Wild Game Cookoff draws record crowd at new Selma Marina pavilion

The Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Selma Wild Game Cook-Off returned with gusto on Thursday, Oct. 30, drawing about 1,000 attendees to its new home at the AWF Pavilion at the Selma Marina.

The event, which had previously been held downtown, saw its largest turnout and cook team participation to date, organizers estimate. 

“I thought the venue was incredible,” said Davis Henry, who leads the Selma Cook-Off. “It’s great to be able to show off the AWF Pavilion there at the marina. The support from Selma and Dallas County was unbelievable.” 

With 15 cook teams competing - more than ever before in Selma - the event showcased a wide array of wild game dishes, from bass and swordfish to duck rolls and deer stir fry. Henry noted the addition of new sponsors and the strong community turnout as signs of the event’s growing momentum. “This could be the best year we’ve ever had in Selma,” he said. 

Tommy Tidwell, the event’s organizer, announced the winners in three main categories: 

Fish 

• First Place: T.W.'s Dream Team – Bassin' Bugs Supreme  

• Second Place: Southland Company Cookaholics – Swordfish Supreme  

• Third Place: Monica's Mud Bugs – Henry Brick  

Fowl 

• First Place: Hancock's Bar-B-Q – Turkey Pot Roast  

• Second Place: Peak Insurance – Fly High Stir Fry  

• Third Place: Smoke Wagon – Duck Rolls  

Game 

•  First Place: Southland Company Cookaholics – Deer Dog  

•  Second Place: Peak Insurance – Bam Bam Rice Stir Fry  

•  Third Place: T.W.'s Dream Team – Diablo Sandwich and Dr. Pepper  

Additional honors included Best Presentation, awarded to T.W.'s Dream Team, and runner-up F.O. Outdoors. The top overall prize went to Hancock's Bar-B-Q, who will represent Selma at the AWF State Finals in Millbrook this August. 

The Selma Cook-Off is one of 15 such events held across Alabama, culminating in a statewide championship. Beyond the competition, the event serves as a celebration of community, conservation, and culinary creativity. 

“These events bring people together,” Henry said. “It’s nice to have something like this that supports a good cause and gives folks a fun evening out. We look forward to it for years to come.”