Welcome to the official registration page of KDWP’s Wild Foods Cook-off Competition!

Registration ends on May 24th

Whether you’re new to the culinary world, a seasoned home cook or a classically-trained chef, KDWP invites you to compete at this community partnership event hosted by KDWP and Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center.

The competition will be held June 8, 2024, at Baker University Wetlands Discovery Center, 1365 N 1250 Rd, in Lawrence. Competitors may submit entries in any of the following categories:

• Wild Game (Deer, rabbit, squirrel, upland game birds, migratory birds, turkey, etc.)
• Wild Fish (Bass, walleye, catfish, crappie, wipers, etc.)
• Wild Plants (Nettles, wild chives, purslane, chickweed, dandelions, etc.)
• Wild Mushrooms (Morels, Chicken of The Woods, Hen of the Woods, oysters, etc.)
• Wild Sweets (Fruits, berries, desserts, etc.)
• Wild Invasive/Nuisance Species (Garlic mustard, White Perch, Asian Carp, Autumn Olive, etc.)

Entries will be judged by a panel of local expert foragers, with prizes awarded to the top entrant in each category, as well as a special prize for the "Community Favorite” entry.

Dishes must be large enough for taste-testing by judges and community attendees. Presentation counts!

Participants may preserve (via methods of freezing, canning, dehydrating, etc.) wild ingredients to extend the season of their dish for this event.

Questions? Contact event organizer and KDWP Education specialist Amy Bousman at amy.bousman@ks.gov.

Sponsors: