On May 16, 2026, Wyoming Wildlife Federation hosted our 5th Annual Wild Game Cookoff in Lander, bringing together six teams, a room full of hungry attendees, and a shared appreciation for Wyoming's wildlife, wild country, and the food these places provide.
At its core, the Wild Game Cookoff is about what we like to call "venison diplomacy." It's a fun and welcoming way to bring people together around wild food, good stories, and the landscapes that make it all possible. Our wild places feed us, and through this event we celebrate that gift. The Cookoff brings together people from all walks of life who care about Wyoming's wildlife and are interested in how our wild landscapes can sustain us—and how we can sustain them in return. For WWF, that is where conservation starts: with people who care about this place, sitting at the same table and finding common ground.
This year, six teams competed for the coveted title of Wild Game Cookoff Champion. We are incredibly grateful to every team that showed up, took a risk, and poured their creativity, passion, and hard work into their dishes.
One attendee, Sara Schwartz, summed up the experience perfectly, stating, "I had heated debates with friends about who we were going to vote for.” The group all wanted to cast the same vote and ultimately landed on Wild Iris's elk shank dish. Schwartz noted that it was obvious every competitor had skin in the game and cared deeply about presenting something exciting and memorable. She also couldn't stop talking about the More Than Gatherers team's "most beautiful tacos."
This year's judging panel included Matt Gubanich, owner of Pushroot Brewing Co.; Senator Cale Case; Jake Perkinson, owner of Lander Bread Share; and Ryder Benjamin, a 14-year-old aspiring hunter, budding chef and entrepreneur, and son of WWF Executive Director Craig Benjamin.
The People's Choice Award went to Wyoming Game and Fish and Tribal Game and Fish Roadkill Roasters for their moose and bighorn sheep roulade. The dish was a clear crowd-pleaser and earned plenty of support from attendees.
A new award debuted this year: the Kids' Choice Award. The honor went to the More Than Gatherers team, whose beautiful presentation and thoughtful dish captured the attention of our youngest attendees.
Judge Matt Gubanich reflected on the vulnerability that comes with cooking for others, especially when preparing something so personal. He expressed appreciation to all of the teams for sharing their passion and love through food.
The judges had plenty to say about the incredible dishes presented. The Paint Rock team impressed with a standout green chile and, as always, brought excitement with the opportunity to enjoy mountain lion. Wild Iris earned high praise for an elk shank cooked "so well," with chokecherries that elevated the dish to another level. The Wyoming Game and Fish and Tribal Game and Fish showcased moose and bighorn sheep, providing a truly special meal. The meat was expertly prepared and cooked to perfection.
The judges considered themselves fortunate to be among the small group of people who have the opportunity to enjoy these unique and exceptional meats. The More Than Gatherers team delivered a beautiful presentation that felt truly special with garnishes they foraged themselves that morning. The Rouxsters impressed judges with empanadas with expertly prepared pastry and a sauce whose acidity perfectly balanced the richness of the dish.
Ultimately, for the second year in a row, the winning team was the National Wild Turkey Federation. Gubanich, remarked that if someone had simply described the dish beforehand, he would have been skeptical—but the execution won him over completely. The turkey remained the star of the dish, which is no small feat. Congratulations to the National Wild Turkey Federation!
The Wild Game Cookoff is our love letter to Lander, to good food, and to the wild places that feed us. Events like this remind us that conservation is about more than protecting wildlife and wild places—it's about celebrating the connections between people, place, and the food on our tables.
Thank you to our teams, judges, sponsors, volunteers, and everyone who joined us for another unforgettable evening. We can't wait to do it again next year.
