Workshop will help hunters get jump on frogs

For the most part, only male frogs and toads croak.

Why? Because they want to.

The noise is meant as a display of virility. Females take notice of the racket and might just come hither, while other males of the species are supposed to keep a distance.

The croaking often comes with a puffing-up routine that adds visual impact to behavior designed for serious business. From croaking and puffing do polliwogs come, though the females generously have to produce the masses of jellied eggs without which all the males’ springtime sound and fury would go for naught.

A lot of people these days can’t tell the difference between a toad and a frog. That’s mostly OK, as long as the creatures haven’t forgotten.

Ohio holds three species of toad, the Eastern American toad being the most common, and about a dozen species of frog, the American bullfrog and northern green frog being the largest.

Croakers draw human predators, at least their legs do. The jumping muscles are found to be delicious by NO LICENSE? NO PROBLEM Anglers fish at Shadyside Park in Anderson, Ind., on Saturday, the second of Indiana’s four Free Fishing Days, when fishing is allowed without a license. The final two days for 2017 are June 3-4.

some.

While all toad species and most frog species remain off-limits year-round, bullfrogs and green frogs may be taken except during the croaking, puffing and producing period from May 1 into early June. The limit is 15 each day, and the season resumes June 9 this year.

Requisites for catching frogs include a fishing license, a flashlight, a watery place and a cooler containing ice and, as best this reporter can recall, at least a case of beer. A fond memory of a particular all-nighter in Meigs County some years ago grows a little swirly toward dawn.

The legs, nonetheless, were spectacular when prepared and devoured that afternoon.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife will hold a free workshop on frog gigging June 16 at the

Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area check station, 19100 County Highway 115, Harpster. The workshop begins at 7 p.m. and is expected to last well into dark.

Topics include equipment, techniques, regulations and a cleaning demonstration. At dusk, groups will venture into wetland areas to pursue frogs. Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and shoes, and bring waders, hip boots and a canoe or kayak to access the wetlands.

Participants 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license. Registration is required by June 14. For details and registration, phone Jaron Beck at 419-429-8324.

Legacy stamp

The 2017 Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, currently on sale for $15, features a green heron taken from a photograph snapped by Matthew Schmalz of New Albany at Big Walnut Creek. Schmalz’s excellent shot was deemed the best of 58 native Ohio heron photos submitted by 21 entrants for the annual contest.

The purchase of a legacy stamp helps pay for conservation projects and materials, and entitles the buyer to discount lodging at Ohio state parks.

The 2018 stamp will feature a native snake. Photo contest entries will be accepted Aug. 1-18. The winner of the competition will receive $500. For details about the stamp and contests, visit wildohio.gov.

Parting shots

The spring wild turkey season ends at sunset today in central Ohio and most other counties. The season continues for another week in five northeastern counties. … Guests at Deer Creek, Salt Fork, Mohican, Maumee Bay and Punderson Manor state park lodges can stay a third night free from May 28 through Sept. 7. Restrictions apply. For details and reservations, visit ohiostateparklodges.com or phone 1-800-282-7275.