Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-04-28
FROG HUNTING.
Spring Has Its Toys for a Lazy MAJ
Who Can Shoot.
Gathering Dainty Legs Of Frogs in
Novel Way.

hook and piece OF red 1lanhel tleu 10 H.
If he prefers, he may use 22-calibre
rifle. for these are the days when the
bullfrog sits upon the lily-pad, or old
stump, with his hind feet lying along
his yellowish belly and chants basso
madrigals to the moon. Frog-hshinS
is q snort not commended to the senti-
mentalist, because it is cruel, but
there is no more to be said against
og-hunting than against any other
form of taking wild life.
In fishing for the frog red flannel il
used for bait, because it is to him the
prettiest thing in the world, and as
soon as he sees it he desires to possess
it. The rag at the end of tnn-foot
line attached to a long pole is skittered
rpon the surface just as if a man we're
irving for q sleepy pickerel.
The frog may be near to the waters
TOT, or ten feet under. If the fluid be
clear he will see the lure.
Rising within a yard of it, only his
nose and small black eyes out of water,
he surveys it eagerly. and says "Ah!"
A couple of small strikes bring him
within six inches of it, and he says
.Ch," Then he grabs it frantically,
tiers a short grunt of pain.
He does not understand the matter,
nor realize that he is in deep trouble,
until lifted from the water. Then ne
tears roughly at the line with his fore
arms and jerks his muscular thighs up
and down in a vain effort to break
away He is soundless now. either be-
cause he cannot Croak, or is too busy,
but tears form in his eyes and run
down his cheeks as he is swung III
towards the boat.
Really a frog so suspended bears
some semblance to a small child, ana
is apt tc get upon the nerves OF the
least hardened. Once within hand'
however, a sharp crack upon the head
allays his woes for all time. The hinf
legs are severed from the body
tossed into a bucket of cold water and
fish, g is resumed.
The small rifle is more humane.
PB cap is sufficient ammunition for 1t,
though the 22-short gives greater range
and Is more accurate. Up to 3 feet,
however, on a MINDLESS day the cap
sends it's tiny bullet correctly enough
and has the advantage of making so
little noise that other frogs are not
frightened by it.
The hunter will wait until the sun
has warmed the air thoroughly and
will select a cloudless day, with little
air stirring. A day when the face of
the lake or pond is like a mirror and
the buds at the top of tall trees do not
stir is best. There is no chill to both
er the trigger finger and keep the frogs
in the warmer water.
If the air be right they will come out
for summing about II o'clock in the
forenoon and will remain for hours
with the warm beams beating down
upon their backs and not a drop OF
moisture upon their skins. Much of
the time they pass in sleeping. occa-
sionally half waking, uttering drowsy
gonorous call and relapsing into uncon-
seriousness.
They are wary, however, and he who
wishes to fill his bucket with their
tOothsome limbs must approach them
cautiously and keep his eyes skinned
II is marvellous how many big frogs a
man will pass all within ten yards OF
him and plainly within view and never
have a suspicion of their presence.
The first intimation received is
small grunt, then splash. which
means that the game has leaped three
feet high and two yards out, and Is
safe A frog on a log, or pare
branch, or Kly-pad is distinct enough
If the hunter knows how to look for II
The bullfrog full grown is a mark
nearly as large as a mans fist. 1t Is
easy enough to hit. The science o.
frog-shooting lies In hitting the large
in exactly the right spot. II this Is no
achieved, the shot is worse than thrown
away.
IF the frog be shot squarely through
the head It will remain motionless IL
general and may be retrieved easily. l
struck Through the body 1t will in
variably leap, and leap far, going un
der and remaining there, since 1t vii
not rise. though dead.
The head itself is not so large as
silver quarter Of a dollar. This is no
an exceedingly difficult mark at tie
yards but may be missed easil
enough.
For successful frog shooting rifle
required which is not only accurate t
a hair. but has sights as fine as can b
made. For the front sight a sua
bead of ivory is better than any meta
and the rear sight should be simply
plain thin bar of steel without an,
notch in it. With plain bar tn
front sight is caught much NOR
readily than il one looks for it through
the common V-shaped notch; and, !
the frog be awake quick shooting will
be found necessary s
One may hunt frogs from the banl
and shoot many of them, If waders ar,
used: Waders. however. are exceed
ingly hot and laborious. and some mel
not subject to rheumatism do not min,
getting wet. These men, il they know
enough. will wear wooden socks ant
shoes with large holes In them. If on,
is going to get wet. the best thing t,
do is to get wet right away and hav,
holes in the shoes SO that the wate
may escape easily.
In boat, however, the hunter vii
get more shots and consequently NOR,
frogs. With a light craft and a paddl,
he can slip quietly along, soundless, ex
cept for the boats sides brushins
against lilies or water weeds. and il HI
be alone in the boat he can stop with
the knowledge that it will float steadily
and he will not be Jared with his ain