State Champion.

The event offers AWF members and guests a chance for the public to learn more about AWF and an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to showcase how to responsibly utilize the game and fish they harvest.

This cook-off and the other 14 held around the state, help fund AWF projects such as conservation education, wildlife habitat management and youth and adult hunting and fishing programs.

If you prefer to eat rather than compete, come sample some of the area’s best wild game dishes.

Ample servings of great food are always featured, including entrees such as venison, duck, dove, pheasant and much more.

In addition to sampling some of the best food in Alabama, a major highlight of the cook-off will be the silent auction. Tickets are available for $50 per person/per couple at the door.  Proceeds benefit Alabama Wildlife Federation’s programs and projects.

The ticket price includes one Alabama Wildlife Federation membership, a subscription to the Alabama Wildlife magazine and all of the food you can eat.

For ticket information, contact Central Alabama Farmers Co-op at (334) 874-9083, Dr. B.L. Youngblood at (334) 872-2355 or contact the Alabama Wildlife Federation at 1-800-822-WILD.

Tickets are also available online at alabamawildlife.org.

The Alabama Wildlife Federation, established by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization.

The mission of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, a 501c3 nonprofit group supported by membership dues and donations, is to promote conservation and wise use of Alabama’s wildlife and related natural resources as a basis for economic and social prosperity.

To learn more about the Alabama Wildlife Federation, including membership details, programs and projects, visit www.alabamawildlife.org or by phone at 1-800-822-WILD.