People are expected to come from all over the state for Thursday night’s Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off at the St. James Hotel.

Cook teams will travel from all over and compete in categories of fowl, fish and wildlife. The event will start at 6 p.m.

“It’s just fun when you have 250 people together,” co-organizer Tim Wood said. “They just want to get together for a good reason and just enjoy a little wild game and a little fellowship and raise a little money for a great cause.”

Wood said he doesn’t know what all will be cooked Thursday, or even what he’s going to cook, but he knows those that come out will get to sample some of the state’s best wild game.

“I would assume there is bass, crappie and I guarantee you there will be some deer,” Wood said. “Some squirrel, quail — probably just a little bit of everything.”

Wood estimates around 10 or 11 cook teams will participate Thursday night, but there is still room for more cook teams for anyone interested in joining. To enter as a cook team in Thursday’s wild game cook-off, call Wood at 874-9083 or call Dr. B.L. Youngblood at 872-2355.

The cook team with the best overall dish will go on to compete in the state competition next August in Lanark.

The admission cost is $50 per couple or person at the door and includes complimentary food and a one-year membership to the Alabama Wildlife Federation membership for each person. Admission is free for cook teams and youth under 15.

There will also be a silent auction held Thursday night and a live band will provide entertainment.

Proceeds from the event go to the Alabama Wildlife Federation. Wood said most of it will go towards education for students and projects such as the NaturePlex that is being built in Elmore County

Tickets for the Wild Game Cook-Off can be purchased at the Central Alabama Farmers Co-Op and Northside Animal Hospital. Tickets will also be sold at the event Thursday.