Giant SWAMP RATS Destroy 100,000 Acres of Wetlands Annually

In this video we used an airboat to hunt invasive nutria rats. I cooked up the nutria into street tacos for a delicious catch and cook meal.
Go to www.visitstbernard.com to plan your trip to St. Bernard Parish
Visit www.thewharfonbienvenue.com to plan your trip to the wetlands.

[@walksthesehills]

I took an airboat ride somewhere in Louisiana yrs. ago . The captain pointed out these rats, said there was once an industry for trapping them and selling the pelts. Said the tree huggers or peta ,or some organization raised so much hell about it, trapping was outlawed. So when the rats started taking over, the state made it legal to shoot and kill, leave it laying, or whatever. That is a good example of govt. insanity.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yes the fur trade has been dead for a long time

[@allenferry9632]

Would you expect anything else from the government.

[@oranstelly5393]

Don't knock it, but be part of the crowd......

[@Wheelinhunter1776]

Example of tree hugger insanity.

[@walksthesehills]

@@Wheelinhunter1776 And Government insanity to cater to there bullshit.

[@pwrplnt1975]

That 17 YO kid shot 11667 Nutria to make 70k!!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

That’s crazy right?

[@reb1050]

I remember a neighbor I had when I was growing up in Southwest Arkansas. He was a veterinarian and he set up a concrete enclosure and started raising nutria. I guess he was raising them for the pelts. I have no clue what he ended up doing with them but a year later, he had the enclosure torn down. That was back in the 60's. I also remember coming across nutria in some of the river bottoms I deer hunted in back in the late 80's and 90's.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yeah the pelts used to have some value. They are also great pets

[@davidpriestley8722]

Looks like the boat does more damage... looks great fun.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@Lonewolf_1776]

If I was to move to LA I would never have buy meat from the grocery store again. Are you guys accepting "Yankees" that stand for the flag and kneel for the cross? Lol

[@OutsidetheLevees]

We got lots of em. Cmon down

[@joshuabuckley362]

I need todo this! Been in Louisiana for 3 years now and I feel like I haven't experienced it all.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It’s legit for sure

[@johnchalkley1380]

Another great video Jared, a great variety and opportunities of hunting you have over there. Again thanks and safe travels mate

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thank you so much for the support

[@Dodds_Dirtbikes]

Damn that looks fun! Grandpa is a hell of a shot!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

He’s the man!

[@duckbrian7973]

Air boats and nutria whacking is going on my bucket list. Jared you got me a long list to get done lol.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Dude it’s so fun

[@gregchambers6100]

Oh yeah. Yummy. This SoCal/New Mexico boy totally approves of your tacos!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Hell yeah. That’s high praise

[@Will7981]

Gosh at $6/ rat tail. You could earn some real money it sounds like hunting Nutra Rats.

[@johnchance2340]

Right! Might have chosen the wrong career path. Lol

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It’s fun too!

[@arthurbrumagem3844]

At least it will pay for your fuel and bullets IF you are a good shot

[@codirtbiker75]

Thank you Jared! It was so much fun watching this video. Cannot wait for the next one! Never been to LA but would love the chance to shoot something other than prairie dogs in CO!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thank you so much for the support I should have one coming out in a day or so

[@larrystephens7437]

That is some impressive shooting with that little 22. Looked like a lot of fun too. Are we going to see Nutra Toco's on the Fish Shack menu soon?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

I will try but I don’t think Rachel is a fan lol

[@TheFishShackLady]

If times get hard in St.Bernard we will add it🤣

[@TrashPanda71]

I'm disabled in a wheelchair and don't get to hunt, but this looks like alot of fun, no trying to wheel in thick woods. Just ride and shoot. Maybe one day.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yes it would be great for you!

[@sully3acr]

You had better buy that man a beer! Holy SH!$ he was hot on that lever gun!!!! Great vid! Thank you!!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Lol. He’s the man

[@youroutdoors5453]

Looks like a blast on that airboat, when that guy pulled his rifle up right next to your face, I was HOLY CRAP what was he thinking, stay on his side of the boat. Another great video and those tacos looked tasty.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching!

[@wornoutallover]

I used to Bullseye Wamp Rats in my T-16 back home. There not much bigger than two meters.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

We went Jedi on them rats!

[@Tassiedevil287]

It’s crazy some of the species our ancestors introduced years ago I am from Australia and we have many species that was introduced that we are still paying for now . Great video mate .

[@johnblais2065]

Some people get all the fun

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Come down to St Bernard I promise you can have fun too!

