Coon Hunting Info >> Coon Hunting Tips

One of the most efficient ways for trapping a raccoon is to use the so-called “raccoon lure” which is a multiple fruit base with a strong cherry smell. The lure, unlike fish oil lures, will not attract cats which can sometimes tie-up your trap until they are released. For optimal results : place a small amount in the back of the trap and then place the trap in the path of the raccoon. The bait should be changed every 2 days in order to get the desired results. Other suggestions consist in using : fish, cat food, sardines, corn, chicken parts and entrails or fresh vegetables.

When it comes down to the placement of the traps, these should be put as close to the den as possible where damage is occurring ( for example : at the corners of gardens, breaks in stone walls or along obvious animal trails ). To get the optimum results set traps in a number of different locations. Due to the fact that these animals are most active during the night, traps should be checked every morning, preferably twice a day. Also traps should be checked in order to spot and release non target animals. To make traps stable, a cement block should be placed on top of the trap because raccoons have been known to flip traps over attempting to acquire the food or the lure situated inside. If using a trap indoors, nailing it to the rafters or planking works well to stabilize it from movement.

The type of bush that most hunters use to hunt is mixed, both coniferous ( trees that keep green leaves all year, like pine trees ) and deciduous trees ( trees that drop their leaves each autumn, like maple and oak trees). Also, if a corn field is nearby the hunting location, all the better, and if there are tangles of wild grapes also in the vicinity then that is one of the best places for hunting raccoons. If you can find such locations, with streams or ponds nearby, then your success is guaranteed.

The best bushes in which hunters should do all the hunting must have a river nearby, and also these areas should have mature ‘home trees’ in them. Never destroy one of these ‘den’ trees, and never shoot into a den tree, hoping to ’scare-out’ a raccoon – because this method is not effective and you’ll cripple and maim them. Hunters will be able to easily tell if a raccoon is in the area especially near water. Raccoon tracks in a similar area will be everywhere. The front foot of the coon is smaller than the back foot and the front foot track has long ‘finger-like’ tracks. The back foot track is similar to what you would imagine a human baby to have.

Trapping and hunting are extensively used to manage the number of raccoons in a certain area. It is also possible to trap these animals live and transport them to remote areas with lower population densities. However, this practice may result in disease spread, particularly rabies. Sometimes, humans improve habitats for the raccoons. Keeping in mind that the species are found abundantly within areas close to water and also those with available den sites. However, the habitat does not need improvement in urban areas. Raccoons adapt easily to urban life and their range seems to be expanding which, in some ways, is a good thing.

The following traps have proved to be most efficient for capturing raccoons :

LT111230 Live Trap - is a live trap which measures 11″ wide by 12″ tall by 30″ long. The trap features strong gauge wire, excellent trip mechanism and a sturdy construction. The rear door release option will let you get easy and safe animal releases.

LT111236RD Live Trap - uses a heavy gauge wire with a steel frame for construction. It has a spring loaded door which is set open when trapping. When the trip pan is pushed down it will release the door which then locks tightly so that the captured animals cannot escape.

LT1236BD Live Trap - has a sliding front door which allows the trap to be used two ways depending on the type of trap set you need. For standard sets, remove the door and set the trap where target animals are active. However, because the entrance door is now inside the extended frame of the trap, you are able to place the entrance up tight to any pathway through which target animals may enter. The second feature of this trap is that the front section has an opening which can be used to trap animals which have entrance/exit holes in the ground.

NH6602 Live Animal Trap - heavy duty live trap designed for large animals. It measures 16″ tall by 16″ wide by 60″ long. Though it is a double door trap, it can be used as a single door as well.