Crawfish Boils Have Been Illegal in One State Until Now

SHREVEPORT, LA - We are gearing up for crawfish season and as we have heard the supplies are not expected to be good this year. But I learned something new about crawfish this week. Crawfish boils have been illegal in one state until this year.

What State Had a Ban on Crawfish Boils

You will also want to know there have been lots of criminals in Colorado. Louisiana crawfish are very popular and there has been a large market for our crawfish. But the issue came to light when someone was cited for illegal importation last year.

“After further investigation, it was discovered that illegal imports of live red swamp crayfish had been occurring for years, if not decades, with most importers unaware they were breaking the law,” Colorado Parks and Wildlife said in a release.

How Popular Are Mudbugs in Colorado?

You can order crawfish at many restaurants and some of those dining spots say they go through thousands of pounds of live crawfish each week during the height of the season. The state decided to change the rules and allow crawfish boils in Colorado.

Colorado Does Have Rules for Importing Crawfish

No person may possess an individual of the species alive for more than 72 hours
Any person who possesses the species alive must have:
A copy of an importation license that authorizes the importation of the crayfish in the person’s possession; and
A receipt or delivery confirmation reflecting the date the person took possession of the crayfish
Importation licenses cost $91 for the calendar year.