Thank You For Making The 2026 Taste of The Wild, Wildly Successful!

Taste of the Wild 2026: A Night to Celebrate Conservation, Community & Cuisine

What an incredible night! The 2026 Taste of the Wild was a tremendous success, and we are still feeling the energy, generosity, and community spirit that filled the room.

From the moment the doors opened, it was clear this event was something special. Friends, neighbors, conservation advocates, and wildlife supporters from across the Gunnison Valley came together to celebrate local conservation while enjoying an unforgettable evening of food, drink, and connection. This year marked the first time the Gunnison Wildlife Association has taken on hosting Taste of the Wild, and thanks to your incredible support, it was a resounding success. We are excited to carry this event forward as GWA’s annual fundraiser for years to come.

Thank You to Our Attendees

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who attended. Your presence, enthusiasm, and support are what make this event possible. Every door prize ticket purchased and donation made, directly supports the Gunnison Wildlife Association’s mission to protect and enhance wildlife habitat and public lands in our region. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to conservation.

A Huge Thanks to Our Sponsor

We extend our heartfelt thanks to The Bona Team who helped make Taste of the Wild 2026 possible. Your financial support plays a critical role in ensuring the success of this event and the work we do year-round.

Celebrating Our Incredible Cooks

Taste of the Wild would not be what it is without the talented chefs and cooks who generously donated their time, creativity, and skill. The dishes showcased this year were nothing short of spectacular, highlighting wild game, local flavors, and culinary craftsmanship that truly set this event apart.

Thank you to our 2026 cooks: Kendall Bergemeister, Trent Bona, Mike & Josh Busse, Austin Burke, Hannah Cranor-Kersting, Caroline Czenkush, Patrick Duke, Dylan Eimer, Bryan Hess, Paul Planer, Shannon Roy, Jeremiah Rummel

Gratitude for Our Donors

We also want to recognize the individuals and businesses who donated wild game meat, door prize items, and monetary contributions. Your generosity helped make this year’s fundraiser a standout success and directly supports GWA conservation initiatives throughout the Gunnison Basin.

Thank you to our 2026 meat donors: Keith Carson, Connor Clark, Erin Croke, Brannon East, Steve Guerrieri, John Kesler, Evan Sandstrom

Thank you to our 2026 donors: Buckel Family Wine, Carbon Limb Training, Clayton BonDurant, Eagle Claw, Erin Croke, Gene Taylors, High Alpine Brewing Co., John Kesler, Midway USA, MindyLand, Paul Planer, Prois Hunting, Project Upland, Traders Rendezvous, Tributary Coffee, Vortex Optics

Thank You to Our Community Vendors

We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to this year’s community vendors who hosted booths and shared information about their organizations and the important work they do. Featuring local nonprofits and community partners added an extra layer of connection and impact to the evening. We are grateful to each organization that took the time to be part of Taste of the Wild and help highlight the strength, collaboration, and generosity that define our community.

Thank you to our 2026 community vendors: Colorado Parks & Wildlife, Gunnison Food Pantry, High Country Health, Homestead Hut, Mountain Roots

Looking Ahead

Taste of the Wild is more than an event — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together around shared values. Because of your support, GWA can continue advocating for wildlife, habitat conservation, and responsible stewardship of our public lands.

Thank you for being part of Taste of the Wild 2026. We can’t wait to see you again next year.

— Gunnison Wildlife Association