Coon hunting, or hunting raccoons, is a challenging, yet rewarding activity that requires patience and skill if you wish to achieve success at hunting and capturing a raccoon.
Coon hunting is a necessary part of managing coon populations in order to prevent the coons from damaging property, spreading disease, and preying on other animals as well.
If you're planning a coon hunting adventure, here are 10 tips for coon hunting with dogs you'll want to keep in mind when you're out there. Being equipped with the right gear and knowing what your prey is means that you have more chance of catching it.
Learn the behaviors of coons
For successful coon hunting, it is imperative that you have a good understanding of coon behaviors and their habitats. Coons are nocturnal animals, you will need to adjust your hunting schedule to ensure that it coincides with their habits.
Coons can be found in a wide variety of places, including wooded areas, near bodies of water, in cities and suburbs, and in or around barns and other buildings. They often make their dens in hollow trees, logs, abandoned buildings, and other sheltered places.
Coons eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, insects, fish, eggs, and small animals. Moreover, they will also scavenge through garbage, pet food, and bird seed.
Have the right gear
Investing in the right hunting gear is essential to having a successful coon hunting experience. A good pair of binoculars, a rifle, a flashlight, and quality camouflage clothing are all essentials.
Scout your area
Whatever area you intend to hunt, you should make sure you scout it before you start hunting. If you find signs of coon activity such as tracks, a scat, or a nest, keep an eye out for them. By doing this, you will be able to pinpoint where the coons are likely to be hiding.
Use the right bait
Almost anything will attract a coon, marshmallows, hard-boiled eggs, watermelon and fresh fish will make enticing baits, try using them as bait so that you might attract one of these animals.
Set up a blind
The setup of a hunting blind will allow you to remain undetected by the coons while in your hunting area. You should choose an area that provides you with a good view of the bait and trees in the vicinity.
Know the laws
It is imperative that you know the local laws for hunting coons before you begin hunting them. The purpose of this is to make sure you do not go beyond the legal limits of hunting.
In addition, it will help you determine what type of equipment is needed and when the hunting season begins and ends. Please be sure to check the laws in your area around the transportation and disposal of coons as well.
How to use a flashlight
The most common time for coon hunting to take place is at night. A hunting flashlight can help you spot coons at night. When you see them, use a rifle with a scope to increase your accuracy.
This makes them easier to spot and target. Coon hunters are therefore able to get better shot opportunities, thus increasing the likelihood of a successful hunt.
Hunting with dogs
Generally, the most popular and effective method for finding and catching coons is dog hunting. When trained to hunt, hunting dogs can simplify the process of catching and finding prey like coons, foxes, and other animals.
There are hunting dogs that are very good at finding these animals, even when they are hiding in their dens. If properly trained, hunting dogs can alert you to nearby raccoons or even lead you to them when the coons are around.
Here are some of the best coon hunting dogs for recommendation:
Black and Tan Coonhounds
Black and Tan Coonhounds are a breed of hound that originates from Germany and England. This breed of dog is known for its keen sense of smell, intelligence, as well as its loyalty. It is also known that these dogs have a distinctive howl that can be heard for miles away.
Redbone Coonhounds
Redbone Coonhounds are a breed of coonhound that are distinguished by their short, sleek, red coats. They are quite intelligent dogs with an even temperament, making training them easy to do. Also, they possess an impressive sense of smell and the ability to track scents over long distances.
Bluetick Coonhounds
Bluetick Coonhounds are a large breed of hound with a short coat that is mottled with blue and black colors throughout its body. This breed of dog is known for its loud, melodious bark, along with its stamina and agility. This breed is a large and loyal coonhound that makes a great companion as well as a great hunter.
English Coonhounds
The English Coonhounds, also called the redtick coonhounds, is a breed of dog, and they are loyal and friendly. This is an active breed that needs regular exercise and playtime in order to maintain its health. In most cases, they are used by hunters to hunt foxes and coons.
Treeing Walker Coonhounds
The Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized breed of hound that originated in the United States during the 19th century. There is a unique bay sound that this breed makes, which is loud and echoed, which allows hunters to pinpoint their exact location in the wild. Moreover, these dogs are highly intelligent and loyal as well, which makes them an ideal hunting companion.
Plott Hounds
Plott Hounds are a breed of hunting dog that originated in Germany. This breed is characterized by a incredibly keen sense of smell, a powerful build, and long legs. Moreover, the stamina, endurance, and speed of these creatures are exceptional.
Be patient
Coon hunting can be a slow process. The first time you try to hunt a coon, don't expect to bag a coon right away. Keep in mind when you are out hunting that keeping patient will increase your chances of a successful hunt.
Use a game cart
The game cart is the best way to transport the coon that is successfully hunted after you have caught it. This will make it easier to bring your catch back home.
It is imperative that hunters learn as much as they can about raccoons before they hunt them. Having a thorough knowledge of raccoon behavior and habitat as well as the proper tools and equipment is necessary for a successful hunt.
Following these 10 tips for coon hunting with dogs will allow you to become a more successful coon hunter by increasing the chances of your success.
Here are some hunting-related posts that you may be interested in:
A Complete Guide to Dove Hunting for Beginners