How to Catch a Frog to Eat

Frog legs are considered a delicacy by many. Unfortunately, they are not a regular on most American menus. However, if you know where to look (and have the right tools), it can be easy to catch and prepare all the frogs you want. Here is how to catch a frog to eat using the traditional method known as "frog gigging".

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A pond that is teeming with frogs
• Small boat
• Team of at least three
• At least 2 battery-powered spotlights or flashlights
• Frog gigs (long poles with sharp, pronged spears at the end)
• Large sack
• Small club or baseball bat

1. Begin loading up your equipment close to sundown. Head out to your pond of choice once it turns dark outside.
2. Load the equipment into the boat and shove off, making as little noise as possible. Assign jobs among the group: one person will need to maneuver the boat, at least one person should operate the spotlights, and one should be ready with the frog gig.
3. Have the person with the spotlight scan the water for possible targets. Once a frog has been located, the second light should be shined upon the animal to stun it, much like a deer in the headlights.
4. Keep the light steady on the frog while gently moving the boat within striking distance.
5. Ready the spear by getting it as close to the frog as you can without its being scared away.
6. Spear the frog by bringing the gig down in one quick stabbing motion. Ideally, you should spear the frog and pin it to the bed of the pond.
7. Use a second gig to spear the frog a second time if the first spearing is not a mortal wound.
8. Reach down, pick up the frog, and place it in the boat.
9. Use the bat as a final act of mercy should the frog still be trying to hop around in the boat. Place the frog in the sack.
10. Repeat these steps until you have an adequate supply of frogs for cooking. Keep the bag in the refrigerator until preparation time. Enjoy!