Louisiana Fur Advisory Council
The primary goals of the Louisiana Fur Advisory Council are:
- To educate the public regarding the need for trapping as a sound wildlife management tool and regarding the logic of managing furbearing species as renewable resources.
- To identify the current consumers of Louisiana furs.
- To identify present and potential Louisiana fur marketing problems, obstacles, and related significant issues.
- To strengthen existing markets and develop new markets and marketing strategies for raw and finished Louisiana fur products.
- To develop and implement an international advertising campaign to promote the utilization of raw and finished Louisiana fur products.
- To examine, evaluate, and make recommendations concerning any aspect of the fur industry including habitat management, harvest, and marketing which will enhance the future of the industry and perpetuate the conservation of these species.
Upcoming Meetings
Meetings are open to the public.
Louisiana Fur Advisory Council Meeting
Date to be announced
LDWF Lafayette
200 Dulles Drive
Lafayette, LA 70506
Louisiana Fur Advisory Council Members
Frank Ellender
207 Hamner Dr.
Houma, Louisiana 70364
fellender@bellsouth.net
Term: 05/03/22 –05/02/26
John G. Verret Jr.
2253 Brady Rd.
Theriot, LA. 70397
captjverret@hotmail.com
Term: 10/10/22- 10/09/26
3255 Hwy 384
Bell City, LA 70630
Home: 337-598-2574
Southwest Louisiana Representative
Term: 05/03/22 –05/02/26
Chairman
203 Natashi St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
337-417-0424
ryansschaefer@gmail.com
Southeast Louisiana Representative
Term: 05/03/22 –05/02/26
Statewide Representative
Term: 01/14/25 – 01/13/29
32 East River Road
Glenmore, LA 71433
clintj2010.cj@gmail.com
North Louisiana Representative
Term: 05/03/22 –05/02/26
Vice Chairman
170 Thomas Street
Sarepta, LA 71071
318-423-7860
mahoward@centurytel.net
Senate Designee
Term: 07/14/22– 07/13/26
946 West River Road
Oakdale, LA 71463
318-481-2780
dperry@perryfurs.net
https://www.perryfurs.net/
House Designee
Term: 05/05/23– 11/24/24
Trapper Education
2025 hands-on workshops to be announced soon.
All LDWF education events can be found at https://louisianaoutdoors.com/events.
Online Trapper Course
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has partnered with the Louisiana Trappers and Alligator Hunters Association and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to provide a free, voluntary online trapper education course.
This course covers important topics such as Louisiana trapping regulations, best management practices, and trapping safety. It provides context for today’s trapping industry with a section dedicated to the history of trapping and a section on the role that trapping plays in furbearer and land management. It provides practical instructions on running a trap-line and covers the various types of traps and their uses as well as other trapping equipment. The last unit introduces the participant to the market value of furbearers and touches upon the processing of the fur, meat, and glands. A list of licensed Louisiana fur dealers is also included to assist new trappers entering the industry.
Trapper education is not mandatory in Louisiana, but the information provided in this free course can help current trappers improve their knowledge or provide new trappers with the basic background of the industry. The purpose of this course is to increase active trapper numbers, provide basic trapping knowledge, and teach ethical and law-abiding behavior, as well as to instill public confidence and maintain public support for trapping as a wildlife management tool.
Trapping Benefits
Sustainable, renewable and biodegradable, fur has been an important textile for centuries. But beyond that, trapping benefits everyone directly or indirectly, whether it’s those in the fur industry that make a livelihood from the harvesting of the resource, the property owners that benefit from the management of wildlife, or the naturalist who values the protection of habitat and endangered species. Trapping is a tool at the base of an ancient industry and is invaluable to wildlife management. Knowing its value and the processes involved will hopefully bring an understanding between those involved with trapping and the general public. Benefits include habitat management, overpopulation and disease control, endangered species and migratory bird protection:
Habitat Management
Managers with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries along with biologists, hunters, and trappers work to maintain a balance in nature. Species, which are underpopulated, are protected. Species, which are overpopulated, are carefully and humanely controlled.
