Madison Journal - 1930 Tallulah Frog Market

Date submitted: December 28, 2013

Submitted by: Richard P. Sevier

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FROG SHIPMENTS FROM TALLULAH BEGIN AGAIN
Madison Journal March 28, 1930

Judge R. L. Russ tells us that to date he has shipped ten barrels of frogs, but that they have not 
been coming in very fast due to the cold weather we have been having lately. Judge Russ says that 
with the approach of warmer weather he looks for the shipments of frogs from Tallulah to increase.

At present, the prevailing market prices for large frogs is $1.50 per dozen. These frogs are brought 
to Tallulah, iced and shipped in barrels to St. Louis, Mo., from which point they are distributed 
over a wide part of the country, a resident of Tallulah, while on a tour, having seen a sign in a 
California Cafe announcing "Tallulah, La., Frogs for Sale Here" The dealers in town have also been 
selling frogs locally for $2.00 per dozen. The barrels hold approximately twenty dozen frogs, and, 
during the height of the season, shipments amount to several barrels daily from Tallulah.

The frogs are taken at night from the marshes and swamps with the aid of a headlight and a "catcher."
"A catcher" is arranged so that when the frog is touched with it on the end of a long pole, it closes 
and grabs the frog. Formerly they were taken with a small gig, but several years ago a ban was placed 
on the gig by the Conservation Department and now only the "catcher" is used. The frogs are dressed whole, 
but most of the meat is on the hind legs. They are shipped without being skinned.

It is only within recent years that the frog industry has amounted to much here, and within that short 
time Tallulah has gained quite a reputation as a shipper.

At present shipments are being made by R. L. Russ and Cummings & Son. A license of $100.00 is required 
of anyone who deals in frogs.