By Trish Svoboda/Images courtesy KDWP

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is preparing for its annual Wild Foods Cook-Off, a unique event that celebrates the skills of hunters, anglers, and foragers while encouraging sustainable harvesting. The event will be held on November 2, at Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center in Lawrence.

First launched in 2023, the cook-off was inspired by the passion Kansans have for sourcing wild foods. Amy Bowsman, engagement coordinator said the event is “a really fun way to bring those communities together and show off some of their skills and passions with local ingredients.”

A panel of three judges—wild food specialists and local chefs—score dishes based on presentation, flavor, and how well the wild ingredient is highlighted. “What I hear time and again from the judges feedback is that really highlighting the wild food is one of the biggest components for points.”

There are six categories: wild game, fish, native plants, mushrooms, and even invasives/nuisances such as carp. Participants may enter one dish into one category. Community members also get a chance to taste the dishes and vote for their favorite, with a prize awarded to the crowd’s top pick.

“I’d love to encourage the public to go on a limb and enter a dish,” Bowsman said. “It’s a lot of fun, and the community really enjoys sampling the creations.”

Beyond the competition, the cook-off promotes ethical harvesting and provides education on hunting, fishing, and foraging practices. Staff and partners are on-site to answer questions and share resources.

Bowsman said the event continues to grow in popularity, drawing hundreds of people online and in person. “It’s really about bringing communities together around food, conservation, and Kansas’ natural resources,” she said.

Registration is open until October 25.

To enter a dish or for more information, visit Wild Foods Cook-Off on KDWP’s website.