World Champion Squirrel Cook Off set for September in northwest Arkansas

SPRINGDALE, Ark. – The 2025 World Champion Squirrel Cook Off being hosted in northwest Arkansas is right around the corner.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission officials said up to 40 three-person cooking teams will be firing up their grills on Sept. 13 at 9 a.m. The event is being held at the Ozark Highlands Nature Center at 3400 North 40th Street in Springdale.

Joe Wilson, who AGFC officials said is behind this event, highlighted some dishes visitors might see at the competition.

“Squirrel is about as organic and free-range as it gets,” Wilson said. “Anyone who’s cooked it knows it is nearly the perfect protein for just about any cooking style. We’ve had Mexican dishes, Southern-fried concoctions, Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and even some dishes cooked up by two Jewish ladies for the event. I don’t think it was technically kosher, but it was definitely good.”

After teams start grilling at 9 a.m., they will start presenting their dishes to judges at noon.

AGFC officials said the event will also include the World Champion Squirrel Skinning Contest as well as the World’s Hottest Squirrel Eating Competition.

“We don’t have all the details yet on what we’ll be serving up, but no one will leave with an empty stomach, I can promise you that,” Wilson said. “And none of the foods we cook here are the kinds of things you can buy in any store.”

Game and Fish officials noted that for those gathering ingredients that the Arkansas squirrel season runs from May 15 to Feb. 28.

AGFC officials said more information can be found on the World Champion Squirrel Cook Off Facebook page.