#LouisianaNutriaFest
#LouisianaNutriaFest
#LouisianaNutriaFest
#LouisianaNutriaFest
2026
LNF Recap
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisiana Nutria Fest Sets New Records with 1,109 Nutria Removed
Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana — The Louisiana Nutria Fest (LNF) delivered its biggest and most impactful year to date, combining conservation, community celebration, and competition into a weekend that drew thousands of attendees and produced record-breaking results in the fight against Louisiana’s destructive invasive species. A total of 22 teams, including both airboat and non-airboat divisions, competed and harvested an unprecedented 1,109 nutria. The effort represents a meaningful environmental impact, as nutria severely damage marshlands and coastal ecosystems throughout south Louisiana. More than 20 nutria weighed over 20 pounds, and the tournament’s 2026 Grand Champion, VeniceRiverHouse.com - Money Shot, harvested the largest animal tipping the scale at 21.58 pounds. Invasive Exterminators, led by Shane Shelly and social media influencer Stalekracker, earned 1st Place in the Airboat Division at 440 nutria and Ratatouille Slaughterhouse, led by Brandon Ivey won the Non-Airboat Division with 234.“ This event continues to grow because it matters — to the marsh, to the community, and to Louisiana’s outdoor heritage,” said Robbie Carter. “What started as a fun competition has become a serious conservation effort with real impact.”
Festival activities extended beyond the hunt, including the crowd-favorite nutria toss competitions, where Robert Carter V captured the Boys Division title with a throw of 32 feet, 3 inches; Brynly Newby won the Girls Division at 31 feet, 4 inches; Shelly Griggers claimed the Women’s Division with 47 feet, 2 inches; and Matt Mercer led the Men’s Division with a 73-foot, 3-inch throw. The Plaquemines Parish Seafood Festival Queens were also in attendance, including Queen Kadence Johnson, Teen Queen Brynly Newby, and Pearl Demi Panepinto, as families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts gathered throughout the day, turning the weigh-in and festivities into a true coastal community celebration.
LNF awarded a total payout of $18,815 CASH to participating teams. Team VeniceRiverHouse.com - Money Shot led the event with a $7,500 in winnings
followed by Invasive Exterminators and Ratatouille Slaughterhouse at $2,900 each, and Rat Racers at $2,270. Additional payouts included #Hodappsux and Rat Immigration and Customs Enforcement with $1,000 each, and SilencerCo at $270.
The culinary cook-off showcased local flavor and creativity, with teams Up The Road Rats, Gator Rats, Jerry’s Boyz, Beach Rats, and Swamp Rats competing. Gator Rats, led by Chef Bill Butler, earned both Grand Champion and Judges Award honors, while Beach Rats, led by Chef Mike Carbo, received Best Decorated Booth. The continued growth of Louisiana Nutria Fest is made possible through strong community and industry support, including Presenting Sponsor Egenberg Trial Lawyers and supporting sponsors A-Game, Silencer Co., Outlaw Beer, and Brown Water Banter, with representatives from Silencer Co. on site presenting competitors with silencer give-a-ways.
Beyond competition, the event directly supports marsh protection efforts in coastal Louisiana. Nutria cause extensive erosion by feeding on marsh vegetation and root systems, accelerating land loss in one of the nation’s most vulnerable coastal regions. The removal of more than a thousand animals in a single event marks a meaningful contribution toward habitat preservation. With record participation, record harvest numbers, and expanding community involvement, Louisiana Nutria Fest continues to evolve from a local tournament into a signature conservation event, proving that outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and Louisiana culture can work hand-in-hand.