[@DavidEllisYawtYawt]

Heck yea

[@OutsidetheLevees]

My man!

[@someonewhocares5712]

thanks again for sharing

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Appreciate you

[@ericbritchie]

Definitely does not look like Muskrat meat, way too pale. Would love to try it!

[@jimyost2585]

There are KZbin videos and various articles on the internet saying that the Vietnamese and Korean chefs can make delicacy food from rat meat. I wonder if it's true.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yes they do in Nigeria as well

[@philipb6797]

What shot shells were you using and do they have to be steel shot when shooting nutria in the marsh?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

2 shot some 4 shot. Always steel

[@michaelmosley254]

I think pawpaw might of been telling one he was shooting that leaver action golden A like a big dog

[@nwmacguy]

@@OutsidetheLevees, excellent video! What did you find best for locating steel shot in the meat? I like a pin pointer metal detector and a fishing magnet. When not using shotgun rifle shooting them with that CCI Copper-22lr or TNT Green (22mag or 17HMR) would do the trick. I use the latter in watershed areas or other areas that mandate lead-free.

[@Lifeguard_Motivation]

When Gordon Ramsay’s creativity is called for making use of these swamp rat meats....The ample amount of surplus swamp rat meat is disguised as chicken nuggets an eating facility....Could be outright possible!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Well said my friend

[@sandraherdman3783]

I TRAPPED THOSE MUSKRATS WHEN I. WAS A KID,I GOT 4 Buck,,s a piece, made ABOUT 400 a winter cno bad for 14 years old

[@OutsidetheLevees]

That's awesome memories right there

[@travishopkins9719]

That old guy is lethal with that .22!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

For real lol

[@cinaannie7338]

I have a question: how long were you guys actually out there shooting these things from the first one shot until the last? I'm just curious because I know that y'all stop the video when there is nothing around... You know... Like the fishing shows? 😊

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Couple hours

[@Rva1Up]

Whacking Raticates is crazy work

[@AmericaProud]

I want to learn more about this. Where can I get that info. Duck season ends here at freeze up in early to mid-october. That's a great excuse to hook up the Beavertail Mud Boat and head south.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yep it lasts all the way till March and there are public hunting opportunities. Look up Salvador WMA

[@pwrplnt1975]

The older dude was a good shot he's doing some serious damage on those rats with a .22! I wanna go out and do that it looks like a blast! At 6 bucks a tail hopefully they'll get them under control soon! They're ruining marshes and marshes are detrimental to the ecosystem!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Unfortunately we can’t keep up with them but every hunt helps

[@joshuaweber7044]

More air boat hunt video s please that's great wish I was close enough to hunt those

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Need an airboat sponsor lol

[@rickylain9483]

Man, i think that would be funner than a dove hunt in west Texas. Great video, thanks

[@kdkulhanek]

I am west texas dove hunter, and this looks wayyyyy more fun

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Trade ya!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Never been sounds fun tho

[@oranstelly5393]

@@OutsidetheLevees yeah with 2 shotguns and case of shells in West or south Texas, all good 👍

[@sharongoodsell9341]

I like guys out there doing what needs to be done ,, Rats I woke in the Australian bush and the dam things were eating my bedsheets while sleeping , they even nested in he double base section , we burnt the paddock and they ran everywhere , disgusting things

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Amen. Thanks for watching

[@jangoossens3223]

That aren't rats!! They only eat grass or things like that. The only bad things they do, is making there nests in the shore. You can eat them. Prepare like rabbit

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@ftargr]

i see the young man using a shotgun. are there regulations about what type of firearm, or rimfire is just preferred for the cost of ammo? thanks for the video

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Not to my knowledge but best to check regs

[@josephlester3608]

Can you make cold weather gear from the fur?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It used to be very popular but real fur clothing is rare now

[@rata2enight934]

looks like a good day out and they are a good bit bigger than i get keep at em (uk)

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@dsimon966]

I used to bullseye womp rats it my T-16 back home. But, that was a long time ago.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

My fav comment. Love Star Wars

[@pinky2502]

I hope them pythons down in Florida don't ever make it to LA but if they do they will go wild on them nutria

[@OutsidetheLevees]

I doubt it. It gets much colder here

[@mollywobbleflips3856]

I wanna do this so bad my dude

[@OutsidetheLevees]

We are working on getting some charter hunts together. Stay tuned

[@rickstanfield1966]

Man I would love that swamp rat ❤i would definitely try it and would love to shoot some

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thank you!

