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The dates for the Nutria Rodeo Swamp Safari Shootout 2023, to be held in Venice, Louisiana, have been set for Feb. 24-25.

The shooting event, which begins at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 and ends at the last weigh-in at Venice Marina (237 Sports Marina Rd, Venice, Louisiana 70091) on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 6:00 p.m., will recognize those that bring in the largest nutria killed, most nutria per boat and nutria toss. Other events include a nutria cornhole tournament and nutria basketball shot.

The competition, which is held to aid in the removal of environment-damaging nutria from the Mississippi River Delta, will award cash prizes for top teams in a number of categories. Largest nutria winner will receive $1000, and the team with the most nutria will receive $2000.

“You get to have a great time with your friends, plus the bonus of knowing you’re helping take care of something that is bigger than you and preserving it for future generations,” said Gabe Macormic, event organizer. “We wanted to keep this going for years to come, so all proceeds go toward wetland conservation to help build a sustainable coastline. We also work with the zoo sending them the dead nutria from the rodeo to help feed their animals with a natural diet.”

Early registration is $35 per boat for all three categories, with day-of registration $45. There is no limit to the number of team members per boat.  Hunters will be required to follow all Louisiana hunting rules and regulations. Hunters competing for most nutria must get a trapper’s license.

This year, with each boat comprising a team, additional prizes for best team name and best team costume will be awarded.  All prize winners will be required to pass a be a polygraph test.

A cookoff has been added to the 2023 rodeo. The details on the team competition are available at nutriarodeo.com.

The Venice Marina will serve food, including boiled crawfish, and alcohol all weekend. Live Cajun music will be performed both Friday and Saturday nights.

Information on the event is available at nutriarodeo.com.

 

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About the Nutria Rodeo

The Nutria Rodeo was revived by organizer Gabe Macormic in 2021. More than 8,300 acres of Louisiana marsh were damaged by nutria in 2021. In 2022, 62 teams participated in the rodeo, with 1,934 nutria removed from the Delta. “We started the Nutria Rodeo to help preserve the coastal wetlands that we love to hunt and fish on a daily basis. The nutria population was getting extremely out of control, and you could see the damage firsthand. It’s a really impactful way to do wetland conservation and help fight an invasive species,” said Macormic.