Why Hunt Raccoons with Hounds?
Hound hunting is unique because the experience centers around the dogs as much as the quarry. Benefits include:
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Exciting dog work—tracking, trailing, treeing
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Accessible hunting—great for beginners and families
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Long, action-filled seasons in many states
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Low-pressure, fun atmosphere compared to big game seasons
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Great off-season training for hounds and handlers
Raccoons are abundant, adaptable, and found across diverse habitats—making hound hunts practical almost anywhere.
Understanding Raccoon Behavior
Habitat & Travel Corridors
Raccoons prefer:
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Creek bottoms, swamp edges, and river corridors
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Timber strips between ag fields
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Hardwood ridges with mast crops
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Old barns and brush piles near water
Wet, soft ground often reveals fresh tracks and ideal strike zones for dogs.
Feeding Patterns
Raccoons are primarily nocturnal. Expect them to feed on:
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Mast (acorns, beech, hickory) in fall
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Cornfields and grain edges
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Frogs, crayfish, and insects in wet creek bottoms
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Fruit trees (persimmons, apples, grapes)
Seasonal Movement
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Fall: Heavy mast feeding—best time for fast tracks.
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Winter: Slower movement; boars range more during breeding.
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Spring (where legal): Increased travel near water sources.
Understanding these patterns helps you choose where to drop the tailgate.
Essential Gear for Coon Hunting with Hounds
Lights
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High-output cap lights with adjustable beams
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Scan lights for locating eyes in the canopy
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Spotlights for confirming raccoon presence in thick limbs
Tracking & Training Tools
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GPS collars for real-time tracking
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E-collars for tone or vibration correction
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Mapping apps to navigate timber lots, river bottoms, and property lines
Clothing & Footwear
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Waterproof boots (snake boots early season; insulated late season)
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Durable briar-resistant pants
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Quiet, weatherproof jacket
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Gloves, beanie, and layers for cold midwinter nights
Dog Essentials
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Cut-resistant vest (optional but helpful in brushy country)
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Collapsible water bowl
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High-energy treats for long nights
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Reflective collar tab or LED safety light
Starting the Hunt: Casting & Striking
Picking the Right Drop
Choose areas with:
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Fresh tracks or droppings
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Mast-bearing trees
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Corn or grain nearby
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Water corridors that funnel raccoon movement
Wind doesn’t affect scenting like big game, but humidity and temperature influence trailing quality.
Letting the Dogs Work
Many handlers prefer:
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Free casting in large blocks of timber
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Roading dogs along field edges until they strike
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Casting on creeks or drainages where scent pools
A good dog will open honestly, move the track efficiently, and push it until treed.
Tracking & Treeing: Reading Your Hounds
Track Behavior
Listen for:
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Open trailing: steady bawls on cold tracks
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Chop or short bawls: warming track
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Excited chop/locate: transitioning from track to tree
Experienced hunters can judge track freshness by the dog’s pace and voice.
Treeing
When the dog locates:
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Move in quietly but steadily
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Watch for direction changes—young dogs sometimes “pull trees”
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Once settled, use lights to scan the canopy
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Confirm eyes, body shape, or tail rings before taking ethical shots (where legal)
Working as a team—with dog and handler in sync—is what makes coon hunting special.
Safety Tips for Night Hunts
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Know property boundaries; night navigation is tricky
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Avoid deep water crossings unless necessary
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Watch for holes, old fences, and farm debris
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Use reflective clothing and dog lights
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Communicate with your hunting party—radios or cell apps help
Always prioritize dog safety in cold water, icy conditions, or thick briars.
Advanced Techniques for Experienced Hunters
Cold-Track Specialists
Older boars leave faint scent; cold-nosed dogs can open tracks others miss.
Look for:
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Half-frozen creek edges
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Sparse mast pockets
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Frothy tracks in mud from big boars
Multiple-Dog Strategy
Running 2–3 dogs can:
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Speed up track movement
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Improve tree accuracy
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Develop young dogs by letting them work with steady veterans
Den Trees
Common in late season. If the track goes into a den:
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Confirm with thermal if allowed
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Note tree locations for the future—boars often reuse dens
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not checking maps beforehand—avoid trespassing
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Overhandling dogs—let them work independently
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Using lights too early—shine only at the tree
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Rushing young dogs—patience builds dependability
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Ignoring weather—scenting varies with humidity and temperature
FAQs About Hunting Raccoons with Hounds
Q: What breeds are best for coon hunting?
Treeing Walkers, Blueticks, Redbones, Black & Tans, and Plotts are top choices.
Q: Can you hunt raccoons year-round?
Rules vary widely—always check local seasons and nighttime regulations.
Q: Do I need a GPS collar?
It’s highly recommended in modern coon hunting for safety and efficiency.
Q: How old should a pup be before starting?
Many pups start showing interest at 6–10 months but mature fully at 1–2 years.
Q: Are coon hunts physically demanding?
Moderately—expect walking through creeks, briars, and rolling timber in the dark.
Final Thoughts
Hunting raccoons with hounds is a tradition built on good dog work, responsible handling, and the shared excitement of chasing game under moonlit skies. With the right gear, thoughtful drop locations, and solid training, your hounds will develop into reliable, tree-accurate partners.
When you’re ready to compare guided coon hunts or find outfitters specializing in night hound hunting, visit Find A Hunt and start planning your next nighttime adventure.
