Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park hopes to attract a crowd for its mounted squirrel hunt and squirrel cook-off Feb. 6.

In February, Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park invites everyone out for something new – a Mounted Squirrel Hunt and Squirrel Cook-off.

Tina Lawler, activities coordinator for the park, said they wanted to offer something to generate interest during the winter months, which are typically a slow time in the canyon.

The Mounted Squirrel Hunt will take place Feb. 6 from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hunters allowed to enter the park to hunt Thursday and Friday as well. Lawler said Alabama Hunting Laws will be strictly enforced. Hunters are permitted to bring small breed dogs, and they will be allowed to dismount to shoot.

Cost for non-campers will be $15; cost for campers at the park is $5.

The Squirrel Cook-off, to be held at the bear Creek Education Center at 2300 Overton Farm Road, is open to both hunters and non-hunters.

“We will have contestants, and they will be preparing their dishes,” Lawler said. Squirrel will be served up in three categories of dishes: dumplings, fried squirrel and “other,” like squirrel casserole or “whatever you can come up with to put the squirrel in,” Lawler said.

There is a $10 per dish entry fee.

Doors will open at 5 p.m. for the squirrel tasting, and cook-off winners will be people’s choice. Voters will get an entry ballot, and each contestant will have small servings prepared of each dish. There will also be live entertainment and a soup and chili dinner. “We know not everyone likes squirrel,” Lawler said. Entry fee for the public is $5.

A winner in each category and an overall winner will be announced at 7 p.m.

Lawler said if the mounted hunt and squirrel cook-off go well, the park hopes to offer the events every year.

For more information, call 205-935-3499.