The American Bullfrog - Part 4
Addendum by George Hedgepeth, Editor - Human Use of the Bullfrog
Keith did a great job discussing the life history and ecology of the Bullfrog as well as methods of getting a batch of the long-legged rascals. Once someone has procured several Bullfrogs, they may wonder what is next. How can they be used once they are caught? They have two main uses- food for people and bait to obtain other food. These two objectives are not exclusive though. One frog can provide both.
The pieces of a Bullfrog that are usually eaten by people are the two large back legs. This is where MOST, but not all, of the meat is located. The rest of the carcass has edible meat, just not much of it. To butcher a Bullfrog, simply cut off the legs at the pelvis and pull the skin off. It comes off easily, like removing a thin sock. Removal of the skin is necessary no matter what part of the Bullfrog one is going to eat- it contains foul-tasting and mildly toxic compounds.
Once the cleaned legs are ready, they may be cooked any number of ways. Many people have had them fried, and they are certainly good this way. However, in the field one does not often have a lot of oil and batter handy. Luckily, they are delicious when simply grilled over hot coals. The flavor is mild, they really do taste like chicken.
The remaining carcass is very useful. It is wonderful bait, one of the best for a wide variety of target animals. Large catfish, alligators, snapping turtles, raccoons, possums, and mink are all attracted to the carcass and organs of a Bullfrog after the legs have provided a meal. Do not forget about this species when foraging- where they are abundant they are a reliable source of good quality food.
Do you have your own tip to share?
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