Local residents will be cooking up something special for Covington County Thursday during the annual Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) Wild Game Cook-off.

Hunter Grimes, co-chair of the Covington County AWF Wild Game Cook-off, said approximately 10 to 12 teams have signed up for the event so far, but cook teams will be accepted up to and including the day of the event.

“It would be better if we knew about the team prior to the event, but we will accept registrations the day of the event,” Grimes said. “Right now we are looking at 10 to 12 teams, but those numbers are always subject to change.”

Cooks will compete in one of three divisions, including fish, fowl and game. Grimes said previous dishes have been both creative and appetizing.

“There is no kind of limitation on the dishes cook teams can prepare,” he said. “You never know what may show up. In the past we have had rabbit and squirrel dishes that have been very well prepared.”

Each division will contain first, second and third place awards. Cook teams will also compete for “Best Overall” and “Best Presentation.”

Grimes said the event is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a wide array of good food.

“All of the dishes will be prepared by local people and it is really a good opportunity to sample their talent,” he said. “Not many people have the opportunity to try wild game.”

According to the AWF Web site, winning delicacies in the past have included “Grilled Dove Breast wrapped in Wild Boar Bacon stuffed with Jalapeno Pepper and Monterey Jack Cheese,” “Smoked Venison with Cajun Wild Rice,” and “Flounder stuffed with Shrimp and Crab topped with a Butter Cream Sauce,” just to name a few.

The Wild Game Cook-Off festivities will include a raffle and silent auction with merchandise for the outdoor enthusiast in addition to live entertainment from Ben Foxx and Paul Ayers.

Tickets for the event will be $35 in advance and $40 at the door. The ticket price includes a one-year membership in the Alabama Wildlife Federation, a subscription to Alabama Wildlife magazine and free samples of all of the wild game entries. There will be no charge for cook teams and children under the age of 15.

For ticket or cook team information contact AWF at (800) 822-9453, Hunter Grimes at (334) 222-3123 or Stokes Sporting Goods at (334) 222-1225.