LITTLE ROCK — Frog-gigging can be one of the most exciting adventures available for outdoors enthusiasts on a late spring night, but froggers will have to wait a little longer as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has reset the opening night of the season to June 1, instead of its traditional April 15 opener.
The change was made during last year’s regulations cycle, but this will be the first year it is in place. The Commission had heard many comments and concerns over a perceived decrease in bullfrog populations in some areas of the state. In an abundance of caution to conserve bullfrog populations, the AGFC’s Fisheries Division staff recommended a delayed start to the season to protect the amphibian’s mating season.
According to AGFC Herpetologist Dr. Amanda Bryant, bullfrog reproduction typically begins in mid-April through early May and peaks around June. Protecting frogs for an extra month and a half helps contribute to successful reproduction, which in turn can help stabilize wild populations.
“Surrounding states have similar season start dates,” Bryant said. “Missouri opens on June 30; Tennessee opens on July 1, and Louisiana does not allow take of bullfrogs in April or May to allow them to mate and lay eggs before harvest begins.”
The season still closes at midnight Dec. 31, and all other regulations concerning frogs remain in place.
Only bullfrogs may be harvested, and a valid fishing license is required. The limit is 18 frogs per day, measured from noon one day until noon the next day. Hunters may use bow-and-arrow, hook-and-line, a long multi-tined spear called a gig, or they may simply snatch them up by hand. Bullfrogs may not be sold except by fish farmers with a valid commercial bullfrog permit. Visit https://www.agfc.com/education/alternative-fishing-methods for more information on regulations concerning frog gigging and other alternative methods of fishing.
