EDGEFIELD, S.C. — For the second consecutive year, volunteers from the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Wyoming Women in the Outdoors (WITO) Chapter proved they know a thing or two about wild turkey conservation — and wild turkey cuisine.
Competing against dishes featuring elk, mountain lion, bighorn sheep and other wild game, the Wyoming WITO Chapter captured top honors at the Wyoming Wildlife Federation’s annual Wild Game Cookoff, held during the Wyoming Outdoor Weekend in Lander.
The victory wasn’t just another trophy for the shelf. It was the culmination of a weekend dedicated to celebrating Wyoming’s outdoor heritage, connecting new audiences with conservation and showcasing the many ways wild game can bring people together.
“We were excited that we went back-to-back,” said Joan Eisemann, NWTF Wyoming State Chapter president. “There was mountain lion, elk, bighorn sheep and a bunch of other stuff, but we won with our wild turkey.”
The Wild Game Cookoff serves as the capstone event of Wyoming Outdoor Weekend, a free community gathering that celebrates wild food, wild places and the people who work to conserve them. Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in outdoor recreation opportunities, educational seminars, conservation-focused programming and hands-on activities designed to introduce people of all ages to Wyoming’s outdoor traditions.
This year’s winning dish showcased the versatility of wild turkey while elevating the presentation to championship status.
The team marinated and smoked wild turkey before serving it atop smoked sweet potato rounds topped with smoked gouda cheese. The dish was finished with a homemade honey barbecue sauce and paired with a refreshing cherry sorbet palate cleanser. The team prepared nearly 200 servings for attendees and judges throughout the event.
“We were the judges’ favorite,” Eisemann said. “We were two votes out from being the crowd favorite as well.”
Presentation also played a role in the chapter’s success. Volunteers served individual portions on patriotic-themed glass plates and incorporated veteran spurs into the display, creating a memorable presentation that complemented the food.
“I have to say, hands down, I think ours was the best tasting,” Eisemann said with a laugh.
While the cookoff may have drawn attention, much of the chapter’s impact happened elsewhere throughout the weekend.
On Friday, volunteers hosted a JAKES BB gun range that introduced hundreds of young participants to safe shooting sports in a fun and welcoming environment.
“We had the BB gun range there, and I think we went through 400 third- through sixth-graders,” Eisemann said.
The chapter also hosted a turkey-calling lesson and contest, giving participants the opportunity to learn about one of hunting’s most iconic traditions. The competition featured youth, teen and adult divisions, with young callers ultimately stealing the show.
“We had two adults, but the kids won hands down,” Eisemann said.
Every participant received an NWTF membership, while division winners earned turkey calls and additional prizes.
In addition to the calling contest, Eisemann led an educational seminar focused on wildturkeyDNA and research, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the bird that inspires the organization’s mission.
Events like Wyoming Outdoor Weekend demonstrate the many ways conservation organizations can connect with people who may never attend a banquet or participate in a hunt.
Whether introducing children to shooting sports, teaching wildlife science, sharing hunting traditions through turkey calling or showcasing the value of wild game at the dinner table, the Wyoming WITO Chapter created opportunities for people to engage with conservation in meaningful ways.
The chapter’s back-to-back cookoff victories certainly earned bragging rights.
“And then all the Game and Fish guys that have won two years in a row and got second place, now they get to bow down to us,” Eisemann joked.
Behind the friendly competition, however, lies something more important: a dedicated group of volunteers using every opportunity available to introduce people to wildlife, conservation and the outdoors.
From the BB gun range to the calling contest, from wildlife education to a championship-winning wild turkey recipe, the Wyoming WITO Chapter demonstrated how conservation comes full circle — from field to fork and from one generation to the next.
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 25 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. Since 2022, the NWTF has also invested over $2.3 million in critical wild turkey research that, when leveraged with partner contributions, has resulted in more than $22 million to guide the management of the wild turkey and to ensure sustainable populations. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale to create healthy forests and wildlife habitats, clean and abundant water, resilient communities and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF is committed to creating a nation united by the life-changing power of the outdoors.
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