State's largest frog a favorite summertime quarry

Every Kansan is familiar with the bellowing song of the bullfrog. The largest of all Kansas frogs, this amphibian is also a favorite quarry of outdoorsmen and women, and pursuing them is a great way to beat the summer heat. The season for bullfrog hunting is July 1 through Oct. 31.
Bullfrogs can be found just about anywhere there is water, but small ponds and marshes usually have more concentrated populations. Streams and rivers are also good places to find bullfrogs. The peak months for frog hunting are July and August.
It doesn't take any fancy equipment. A flashlight, a cloth sack, an old pair of tennis shoes, and access to a local pond, marsh, or shallow stream is all that’s required. Although bullfrogs can be taken by hook and line, gig, dip net, hand, or bow and arrow, the best method is to walk quietly through the water after dark and shine a bright light along the bank. Frogs are temporarily blinded by the light and most of the time can be netted or grabbed easily.

Frog legs are a delicacy and have a taste and texture similar to shrimp. A popular way to cook frog legs is to dip them in egg and milk; roll them in a mixture of flour, corn meal, seasoning salt, and pepper; then fry them to a golden brown in about 1/2 inch of sunflower oil.
Bullfrogging is great fun and even a greater delight when children are involved. And any sleep lost is soon forgotten after that first delicate bite of this tasty meat.

A valid fishing license is required to take bullfrogs (unless exempt by law). The daily creel limit is eight frogs, and the possession limit is 24 after the third day. For more information on frogging rules and regulations, consult the 2006 Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary, available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and on the KDWP website .
-30-

Back to July 2006 News