September 12, 2019

Question: I am a member of a non-profit group that’s considering a “Wild Game Cookoff” where hunters and/or cooks would bring wild game to cook and sell to the public. Tickets would be sold and people could taste dishes prepared at the event. There would be judging and awards for the best dishes. I am concerned that distributing or selling any wild game caught by recreational hunters might be against Fish and Game regulations. Could you advise us as to the legality of such an event? (Dwain)

Answer: Thank you for asking about this before holding your event! You are correct that it is not legal to buy, sell or barter game meat. Therefore, using sport-caught wild game and/or fish for a fundraiser event where people are required to purchase a ticket to participate would not be legal. The public would, in effect, be “purchasing” sport-caught game at your event. Separating the fundraising from the distribution or tasting of the wild game meat dishes would be allowed. For example, you may consider asking for donations, charging for parking or charging to vote on a favorite dish, while allowing the wild game meat to be tasted by all attendees for free. Also keep in mind that the recreational hunters and anglers who participate must also donate the meat they provide and cannot accept monetary compensation from the non-profit, including award checks for winning the contest. Your event sounds like it could be a lot of fun and a great way to introduce people to some great-tasting wild game.