There are many grand ways of passing the time and among them is coon hunting. When you think of raccoons, one of the things that come to mind is the barking of dogs and hunters at their tail. The thought of going alone coon hounds is often intimidating for many. That is because dogs are usually seen as accomplished companions for hunters.
However, you do not require dogs to go raccoon hunting. All you need is to find is the place where coons feed most of the times. Because raccoons are extremely habitual animals, finding a pile of coon dirt will announce their presence.
They are very specific where they choose to defecate. As a hunter, this information is invaluable and can determine whether you are successful or not.
Coon hunting supplies
Every raccoon hunter knows the value of having a good source of light. Therefore don’t start your journey without first including it among your stuff. A good coon hunting gun will also come in handy.
Additionally, a variety of coon hunting songs will get you in the mood. You will feel like a hunter as you head out.
And most importantly, you need a considerable amount of patience.
Coon hunting facts
Finding the coons exact living places is a highly difficult feat to achieve. In most of the cases, their nest trees include the large limbs of some old trees among others. However, even for skillful hunters, it is quite difficult to pick out active raccoon living places.
Coons are never more than 1200 feet away from permanent water sources. Therefore, also look for large water bodies when tracking them. These mammals are fond of eating sea creatures such as frogs, fish, and crabs and this is another reason to map out areas with water sources.
Other sources of coon food include squirrels, rats, and mice.
Coons are also very solitary creatures. You will not find them in groups unless they are mating. Therefore as a hunter, you must not expect to hunt them in groups. However, they can be in one place and even eat together where a considerable amount of food is available in one locality.
Raccoons do not have a good vision over long distances. To make up for this, the coons use their hypersensitive paws to get where the food is. In most of the cases, these animals wash or clean their food before they can eat it.
Apart from their paws, Coons also rely on their strong sense of hearing and smell to find food and avoid predators. Raccoons have a good sight during the night.
When it comes to coon hunting season, almost all the states are open. However, you can inquire first before you plan your hunting trip.
The following are some of the hunting tips without dogs.
1. Ensnaring
Ensnaring is among the easiest ways you can utilize to catch raccoons. Many people see these animals as major pests and would do anything to get them removed and so getting the permission to enter a property easy.
Trapping is especially a good solution for people that are not fond of venturing into the woods at odd hours.
If trapping suits you, then all you need apart from the trap as bait.
Due to the fact that Coons are omnivorous and eat almost anything, any food item can act as good bait. You can use that leftover cat food, fruit or even sardines for your trap bait.
2. A field hunt during the night
If you are going for the field hunt when it’s dark, then you will need trail cameras. Trail cameras will help you determine whether there are coons in a locality. The next thing that you need to do is use a mouse squeaker or any other devices with prerecorded voices.
Sounds such as a raccoon calls will draw any of them out that are around. Use your spotlight to shine the bushes and trees. The light will let you see them shining back at you, and all you need to do is position your rifle and shoot.
3. Hillbilly hunting
Another way of hunting the coons without coonhounds is sing baits. Always remember that the smellier the bait, the more it will attract the raccoons.
Position this bait and use a caller every twenty minutes from your hiding spot.
One important point to note is to be patient. Coons are cautious animals and will approach the bait slowly. Remain still and once you hear it, shine your spotlight on it and go for the kill.
4. Still hunt
Another typical hunting method is the still hunt. Basically, you find a spot where all the signs of the presence of coons are available.
After that, you stay still in a hidden place and shine your light often. If a coon comes in range, you can make a choice to shoot it down or not.
Please note that patience is key in this type of hunting.
5. Search and stalk
This type of coon hunt is suitable in large territories.
One of the best places you can cruise around searching for coons is fruit orchards. Pecan orchards that can run for many acres are coon favorites.
All you need to do is keep shining your light on sudden movements you notice.
Raccoon will sense your presence and so will keep running up the tree to get away. Therefore, most of the light shining will be on trees. If you spot a raccoon, find a good spot at the bottom of the tree and make your shot.
6. Coon calling
Coon squalling is a deadly and efficient technique particularly in those times when the sun is going down. This is the time when coons are waking up and probably hungry. With this hunting method, you find a suspected tree nest and make your calls behind a thicket.
Good recordings of animals will get the coons out. If that happens, your job is to remain still until a good number of coons are in the vicinity. Don’t be impatient and start shooting. Good nests hold several of these animals.
Final word
Whichever method you choose to do your coon hunting, patience is necessary. Get the right equipment and a good spot and enjoy the thrill that comes with hunting.
