Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator Permit
All Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCO) must have a valid NWCO permit issued by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) in their possession while engaged in nuisance wildlife control activities. NWCO permits are issued only to individuals and each individual engaged in NWCO activities must possess a NWCO permit issued in his/her name. This rule does not provide for or authorize any NWCO to name a subpermittee.
Please remember that ALL documentation is required to submit an application. The system will automatically delete incomplete applications.
Permit fee:
$50.00
Permit Requirements:
- Possess a valid Louisiana trapping license and valid Louisiana basic hunting license.
- Possess a valid Louisiana Basic fishing license for controlling non-protected reptile and/or amphibian species.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
- Must achieve a minimum score of 80 percent on the LDWF NWCO examination consisting of questions relating to wildlife biology and behavior, nuisance animal control methods and procedures, and nuisance wildlife control laws, rules and regulations.
Important Notes:
- Anyone who has been convicted of a Class II or greater wildlife violation in Louisiana, or the equivalent in another state within the past three years, or has been convicted of a felony in Louisiana or another state, shall not be eligible for a NWCO permit. Also, any person whose hunting or trapping license privileges have been revoked and is prohibited from hunting and trapping in Louisiana shall not be allowed to possess or operate under the authority of a NWCO permit.
- Subpermittees are not allowed.
- NWCO permit holders must submit annual reports online in order to be eligible for renewal.
- Permits must be renewed annually, felony background checks are required for renewal.
- Permit renewals require annual reporting. You will be required to provide 1) species, 2) date of control, 3) number of animals, 4) Parish, and 5) disposition of the animal.
- NWCO permits are valid from January 1 – December 31, regardless of the initial issue date.
Before You Apply:
The following information is required at the time of application. The system will not allow incomplete applications to be submitted.
- You must possess a valid Louisiana Basic Hunting License and Trapping License. If controlling non-protected reptile and/or amphibian species, you must also possess a valid Louisiana Basic Fishing License.
- A felony background check must be completed by the Louisiana State Police. A fee is required for felony background checks, the fee is paid to Louisiana State Police and due at the time of request. Felony background checks can be completed in person at Louisiana State Police headquarters in Baton Rouge, LA or by mail. Both options will require fingerprints, to obtain a background check by mail contact your parish courthouse or sheriff’s office on locations to obtain a copy of fingerprints. Additionally, Louisiana State Police requires you print and complete the Right to Review Form and Applicant Processing Disclosure Form, forms are available at https://www.lsp.org/forms/
If you need assistance completing or have additional questions concerning felony background check requirements, contact Louisiana State Police. The Headquarters is located at 7919 Independence Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70806, phone 225-925-6006, https://www.lsp.org/.