Furbearers with high populations can cause damage to public and private lands. Beavers cause about $400 million in damages annually in the U.S. by flooding roads and bridges, ruining timber, and spoiling crops. One river otter in a crawfish pond can cause $300 worth of damage per week. Trapping is an effective, humane, and cost efficient method to remove excess individuals.
Additionally, trapping can help manage invasive species that endanger entire habitats. In Louisiana, nutria have threatened valuable coastal wetlands. Nutria can denude large tracks of vegetation, leaving the marsh susceptible to erosion and salt water incursion. Louisiana's wetlands are home to hundreds of species of plants and animals, and the loss of this habitat affects a wide ecosystem. Trapping is the primary method of controlling nutria population.
Overpopulation and Disease Control
Nature's way of controlling species is often cruel and includes slow starvation and diseases, such as red mange, distemper, and rabies. When species become overpopulated, disease can spread rapidly and is fueled by starvation. Trapping can aid in disease control, providing benefits to both wildlife and human populations. Hunting and trapping are quick and humane methods for culling that can leave stronger and healthier populations and habitats.
Endangered Species and Migratory Bird Protection
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Louisiana Fur and Pelt Handling
Fur Harvesters Auction has a saying: You can't turn a $10 pelt into a $100 pelt, but you can easily turn a $100 pelt into a $10 pelt. Learning to care for fur from the beginning of the fur harvesting process can make a big difference in success and profits. Fortunately, some of the larger fur auction houses offer fur handling manuals.
An important factor for optimizing fur value is to harvest furbearers when the fur is prime, meaning that the coat is full, soft, and dense. This generally happens mid-winter and varies somewhat by species and location. The trapping season in Louisiana extends beyond the prime period, so Louisiana trappers should consider utilizing a shorter season to optimize profits. Coastal Louisiana furs should be collected after December 1st.
2025 Louisiana Furs Workshops:
To be announced soon
Fur and Pelt Handling Resources:
Nutria Fur Grading
- All measurements are taken from bottom of lip on front (belly) to squared off at bottom.
- A measurement is also done on the back if the nutria measured even 26".
The back measurement has to be 26" from the bottom of the eye. - This is also done on an even 23”, the back measurement has to be 23” from the bottom of the eye.
Grades: - Large 26" and up
- Med 23" up to 26"
- Small 20"up to 23"
- Under 20" Kit Nutria
- 26" up Pinhole (slightly damaged) with one or two hole in belly, no larger than a quarter, this was downgraded to a Medium price
- 23" up to 26" Pinhole, with one or two hole in belly, no larger than a quarter, this was downgraded to a Small price
- 20" up to 23" Pinhole, with one or two hole in belly, no larger than a quarter, this was downgraded to a Kit
- 23" up to 26" Flat and Damaged
- 20 up to 23 " Flats and Damaged
Shipping Louisiana Furs Out of State: Shipping Tags
- When shipping any of the following Louisiana furs/pelts out of state, there must be a shipping tag attached:
*Muskrat *Nutria *Opossum *Raccoon *Mink *Skunk *Beaver *Grey Fox *Red Fox *Otter *Bobcat
Additionally, CITES tags are required for bobcat and otter. - Shipping tags can be obtained by requesting them in person, by mail, or by phone.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
200 Dulles Dr.
Lafayette, LA 70506
Office: 337-735-8689 - Shipping tags are issued specifically to the requesting trapper and are NOT transferable.
- The top portion of the shipping tag must be attached to the pelt or bag containing pelts.
- The bottom portion of the shipping tag must be returned to LDWF Lafayette Office.
- Severance taxes are no longer required; however, you must still report exact number of pelts being shipped.
- Return the completed tag to:
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
200 Dulles Dr.
Lafayette, LA 70506
Office: 337-735-8672 - Please be aware that the process of receiving possession and CITES tags takes approximately 2-3 weeks, depending on USPS. Do not wait until the day before shipping fur to request tags. The only way same day tags are issued is in person by appointment at the Lafayette Office.