[@pettyfogger2305]

Wondering how much putting a bullet hole in the airboat cos6s,

[@OutsidetheLevees]

More than I would like to find out lol

[@peterparsons7141]

6 bucks apiece ! That’s not to bad, help pay gas and shotgun shells.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Right?!

[@sukirnohuntingvlog6528]

special master👍👍👍👍

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thank you!

[@charleshull5055]

Older guy needs more muzzle control, he’s dangerous.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

He don’t listen

[@vphls]

Dang I thought I was going to see you guys hunting real Swamp Rats

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Lol. Thanks for watching g

[@irishtrapper1961]

Would the alligators not do a job on those?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

They try

[@peterjeffery1854]

some of those are monster rats its good to see you don't wast meat how ever you get it

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@mohunter68]

Looks like a helluva blast! I'm not squeemish, I'd eat the crap out of that nutria rat tacos. The fella on the front of the boat with the lever action rifle made me nervous a couple times.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching!

[@stacyreid5077]

Need to BBQ it slap some sauce on it mixed with some wild hog piglets BBQ shredded meat then put in a loving warm bun

[@OutsidetheLevees]

You can’t just grill it, it gets too tough/dry like most wild meats. You can smoke for a while then go to the pressure cooker. Thanks for watching!

[@13daniel1974]

Cool thing is that you can eat a pest and get paid for doing it.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Lol. That’s a good way of putting it

[@joaomarcos7394]

ah good in herenbrasil our metesthis rats is good

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@allenrodriguez9885]

What about setting traps with food at night also

[@OutsidetheLevees]

You can set traps in their trails

[@jakethetool698]

Not to mention playing whack a mole all day long

[@OutsidetheLevees]

For real

[@fabiostrogulski9262]

Não sabia que nos EUA tinham panelas de pressão pra cozinha, ela é uma verdadeira ajuda na hora de cozinhar!

[@war2030]

Aqui tem tudo.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yes pressure cookers are very good

[@jimgorycki4013]

My co-workers were watching Swamp People today. I told them there was a bounty for the nutria swamp rats. I don't remember how much they paid you just bring them in and they pay you. Grandpa has a cool accent.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@myag8467]

Gramps is not a safe gun handler.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Can’t tell him nothing

[@colinnickerson446]

I don't have the patience to watch somebody have to fire 4 shots everytime to finally hit.....Wow he's just brutal!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Lol. It wasn’t that bad

[@peaceandlove5214]

Are they real rats?

[@homerotriay2663]

Ustedes les llaman GRANDES RATAS ??. En ARGENTINA las conicemos como NUTRIAS, comestibles, carne blanca, sabrosa, su piel se usa en ropas de abrigo ( tapados ).

[@OutsidetheLevees]

They are called nutria rats or just nutria. I wouldn’t say white meat but good meat. Thanks for watching!

[@joanneganon7157]

Hey Jared, I think if I didn't see a pile of Rats I would try it We call them Party Barges . Glad you had a good time,🌞. JO JO IN VT 💞💨❄️☃️

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It’s def a party barge lol. Thanks for watching

[@martykitson3442]

he misses with that marlin throw it away, in fact throw it my way 😁 1shot made meat, 2 shots might eat 3rd shot went home hungry. Well that marlin is putting them where he points it, I ever get down your way be happy to help make soup out of a few of those! I'll help you eat it too 🤠👍👍👍

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yes indeed! Thanks for watching

[@reapthewhirlwind6915]

Something cool about some dudes hunting giant rats reminds me of fallout or the apocalypse in general

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Lol. Thanks man

[@reapthewhirlwind6915]

@@OutsidetheLevees no thank you for the great content!

[@allenrodriguez9885]

Would releasing pythons mess up the economy or other wildlife if not that's the best bet and that's pretty scary the size of those rats I thought ny had the biggest one

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Probably better if we don’t

[@fishinman]

Jared This was so fun to watch To see everyone having a great time Thanks for another great video

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks brother. Need to get you out there!

[@SlackLifeOutdoors]

Lowell Munsch I Agree

[@cayogator]

Know how to wipe out a species' in Louisiana? Tell a Cajun "they taste good and there's a limit of one" (I know you heard dat one) lol

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Man I wish. These suckers are hard to get rid of

[@jorgequinones991]

They have fur and the uses for it?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Yea but there’s no demand on the market

[@jakethetool698]

Man that looks like so much fun. The little Lycomijg boats are a blast, but there’s just something about a V8 and gearbox moving the boat.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Amen to that

[@rorysmith2415]

Animals are interesting.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

For real

[@sniperkota]

Well power big game

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thanks for watching

[@darkhalo0868]

I did not know it was safe to eat rats.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Just this kind. Thanks for watching

[@ballistic350]

Damn I wanna hunt some of them things.... use my 17hmr with vmaxx .. roast a whole one is probably good too.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

17 is a good one for sure. Id go with a small one for whole roasting. Thanks for watching

[@ballistic350]

@Outside the Levees wish up north we got invasive shiet like this that tastes good and you're allow to hunt year round no limit....

