The common bullfrog--a cunning and wily adversary
Catching a bullfrog is a challenging summertime activity in North America. It's a prey that require stealth and strategy to catch, but are also completely harmless. So remember to respect your quarry with careful handling.
Edit Steps
- 1Find bullfrog habitat. Bullfrogs dwell in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. They will tend to live where there is a tree canopy, cover such as cattails, and little to no current. Bullfrogs make a distinctive low-toned bass-like call, (sounds like a low "Ru-u-umm - Ru-u-umm").
- 2Choose your tools. Bullfrogs can be caught bare-handed. However, you may want to consider other tools:
- A net (such as a fishing net). One with a longer pole will work best!
- A flashlight: The brighter the better- If you're hunting at night, you can use a flashlight to "jack" your bullfrog.
- A Gig: Usually a fishing fly lure without a barb, the fishing lure imitates an insect. The frog eats it, and becomes easily caught.
- A Container: If you're transporting the frog, consider what to put your amphibian in. A large plastic bucket will do, but bullfrogs can jump out unless there's a lid--bullfrogs are stronger than other common North American frogs. A bait bucket is an excellent choice as well.
- A Frog Hotel: If you are planning to have your bullfrog visit a while, be sure to have a temporary habitat that can be set up for it. An aquarium with a secure lid is ideal. Remember that a bullfrog can jump up and knock off a lid that is not secured or weighed down.
- 3Search for bullfrogs. When approaching frog habitat, move slowly and quietly. Stop and pause occasionally, as you are likely to spot frogs more easily if you search for movement on the banks or in the river.
- 4Stalk Your Bullfrog. When you find a bullfrog, continue to move quietly and slowly. Bullfrogs react strongly to movement. Also, you may stumble on a closer bullfrog. Be careful and try to approach from the blind spot in the center of the back of the head. remember; bullfrogs will jump in at the first sign of trouble!
- 5Position yourself for the pounce. After all this slow movement, be ready to pounce to catch your bullfrog. tighten up your leg muscles and get ready to spring forward(like you've seen your cat do when attacking a pipe-cleaner):You will probably get only one chance.
- 6If you are "jacking" a bullfrog, blind it. "Jacking" a bullfrog means using a strong flashlight directed at the frog's eyes (they shine the light back) at night. Blinded, the frog is easy to catch.
- 7Use the Giggity-Giggity-Goo method. If you are "gigging" your frog, dangle your lure in front of the bullfrog and do your best insect impression. Be patient--bullfrogs usually do not bite right away.
- 8Grasp the bullfrog firmly but gently. After grabbing or netting your frog, handle the frog with the same pressure as a bar of soap.
- 9Hold the bullfrog properly. Hold the bullfrog by grasping around the "upper thighs" with its legs together. This position minimizes chance of injury, while making it difficult for the critter to get away.
- 10Be kind to your web-footed friend. Now that you've caught your bullfrog, treat it humanely.
- Bullfrogs seldom thrive in captivity, even with proper food, housing, environment, and so on. (Usually they just refuse to eat). The one possible exception is if a bullfrog is provided with a large outdoor pond.
- If you choose to keep it for a while (a week at most), be sure to set up a safe, comfortable habitat for it, such as with a temporary terrarium. Keep it moist, cool, and out of the sun, and protected from dogs, cats, wild predators (like raccoons) and small children. if you want to return it release it in the same place you caught it in (lake, stream, river,etc.)let froggie go around the place you found it "so he can play with his froggie friends":D.
Edit Tips
- Bullfrogs live longer than other North American frogs, so they tend to be more intelligent than their smaller cousins.
- Never grab a bullfrog (or any frog) by the legs--it could cause a fracture.
- Frogs can see equally well from behind as in front.
- It's always easier to capture frogs on land than in the water, with or without a net.
- Frogs are likely to swim downwards when panicked, so try to scoop with a net when hunting in the water rather than bring it downwards.
- Bullfrogs do not have particularly long memories--so if you fail, try coming back in a few hours and try again.
- Leave your dog (if you have one)at home. Most dogs will simply scare all the wildlife away.
- Bullfrogs will scream when they are in distress (the scream sounds like a crying baby). If your bullfrog does this, release it immediately. It is very scared and unhappy.
- remember,frogs have teeth!
Edit Warnings
- Use insect repellent when hunting...frogs thrive where there are mosquitoes, chiggers, and black flies.
- Respect property rights and posted areas while out in your hunts.
- Make sure that what you are catching is in fact a bullfrog, and not some endangered frog that resides in your state!
- Don't wear any sunscreen or bug spray on your hands. Not only will it make your hands slippery, it will harm the frogs because they will absorb the chemicals through their skin.
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Article Info
Last edited:
May 26, 2012 by Davjohn
Categories:
Frogs
Recent edits by: Ranae , Teresa, A user of wikiHow since 8.7.2011 (see all)
