Hey Sandy Creek fans, gather 'round because we've got a tale for you that's as wild as the Nutria Rodeo itself! It all started with the brainchild of our very own Zack Charneco, or "Char" as we fondly call him. His idea? Register a team, rent a houseboat, and head down to Venice, Louisiana for the Nutria Rodeo – a rat-hunting extravaganza like no other.
The excitement was contagious, and soon enough, our crew was hooked on the idea of heading to the bayou for an unforgettable adventure. I mean, who wouldn't want to turn rat hunting into a rodeo with friends, and get paid for it, too?
After months of planning and coordinating, the big day finally arrived. Early on a Friday morning, three teams from Oxford, Mississippi, loaded up trucks with gear and towed mud boats, setting off on a seven-hour drive to Venice Marina. Little did we know, we were stepping into a scene straight out of a swampy circus.
The first day was spent strategizing, and Char, John, Chance, and Warren formed a formidable team, confident they had the perfect spot for a rat-filled haul. After a sleepless night on the water, they returned to the marina with a whopping 83 nutria rats – tired but victorious.
But the adventure didn't stop there! While at the marina, Chance Lapoint struck up a conversation with a couple of videographers filming a documentary on nutria rats and the havoc they wreak on their non-native habitat. The duo, Sam Sciortino and Zach Charneco, decided to take them out on a hunt, providing unique footage for their documentary.
https://www.nutriahunter.com/
As Sam put it, "It was the biggest little check," but what mattered most was the incredible experience we had. The camaraderie, the thrill of the hunt, and the unexpected encounters made it a weekend to remember. Plus, the prospect of having our Nutria Rodeo tradition continue every year has us counting down the days to Nutria Rodeo 2025.
From shooting rats to cashing checks, our Sandy Creek TV team lived it up in the bayou, making memories, and forming bonds that will last a lifetime. Here's to more adventures, more laughs, and more Nutria Rodeos in the years to come. Stay tuned, Sandy Creek fans – we're just getting started!