Like they said, check with the state first, but I would be sure to cook them. Not much that isn't polluted anymore. We have them here in Fl., never ate them, but they make great fish bait!
Can't see why you can't eat them. Heck you should have a recipe for them!
there isn't much in La. that there isn't a recipe for!
Put them in some Ol Bay, or Zatterain's seasoning, and water, chicken broth, diced potatoes, onions, stewed tomatoes, with garlic, a dash or two of Basil, a couple of bay leaves, salt and pepper, and cajun seasoning, garlic and onion powder, and fresh lime or lemon juice to taste, ( I prefer lime ) and wallah a tasty treat, on a cool evening. Might even throw in a couple catfish filet's. You might also try putting them in some tomato sauce, with just enough sugar to take away the acidic bite, and some basil, fresh diced garlic, onions,bay leaves, some old bay, or cajun seasoning, or just do the cajun shrimp style, with cajun, or old bay, and lots of fresh chopped garlic, and real butter, salt and pepper. Dang, I am hungry now. Yeah, if you can put them in some fresh water to purge them a bit, maybe they can rid themselves of the sand, but you might need to keep them aerated to keep them from dying. But if they are like little necks, you can peal off the outer skin of the snorkel like appendage. I am being polite about that description.
and that should get rid of most of the grit.
anywho, I have had the notion to try them when I was a kid, but just used them for bait. EVERYTHING loved them!
Wayne