THE END OF JUNE MAKES FROGS A LITTLE JUMPY

The end of June once again brings a season that excites the connoisseurs of Rana catesbeiana legs. The opening of frog season in Missouri begins at sunset on June 30, and runs through midnight on Oct. 31.

Bullfrogs and green frogs are the only frogs that are legal game in Missouri. They may be taken by a variety of methods under state hunting and fishing regulations. With a hunting permit, froggers can use a .22 caliber rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, longbow, crossbow, hand or hand net. Fishing permits allow bullfrogs and green frogs to be taken by gig, longbow, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing pole and line, by hand or hand net.

Regardless of permit type or method, the daily limit is eight frogs in the aggregate. The possession limit is 16, but only the daily limit of frogs may be possessed upon the waters and banks thereof where daily limits apply.

Both bullfrogs and green frogs are found in a variety of aquatic habitats: swamps, marshes, slough, lakes, ponds, rivers and creeks. In Southeast Missouri, drainage ditches are a favored location for both frogs and froggers. Floating down the ditches in a small boat and using a gig is the most common method used. Those who are more adventuresome may elect to skip the boat and wade into the ditch or pond in order to be "eye to eye" with the frogs (and always present water snakes).

If wading doesn't provide enough adventure you can always leave the gig behind and collect your frogs with your bare hands. This requires stealth and patience to be able to get close enough to snatch the frog. It also requires quick hands. Not only to be able to grab the frog, but also to be able to quickly let go of the always present water snakes that we mentioned earlier.

Many experienced "froggers" would be hard-pressed to distinguish between bullfrogs and green frogs. The following are some guidelines that you can use to identify one species from the other: The bullfrog is Missouri's largest frog. At maturity (five years) they may have a body length of 6 inches or more. General coloration ranges from green to olive brown. The hind legs may be heavily marked with dark brown bars.

The green frog looks similar to the bullfrog, but is smaller and has a ridge of skin along both sides of the back that isn't found on bullfrogs. General coloration may be greenish-brown, or brown, and the hind legs may have distinct dark spots. The upper lip and parts of the head are often bright green. Adult males have a bright yellow throat.

Missouri has 25 species and subspecies (of geographic races) of toads and frogs.

For detailed information, request a copy of "Missouri Toads and Frogs." A free copy of this publication may be obtained by contacting Missouri Department of Conservation, 2303 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701, 573-290-5730.

Gary Newcomb is a Missouri Department of Conservation agent in Cape Girardeau County.