2009 Missouri Frog Season underway

June 30 marked the official beginning of frogging season in Missouri. Photo illustration

What is green, makes loud noises, tastes like chicken and can be taken starting at sunset on June 30?

The opening of frogging season is an annual event eagerly anticipated by many Missourians as they listen to the peeps, croaks, and hums of hundreds of frogs from just about any given body water in the Bootheel.

According to local conservation agent, Eric Heuring, this year's season opener started off a little slow due to its mid-week opener.

"But I am sure there will be several participants on the weekend nights," Heuring noted.

"Here in Missouri bullfrogs and green frogs can be taken either on a hunting or a fishing permit. If you have a hunting permit, you can take frogs with a pellet gun, longbow, crossbow, hand net or with your bare hands," Heuring explained. "With a fishing permit, you may use your hands or a hand net, a gig, a longbow or hook and line. Frogs are among a small number of game animals for which the use of artificial lights is legal to use. The daily limit of frogs is eight and possession limit 16."

The 2009 Missouri frog season opened on June 30 and ends on October 31, 2009.

If you have a questions about the up and coming frog season or any other regulation dealing with fish and wildlife please contact Conservation Agent Eric Heuring.