- Any unused/damaged CITES and shipping tags should be returned to LDWF at the end of the season.
- Any lost CITES and shipping tags should be reported to LDWF.
Possession Tags for Bobcat and Otter
- Possession tags are only required for bobcat and otter and should accompany the pelt and may be attached to the pelt.
- Possession tags may be picked up in person at the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Lafayette Office or mailed using USPS.
- To receive your tags by way of USPS, please call 337-735-8672. Be sure to state how many otter possession tags are needed and how many bobcat possession tags are needed.
- Once you receive the possession tags, completely and legibly fill out every line.
- Unreadable or missing information will not be processed by Wildlife and Fisheries.
- Next, return the possession tags to the LDWF office in person or mail them to:
Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
200 Dulles Dr.
Lafayette, LA 70506 - Once LDWF receives the possession tags, CITES tags may be issued.
- Possession tags do not expire and should be requested in advance of trapping season.
CITES Tags for Bobcat and Otter
- A CITES tag will be issued for each completed and properly filled out possession tag returned to LDWF.
- CITES tags and shipping tags are required for all otter and bobcat being shipped out of state
- CITES tags are issued specifically to the requesting trapper and may not be transferred to another person.
- Once an otter or bobcat pelt is ready for shipment, a CITES tag must be properly and securely placed on the pelt.
How to Properly Attach CITES Tag
Shipping Louisiana Furs Internationally
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General FAQ’s about shipping Louisiana furs internationally can be found here: http://www.fws.gov/le/commercial-wildlife-shipment.html
First, you must obtain a shipping license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This can be done by filling out form 3-200-3 and paying the fee. This can take several weeks to process. Form 3-200-3a can be found here: https://www.fws.gov/le/pdf/3-200-3a.pdf Shipments must be sent through a designated port. The nearest port is New Orleans. The contact information is below. You may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife office at the ports ahead of time to ensure you have your paperwork in order. New Orleans, LA
2424 Edenborn, Room 100 Metairie, Louisiana 70001 Phone: (504) 219-8870 Other ports with their contact information are listed at: http://www.fws.gov/le/designated-ports.html All shipments containing wildlife parts (Louisiana fur or other) must be declared and then cleared with the USFWS port office using form 3-177. These forms (primary form, continuation page, and instructions) can be found here: http://www.fws.gov/le/declaration-form-3-177.html If you are shipping a CITES animal (bobcat or otter) you must also have form 3-200-26 filled out with your CITES tag information. CITES tags are issued from LDWF at our New Iberia Field Office, please call 337-373-0032. Cites tags and form 3-200-26 are both required for shipping CITES animals. Some ports may require you to pack your CITES animals separately from your other furs. Form 3-200-26 can be found at: http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-26.pdf Ensure you have the proper paperwork for the country you are exporting to.Please contact USFWS during normal business hours at the below contact information with any questions: Wildlife Inspector U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement 2424 Edenborn Ave. Suite 100 Metairie, LA 70001 504-219-8870 |
