Frogging can be done with either a fishing permit or a small game permit. Children under the age of 16 and Missouri residents 65 years of age or older are not required to have a permit. The Wildlife Code of Missouri allows those with a fishing permit to take frogs by hand, hand net, atlatl, gig, bow, trotline, throw line, limb line, bank line, jug line, snagging, snaring, grabbing or pole and line. With a small game hunting permit, frogs may be harvested using a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire rifle or pistol, pellet gun, atlatl, bow, crossbow, or by hand or hand net. The use of an artificial light is permitted when frogging.
Missouri has two frog species that are legal game — bullfrog and green frog. Bullfrogs are larger and therefore more sought-after. The taste and texture of frog meat is similar to that of fresh-water fish. For frog leg recipes, visit the MDC website at mdc.mo.gov/node/15131.
The daily limit is eight frogs of both species combined. The possession limit allows you to have no more than 16 frogs at a time.
It's important to know once a frog is speared or shot, it must be harvested. The Wildlife Code of Missouri prohibits the release of a speared frog as "wanton waste" because the animal is not likely to recover. Any frog taken into actual possession, unless immediately released unharmed after being caught, is included in the daily limit.
Almost any place with enough water to float a canoe is likely to harbor at least a few frogs. Frogs can be found in farm ponds and huge reservoirs, creeks, drainage ditches and rivers, sloughs, marshes and swamps statewide.
Conservation makes Missouri a great place to hunt and fish, so grab a gig and visit a pond or simply grab a frog and head to the frying pan before the "frog days" of summer are over.
Jefferson City, Missouri - Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency in Missouri as heavy rain, flooding and flash flooding continue to impact large portions of the state.
The heavy rain associated with the severe weather already has led to flooding along many streams and rivers; at least one drowning has been reported in connection with the flooding in Missouri. More heavy rain is expected across the state in the next few days in connection with the remnants of tropical depression Bill.
“As significant flooding continues to impact large portions of the state, I have directed state emergency management personnel and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to take action to assist local communities and protect the public,” Gov. Nixon said. “With more heavy rain in the forecast, we will continue to remain in direct contact with law enforcement and local officials as we work to protect lives and property.”
In addition to the Mississippi River, a number of smaller rivers and streams are expected to hit major flood stage including the Meramec River, the Bourbeuse River, the Cuivre River and Dardenne Creek.
Thousands of acres used for agriculture, especially along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, are among the areas that have been impacted or are under threat from flooding. The Governor said it includes some of the most productive farmland in the country.
The State Emergency Operations Center has been actively monitoring the storm system, and Gov. Nixon has been receiving updates from his emergency management team to assess the current weather situation and address local needs. The team includes senior officials from the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the State Emergency Management Agency. The Missouri State Emergency Operations Plan also has been activated, allowing state agencies to coordinate directly with local jurisdictions to provide emergency services.
The Governor urged residents of flood-affected areas of Missouri to pay close attention to weather warnings and follow the safety instructions of local officials as the potential for additional dangerous flooding continues. Missourians, especially motorists, are encouraged to remember these important safety tips on flooding and high water:
Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
A foot of water will float many vehicles. Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups. Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don’t try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.
Missourians who need disaster information, shelter information, and referrals are urged to call 211. The 211 service is now available throughout Missouri.
Poplar Bluff, Missouri - The Poplar Bluff Police Department is investigating the disappearance of a Poplar Bluff, Mo. teen.
Family members contacted police yesterday morning, reporting Victoria Frazier missing.
Reports say Frazier left her residence voluntarily, at around 5:00 am, but has not been in contact since that time.
Frazier has remained active on social media, but her whereabouts are unknown.
Anyone with information about Victoria Frazier’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Poplar Bluff Police Department at 573-785-5776 or contactus@pbpolice.org.
United States - People across the United States will celebrate Flag Day on June 14 to honor the United States flag and to commemorate the flag’s adoption.
Old Gory has changed designs over the year. It consists of 13 equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white, with a blue rectangle in the canton bearing 50 white five pointed stars. Each of the 50 stars represents on of the 50 states and the 13 stripes represent the original 13 colonies that became the first states in the Union.
Flag Day falls within National Flag Week, a time when Americans reflect on the foundations of the nation’s freedom. The flag of the United States represents freedom and has been an enduring symbol of the country’s ideals since its early days.
Americans will also remember their loyalty to the nation, reaffirm their belief in liberty and justice, and observe the nation’s unity.
Many people in the United States honor this day by displaying the American flag at homes and public buildings. Other popular ways of observing this holiday include: flag-raising ceremonies; Flag Day services; school quizzes and essay competitions about the American flag; musical salutes; street parades; and awards for special recognition.
Organizations such as The National Flag Day Foundation are actively involved in coordinating activities centered on the event and keeping the flag’s traditions alive. Following Flag Day is Honor America Days, a 21-day period through to Independence Day (July 4) to honor America. During this period, people hold public gatherings and activities to celebrate and honor the nation.
Leevon DeCourley has been entertaining audiences all over the Midewest and Southeast for the better part of the last ten years. The concert will be held at the Park's amphitheater behind the Visitor Center. The event is FREE.
Sam A. Baker State Park is located four miles north of Patterson on Highway 143 in Wayne County. For more information about the event, call the park at 573-856-4514.
