American Bullfrogs

Spotted in the Cowichan Valley! Confirmed locations are Crofton Lake, Chemainus Lake, Somenos Lake, Richards Creek (Where is crosses under the bridge on Herd Rd.).

American Bullfrogs as well as Green Frogs are both considered “Invasive Species” on Vancouver Island, BC. The can be harvested without a license with no season or bag limit.

1. North American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Identification

• Size: Large, 3.5–8 inches (snout to vent); legs extend length.
• Color: Olive-green to brown with darker blotches; white or yellowish belly.
• Key Features:
  • Large, prominent tympanum (ear drum); males have tympanum larger than eye, females equal to eye.
  • Deep, resonant “jug-o-rum” call, especially at night.
  • No dorsolateral folds (ridges along back).
• Habitat: Permanent water bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow rivers; prefers warm, shallow edges with vegetation.
• Behavior: Active day and night; often sits at water’s edge or on lily pads.

Hunting Bullfrogs

• Day vs. Night:
  • Night: Preferred due to increased activity. Use a headlamp or spotlight (500–1000 lumens) to spot reflective eyes. Frogs freeze under light, making them easier to approach.
  • Day: Less effective but possible in overcast conditions or shaded areas. Requires stealth to avoid spooking.
• Methods and Equipment:
  • Gigging: (Probably Not Legal on Vancouver Island, BC)
    • Equipment: 3–5-pronged gig spear (barbed tines, 4–8 ft pole, aluminum or bamboo). Telescopic poles are portable.
    • Technique: Wade or use a flat-bottom boat. Aim for the head or torso; thrust quickly to pin frog to ground or net it.
    • Night Advantage: Eyes glow under light, simplifying targeting.
  • Fishing Rod:
    • Equipment: Light spinning rod (4–6 ft, ultralight action), 4–8 lb test line, small treble hook (size 8–12) with bait (red yarn, worms, or artificial frog lures).
    • Technique: Cast near frog, twitch bait to mimic prey. Set hook gently to avoid tearing mouth. Use a dip net to land.
    • Day Advantage: Frogs may strike moving bait more readily in daylight.
  • Airguns: (Not Legal in many areas on Vancouver Island, BC)
    • Equipment: .177 or .22 caliber air rifle (700–1000 fps), flathead or pointed pellets. Scopes improve precision.
    • Technique: Aim for head for humane kill. Shoot from 10–20 yards. Requires good marksmanship to avoid wounding.
    • Night Advantage: Spotlight aids targeting; use low-noise models to avoid disturbing others.
  • Archery: (Probably Not Legal on Vancouver Island, BC)
    • Equipment: Recurve or compound bow (20–30 lb draw), blunt or judo-tipped arrows for small game.
    • Technique: Stalk within 10–15 yards, aim for head or torso. Retrieve arrow quickly to prevent frog sinking.
    • Night Advantage: Easier to approach under cover of darkness.
• Tips:
  • Wear waders or hip boots for wading; bring a net and bucket for harvest.
  • Frogs are most active in warm weather (60–80°F).
  • Clean immediately (skin, remove legs) to preserve meat quality.

2. North American Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) (Not Pictured)

Identification

• Size: Medium, 2–4 inches (snout to vent).
• Color: Green to bronze-brown with dark spots; white belly with dark lines.
• Key Features:
  • Prominent dorsolateral folds extending partway down back.
  • Tympanum distinct; males have yellow throats and larger tympanum.
  • Call is a single “gung” or banjo-like twang.
• Habitat: Ponds, marshes, and slow streams with abundant vegetation.
• Behavior: Skittish, often leaps into water when disturbed; active day and night.

