MONTGOMERY-Lobster Pot Pie, Creole Crappie and Crawfish Pie with Hoppin’ John and Peach Salsa were just some of the tasty dishes served up to around 400 people found at the Alabama Wildlife Federation’s (AWF) Wild Game Cook-Off State Finals held at AWF’s headquarters in Millbrook Saturday, August 3. This championship event is a combination of winners from the over 300 cook teams from regional events held throughout the year. Thirteen teams were there to win the coveted State Champion Title, not to mention the $1,000 grand prize that goes along with it!
The judges, Major Todd Wheeler of Alabama Army National Guard; Sean Johnson, Central Alabama Area President at Regions Bank; Marcy Novak, WAKA Morning/Noon Meteorologist and Eric Alford, Bass Pro Shops General Manager for Prattville, Alabama had a tough time, but in the end winners from the Guntersville Cook-Off, Bootlegg BBQ placed first with their delicious Elk Tex Mex. Mike & Kedia Page, Mickey & Katherine Smith, Kevin Blake and Alicia Hardin made up team the winning team. Major Todd Wheeler stated, “this is exactly what you would expect at the Alabama Wildlife Federation State Cook-Off, incredible food prepared by extraordinary chefs.”
1st PLACE- Bootlegg BBQ, Elk Tex Mex
Mike & Kedia Page, Mickey & Katherine Smith, Kevin Blake, Alicia Hardin
Winners from the Madison County Cook-Off, Spices Smokehouse including Robert & Lynn Enterekin, Tee and Kay Rice secured second place with their delicious Lobster Pot Pie.
2nd PLACE- Spices Smoke House, Lobster Pie
Robert & Lynn Enterekin, Tee & Kay Rice
The Alabama Army National Guard People’s Choice Award went to Massey Automotive.
AANG People’s Choice Award
Massey Automotive
This year The Man Cookers of the Lake Martin Cook-Off including Amanda Williams, Gerald Hill, Jamie Johnson and William Hill took home third for their delectable Creole Crappie.
3rd PLACE- The Man Cookers, Creole Crappie
Amanda Williams, Gerald Hill, Jamie Johnson, William Hill
This year’s 1st Place Presentation Award went to Spices Smokehouse, while Chonita’s Cookers took a close 2nd.
In addition to the great food, there was a silent auction, raffle and entertainment provided by Robert Thornhill.
The purpose of AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs is to supply a place for AWF members to interact, for non-members to learn more about AWF, and to provide the opportunity to raise funds to support AWF and its programs and projects. The Cook-Offs also demonstrate that sportsmen/women utilize the wild game and fish they harvest and cook it with care, skill and expertise to produce great table fare.
The Alabama Wildlife Federation, established by sportsmen in 1935, is the state’s oldest and largest citizens’ conservation organization. The mission of the AWF, a 501©3 non-profit 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 AWF, including membership details, programs and projects, call 1-800-822-WILD or visit www.alabamawildlife.
