Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Offering Fur Trapping Opportunity on Marsh Island Refuge
Due to the increased nutria population on Marsh Island Refuge, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is seeking trappers to participate in a special opportunity to harvest nutria, and possibly other furbearer species, from the refuge.
The nutria population is negatively impacting the habitat and the department’s goal is to reduce habitat damage and loss on the Iberia Parish refuge.
A maximum of six trappers will be selected from applications received by the Feb. 15, 2013 deadline. Those selected will be authorized to hunt nutria on the refuge through March 31, 2013, and for the next three trapping seasons, provided they pass an annual harvest review.
Applicants must have a minimum of three years of trapping experience, necessary equipment and must belicensed in the Coastwide Nutria Control Program (CNCP). To review the application form and all requirements, go to the LDWF website file: http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/refuge/marsh-island-wildlife-refuge.
Application forms must be delivered or mailed to the following address to arrive by 4:30 p.m., Feb. 15, 2013:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Marsh Island Refuge Fur Trapper Applications
2415 Darnall Road
New Iberia, LA 70560
Attn: Leslie Campbell
Participants will be required to enroll in the Coastwide Nutria Control Program (CNCP), if they are not already. LDWF will not collect a percentage of the funds generated as a result of nutria tail collections and/or other permitted furbearer harvest.
Overnight accommodations (primitive camping or houseboats) and staging of boats (flats, surface drives, etc.) at the refuge will be permitted to improve hunter efficiency. But boat storage and overnight camping/mooring will be permitted on an “as available” basis. Hunting/trapping activities will be permitted during the trapping season (November 20 – March 31).
For more information on Marsh Island Refuge nutria trapping opportunities or to obtain an application, contact Tyson Crouch or Cassidy Lejeune at 337-373-0032 or tcrouch@wlf.la.gov or clejeune@wlf.la.gov.