Hunting Green Frogs

• Day vs. Night:
  • Night: More effective; use headlamp to spot eyes. Green Frogs are less wary at night.
  • Day: Possible but challenging due to skittishness. Approach slowly, use cover like reeds.
• Methods and Equipment:
  • Gigging:
    • Equipment: Same as Bullfrog (3–5-pronged gig, shorter pole for smaller size).
    • Technique: Target smaller frogs in dense vegetation. Pin quickly to avoid escape.
    • Night Advantage: Easier to spot in shallow water under light.
  • Fishing Rod:
    • Equipment: Ultralight rod, 2–6 lb test, size 10–14 treble hook with small bait (insects, yarn).
    • Technique: Cast near vegetation, use subtle twitches. Net frog to prevent loss.
    • Day Advantage: Green Frogs may chase bait in sunlight.
  • Airguns:
    • Equipment: .177 caliber air rifle, low-power (500–700 fps) to avoid over-penetration.
    • Technique: Head shots from 5–15 yards. Requires precision due to smaller size.
    • Night Advantage: Reflective eyes aid targeting.
  • Archery:
    • Equipment: Light bow (15–25 lb), blunt arrows.
    • Technique: Stalk within 5–10 yards; aim for torso. Less practical due to small size.
    • Night Advantage: Frogs hold still under light.
• Tips:
  • Green Frogs yield smaller legs; combine with Bullfrogs for a meal.
  • Use a small net for quick capture in dense cover.
  • Harvest in warm months for best activity.

3. Pacific Tree Frog (Pseudacris regilla) (Not Pictured)

Identification

• Size: Small, 0.75–2 inches (snout to vent).
• Color: Highly variable; green, brown, gray, or tan with dark eye stripe.
• Key Features:
  • Sticky toe pads for climbing.
  • Dark stripe through eye to shoulder.
  • High-pitched “ribbit” call, often heard at night.
• Habitat: Moist areas near ponds, streams, or woodlands; often found in trees or shrubs.
• Behavior: Nocturnal, hides in vegetation during day; climbs well.

Notes:

• Not Harvested: Too small for food, often protected or not targeted. Observe or photograph instead.
• Identification Tip: Look for eye stripe and toe pads; listen for distinctive call in spring.

4. Northern Red-Legged Frog (Rana aurora) (Not Pictured)

Identification

• Size: Medium, 2–5 inches (snout to vent).
• Color: Brown, gray, or reddish with dark spots; red or orange underwides of legs.
• Key Features:
  • Smooth skin, faint dorsolateral folds.
  • Reddish legs visible when jumping or underside exposed.
  • Low, guttural call, less frequent than Bullfrog.
• Habitat: Cool, moist forests near streams, ponds, or marshes; prefers shaded areas.
• Behavior: Secretive, stays near water; quick to flee.

Notes:

• Protected Species: Often listed as sensitive or threatened; do not hunt or disturb. Check local conservation status.
• Identification Tip: Red legs are diagnostic; avoid handling to minimize stress.

5. Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas) (Not Pictured)

Identification

• Size: 2–5 inches (snout to vent).
• Color: Gray, green, or brown with warty skin; creamy stripe down back.
• Key Features:
  • Dry, warty skin (unlike smooth frog skin).
  • Large parotoid glands behind eyes (toxin-producing).
  • Short, hopping gait rather than long leaps.
• Habitat: Forests, grasslands, or near streams and ponds; breeds in shallow water.
• Behavior: Nocturnal or crepuscular; burrows or hides during day.

Notes:

• Not Harvested: Toads are not typically eaten; some populations are declining. Avoid handling due to skin toxins.
• Identification Tip: Warty skin and parotoid glands distinguish toads from frogs.

How many frogs can you see in the picture below?

General Hunting/Fishing Tips for Bullfrogs and Green Frogs

• Regulations: Bullfrogs are invasive in some regions, allowing liberal harvest.
• Safety: Use lights and reflective gear at night; avoid deep water or unstable banks. Handle airguns and bows with caution.
• Preparation: Bullfrog and Green Frogs legs are edible; skin, remove feet, and soak in saltwater. Fry, grill, or sauté with seasoning.

Happy Frogging!