Louisiana Fur Industry Contacts
Louisiana Fur Dealers
Perry Fur
946 West River Road
Oakdale, LA 71463
318-794-6640
R.P. Trapping
J. Randall Gallaspy
P.O. Box 1170
505 Polk St.
Mansfield, LA 71052
318-872-4122
rpsports@bellsouth.net
Pitre Fur Company
Tab Pitre
18076 Hwy 3235
Galliano, LA 70354
985-258-0355
985-632-4017 fax
peatree@myviscom.com
V.I.S. Company
Edwin Orphys
508 Keeneland Dr
Madisonville, LA 70447
985-845-0125
Tanneries
Moyle Mink & Tannery
374 South West
Heyburn, Idaho 83336
886-826-3877
info@moyle.net
www.moyle.net
Rocky Mountain Tanners
4965 S. Broadway,
Englewood, CO 80113
303-293-2882
www.rockymountaintanners.com
USA Foxx & Furs
29 W. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
800-872-6399
info@usafoxx.com
www.usafoxx.com
Sebring Custom Tanning
429 Webster Turn Drive
Sebring Airport
Sebring, FL 33870
Phone: 863-655-1600
sebcu@strato.net
www.sebringcustomtanning.com
Manufacturers
Raffaele Custom Furs
7602 Old Hammond Hwy
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
225-926-0121
Tchoup Industries
1115 Saint Mary Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-872-0726
hello@tchoupindustries.com
www.tchoupindustries.com
Colby Hebert
The Cajun Hatter
547 Jefferson Street
Lafayette, LA 70501
337-703-4736
www.colbyhebert.com
USA Foxx & Furs
29 W. Superior St.
Duluth, MN 55802
800-872-6399
info@usafoxx.com
http://www.usafoxx.com
Angry Gator Leather Co.
79569 Hwy 41
Bush, LA 70431
www.angrygatorleather.com/
Skull Cleaning
General Preparation
- Skin the head and remove as much flesh as possible with knives or dental picks, taking care not to scratch bone surfaces with the tools. The greater amount of flesh that is removed, the shorter the processing time will be.
- Remove as much of the brain tissue as possible. Soaking the skull overnight in warm water will soften this tissue. A wire loop is a good tool for removing brain tissue.
Cold Water Method
Hot Water Method
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Dermestid Beetle Method
- After fleshing the skull, allow it to air dry in a cool place for a day or two.
- Put the skull in a box or bucket with wood shavings or other loose material such as cotton or polyester batting and the dermestid beetle colony. A screen can be placed over the box to keep the beetles from escaping. If a closed bucket is used, create air holes for the beetles.
- The ideal temperature is about 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- A large enough colony should be used so that the skull can be cleaned before the meat goes rancid.
- Beetle colonies can be kept alive between skull cleanings by feeding them dry dog food.
The beetle method is generally very easy on the skull and the teeth do not loosen. Maintaining the correct sized colony can be challenging.
Bleaching and Preserving
- Air-dried skulls can be left natural or bleached for a whiter, brighter look.
- Bleaching should be done with a 3% to 6% hydrogen peroxide solution for up to two to three days.
- After soaking in peroxide, rinse with clean water and allow the skull to dry.
- Skulls can be sprayed with a clear polyurethane finish.
Nutria Meat and Recipes
Chef Philippe Parola: "The fact that nutria eat strictly roots and plants in their natural habitat makes the nutritional value of the meat attractive to consumers. Nutria is rich in protein, low in carbohydrates, has virtually no fat, and has absolutely no game taste."
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Nutritional Value
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Nutria
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Chicken
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Beef
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Turkey
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Protein
g/100g |
22.1
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21.4
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16.6
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21.8
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Fat
g/100g |
1.5
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3.1
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26.6
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2.9
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Carbohydrates
g/100g |
zero
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zero
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zero
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zero
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Cholesterol
g/100g |
40.1
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70
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85
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65
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Skinning and Cooking Nutria
Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Community Outreach
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Louisiana Fur Advisory Council strive to promote public understanding of Louisiana's natural resources, including the role of wildlife populations in Louisiana's ecosystems. LDWF is charged with the responsibility of managing and protecting Louisiana's abundant natural resources, including renewable wildlife resources and their supporting habitats.
LDWF and the Fur Council participate in events such as National Hunting and Fishing Day, Wildlife Celebration, the Louisiana Fur and Wildlife Festival, and Step Outside Day. Children and adults alike respond with enthusiasm to the show-and-tell displays provided at such events.
School Presentations
Classroom visits give students an opportunity to focus on Louisiana's native species. Students have the opportunity to touch and handle furs, skulls, and other wildlife products. Touching a live alligator is an exciting way to close a presentation.
For more information about outreach opportunities, contact Tanya Sturman at tsturman@wlf.la.gov.
Louisiana Furbearer Profiles
Learn more about the Louisiana’s furbearers that help make Louisiana unique: beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, otter, raccoon, and the striped skunk.