[@Hollerboy931]

That’s a meat I wouldn’t eat.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Lol. I get it

[@peterjeffery1854]

they look like small capybara

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Definitely

[@dontbsilly8104]

The problem is I don’t think you’ll ever stop them as they reproduce like crazy but at least you get to go out to have some fun !

[@OutsidetheLevees]

No doubt. We don’t think we will stop them but every little bit counts.

[@alessandromoratto4737]

If you come to Italy you become gentlemen!! Here those beavers are everywhere where there's a little water.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Ok thanks

[@o.s.2003]

Super cooler Job...✌️✌️👍👍Berlin. Germany 🇩🇪

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thank you for watching all the way from Germany.

[@tarzansbigknife7217]

you would be better off using a shotgun rather than a 22 rifle...less misses on running shots

[@OutsidetheLevees]

That's what I was shooting. A few less misses for sure but overall he shot well with the 22

[@mattwebb7377]

Ever tried beaver tail? I personally haven’t Bc it’s alot of trouble to get em

[@OutsidetheLevees]

I haven’t is it good?

[@richardaustinaustin1890]

Looks a fantastic day out. The guy with his grandson was knocking them down, open sights

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Got em!

[@stumblefish360]

Nice to see that old Marlin level action in service I got my grandfathers. It's a peanut!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

That's awesome.

[@healey100austin]

Do they taste good?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

They do

[@swamprat9018]

What is going on here! we cannot run air boat on the salt marsh because it does to much damage.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

I think the goal is that whatever damage the airboat does is pale in comparison to the nutria damage. The bottom of the boat is coated so that it slides over the marsh and hopefully does as little damage as possible.

[@peterparsons7141]

Looks like nice Rabbit!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It sure does

[@kdkulhanek]

Knocked it out of the park Brother Jerry. I need to bring some of these tourist $ to St. Bernard Parish

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Cmon down bruh

[@johnwilliamson4231]

I would pay for that trip

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Give Monty a call at the Wharf see if he will take you

[@joaomarcos7394]

this good meat delicius

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Sure is

[@TheCajunHomestead]

Looked like fun, been a long time since I shot at a swamp rat. Great video as always.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Always appreciate you

[@travisjenkins4550]

Would love to do this. How does a guy go about geting in on a shoot like this? Awesome video by the way!!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Look up Ronnie Adam’s from Swamp people on Facebook I think he offers it

[@jamesspell9302]

Not sure I could eat one of those rats but you sure made them look good in those meatballs

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Thank you!

[@yungrah21]

Surprised he ate it lol

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It’s good!

[@casonhughes8734]

Good video but that boy acted like he didn’t really wanna shoot😂

[@OutsidetheLevees]

Cut him a lil slack it was his first time. He picked them up like a champ tho

[@AUTiger1964]

Rabbit huntin’ in the rash without dogs! That airboat is the way to go! They can run but not hide!😊

[@OutsidetheLevees]

You nailed it!

[@dawsonarnold6712]

I've lived in Louisiana all my life and never had the chance to do something like this always wanted to though.

[@OutsidetheLevees]

It’s a blast for sure

[@kenfan5666]

Any risk of disease caught from eating a nutria? How much does one weigh? After counting time, gear, ammo, gas, and boat costs, does it even make financial sense to go after the bounty?

[@OutsidetheLevees]

No risk of disease. 3-10 lbs. yes the bounty can cover expenses if you kill enough of them. It’s fun so you also have that side of it

[@kenfan5666]

@@OutsidetheLevees Thanks for your prompt reply. Stay Safe. Be Well. GOD BLESS.

[@speakeasygrillandchill]

What a fun day!

[@OutsidetheLevees]

You got that right

[@davidmuas4614]

Whats state you guys take down these swamp rats looks good n taste good 👍

[@OutsidetheLevees]

This was filmed in Louisiana but they have them in other states too

[@Loren_Vosser]

Can someone tell me how much these things weigh? They look terrifying 😳

[@OutsidetheLevees]

12lbs or so. Thanks for wathcing

[@копмонет-н2й]

Это андатры вроде у нас в России охотятся на бобра

[@OutsidetheLevees]

That’s awesome