Hunting Opossums: Understanding Their Behavior

Hunting Opossums: Understanding Their Behavior

Opossums are one of North America’s most adaptable furbearers. Found in forests, farm country, suburbs, and river bottoms, they scavenge widely and move mostly at night. Whether you're managing nuisance animals, running a trapline, or looking to sharpen your small-game field skills, understanding opossum behavior is the key to consistent success.

This guide breaks down how opossums feed, travel, den, and respond to weather—plus the best setups and methods for beginners. If you're exploring more small-game or predator opportunities, you can compare outfitters and hunts through Find A Hunt to plan confidently.

Understanding Opossum Behavior

Nocturnal Movers

Opossums are almost entirely nocturnal, becoming active shortly after dusk and feeding through the night. Midday sightings usually happen only when food is scarce or weather pushes them.

Slow but Unpredictable

They move slowly but erratically, often stopping to scent-check or inspect food scraps. They don’t spook like fast-running furbearers, making them easy to approach when encountered.

Opportunistic Feeders

Opossums eat nearly anything, including:

• Carrion

• Insects and grubs

• Fallen fruit

• Pet food

• Eggs and small birds

• Garbage and compost

This varied diet heavily influences where they travel.

Poor Vision, Excellent Nose

Their eyesight is limited, but they rely on strong scenting ability and tactile whiskers. This makes them respond well to bait scents and easy-to-locate food sources.

Solitary Creatures

Opossums do not form social groups. Each adult maintains a loose home range and wanders widely within it.

Where Opossums Live

Opossums prefer areas that offer food, water, and dense cover.

Common Habitat Types

• Creek bottoms and marsh edges

• Old barns, sheds, and outbuildings

• Brush piles and blowdowns

• Suburban yards with trash access

• Woodlots bordering farm fields

• Abandoned structures or crawlspaces

Denning Behavior

They take over dens originally dug by other species, often using:

• Hollow logs

• Burrows from groundhogs or skunks

• Piles of debris or lumber

• Attics, garages, or sheds

They change dens frequently, especially during cold spells.

Seasonal Behavior

Fall

Heavy feeding as temperatures drop. Increased movement near fruit trees, gardens, and animal carcasses.

Winter

Opossums do not hibernate, but they reduce movement during extreme cold. They often den for several days during storms.

Spring

More consistent feeding patterns as weather warms, especially near water sources and insect-rich areas.

Summer

Nighttime movement increases due to heat. Look for them around creeks, barns, and dense vegetation.

Signs of Opossum Activity

Look for:

• Small, hand-shaped tracks with opposable thumbs

• Droppings near logs or compost piles

• Disturbed garbage cans

• Scratch marks around denning sites

• Trails near water or brushy edges

Fresh sign helps confirm active travel routes.

Methods for Hunting or Managing Opossums

1. Still-Hunting at Dusk or Night

Walk quietly through:

• Woodlots

• Barn edges

• Creek bottoms
  Scan with a red-beam or green-beam headlamp to avoid spooking.

2. Bait & Ambush

Use bait stations near known travel routes:

• Canned fish

• Fruit

• Meat scraps

• Pet food
  Set up 15–25 yards downwind with a clear shooting lane.

3. Calling (Optional)

Not essential, but opossums may investigate:

• Rodent squeaks

• Soft distress sounds
  These work best when combined with bait scent.

4. Trapping

A common and effective method for nuisance control:

• Live-cage traps with fruit or fish bait

• Footholds or bodygrips where legal (check regulations)
  Place traps along brushy edges or den entrances.

Firearms & Gear for Opossum Hunting

Recommended Firearms

• .22 LR for precise, quiet shots

• Shotgun (20 or 12 gauge) with light game loads for close-range encounters

Clothing & Gear

• Waterproof boots

• Headlamp with red or green mode

• Gloves for handling

• Small game vest

• Binoculars (optional for scanning edges)

Ethical Considerations

• Confirm state regulations regarding night hunting, seasons, and permissible methods.

• Ensure safe backdrops—opossums are often near buildings or livestock areas.

• Take close, clean shots only.

• Dispose of carcasses responsibly if not keeping the pelt.

• Avoid taking animals unnecessarily during breeding season unless they are causing damage.

Field Care & Use

Skinning & Fur

Opossum pelts can be used for:

• Lining

• Fly-tying materials

• Limited fur crafting

Skin soon after harvest to avoid spoilage.

Meat

While not widely eaten, opossum meat can be consumed if handled and cooked properly. Most hunters target opossums for nuisance control rather than table fare.

Safety Tips

• Be aware of snakes and uneven terrain when moving at night.

• Wear gloves—opossums may carry parasites common to scavengers.

• Keep pets away from bait sites.

• Avoid shooting with unsafe backdrops near structures or livestock pens.

FAQs: Opossum Hunting

Are opossums hard to hunt?

No. Their slow movement and predictable feeding habits make them ideal for beginners.

Do opossums bite?

They can. Handle with caution and always use gloves.

Do they play dead when hunted?

“Opossum playing dead” is real—but most hunted or pressured animals flee slowly rather than freeze.

What time of night is best?

Shortly after dusk and just before dawn.

Is baiting allowed?

Often yes, but regulations vary by state—always check local rules.

Plan Your Next Small-Game or Predator Hunt

Opossum hunting is simple, accessible, and ideal for learning nighttime fieldcraft and animal behavior. With basic gear, an understanding of habitat, and a focus on ethical shots, beginners can enjoy consistent success throughout the season.

If you’re ready to explore more small-game, predator, or big-game opportunities, compare vetted outfitters through our hunt marketplace.