The Best States for Hunting Raccoons

The Best States for Hunting Raccoons

Raccoon hunting is a long-standing nighttime tradition across rural America, blending woodsmanship, dog work, and fast-paced excitement. While raccoons thrive in nearly every state, a handful of regions stand out for strong populations, generous seasons, ideal habitat, and a deep hunting culture.

This guide breaks down the best U.S. states for raccoon hunting—by habitat quality, access, regulations, and overall opportunity. If you're preparing for a coon-hunting adventure or looking for other small-game and big-game trips, you can compare vetted outfitters through Find A Hunt.

What Makes a State Great for Raccoon Hunting?

A top-tier raccoon state typically offers:

• Healthy raccoon populations

• Long seasons and generous bag limits

• Strong night-hunting traditions

• Abundant public land or access programs

• Plentiful streams, crop fields, and mixed hardwood forests

• Dog-friendly regulations

With those factors in mind, here are the best states for raccoon hunters.

1. Missouri

Missouri is one of the country’s premier raccoon states.

Why It’s Great

• High raccoon densities

• Long seasons, including nighttime hunting allowances

• Diverse habitat: crop edges, river bottoms, oak ridges

• Plenty of public land and conservation areas

Missouri’s central location and balanced terrain make it ideal for coonhounds and spot-and-stalk hunters alike.

2. Iowa

Iowa’s mixture of cornfields, creek systems, and woodlots creates exceptional raccoon habitat.

Highlights

• Extremely high raccoon populations

• Easy-to-pattern travel routes

• Night hunting permitted with the right equipment

• Excellent farm-country access

Iowa offers a great blend of predictable raccoon behavior and permission-friendly rural communities.

3. Ohio

Ohio’s coon-hunting culture is deep and well-established.

Advantages

• Healthy raccoon numbers statewide

• Abundant small-game opportunities

• Strong hound-hunting tradition

• Lots of edge habitat due to mixed timber and farmland

The Buckeye State is known for producing great dog work and consistent night hunts.

4. Kentucky

Kentucky’s mix of hollows, hardwoods, and river bottoms provides excellent raccoon hunting terrain.

Why Hunters Love It

• Generous raccoon seasons

• Mild winters = steady year-round activity

• Rolling timbered hills perfect for hounds

• Access to WMAs across the state

The state’s varied terrain lets hunters pursue coons in both dense forest and farm-country edges.

5. Arkansas

Arkansas ranks among the South’s best raccoon hunting destinations.

Key Features

• Swamps, hardwood bottoms, and river corridors

• Strong night-hunting culture

• Reliable coon densities

• Ample public access through WMAs and national forests

Hunters enjoy a long season and great opportunities for dog work.

6. Tennessee

Tennessee offers diverse terrain and excellent raccoon populations.

Why It Makes the List

• Abundant mixed hardwood forests

• Long-established hound-hunting heritage

• Generous night-hunting regulations

• High raccoon numbers in most counties

From the mountains to the central lowlands, Tennessee is a consistent producer.

7. Wisconsin

A northern standout, Wisconsin delivers excellent raccoon hunting in varied landscapes.

What Sets It Apart

• Productive agriculture-timber mix

• Strong raccoon numbers even in northern forest zones

• Good access to public forest land

• Excellent hunting from early fall through winter

Cooler climates make raccoon fur quality particularly good here.

8. Texas

Texas boasts raccoon hunting opportunities nearly year-round.

Reasons Texas Is a Top State

• Extremely high raccoon populations

• Huge private-land opportunities

• Varied habitat: brush country, forests, rivers

• Night hunting and hounds widely permitted

Texas’s mild climate keeps raccoons active throughout the year.

9. Oklahoma

Oklahoma is often overlooked, but coon hunters know its potential.

Advantages

• Strong populations around water-rich areas

• Dog-friendly laws

• Plenty of rural access for permission-based hunting

• Productive public lands and wildlife areas

Oklahoma’s mix of prairie, timber, and creek drainages create perfect raccoon habitat.

10. Alabama

Alabama’s warm climate and diverse landscapes make it a southern coon-hunting hotspot.

Why It’s Great

• Raccoons active nearly 12 months

• Abundant small creeks and hardwoods

• Major hound-hunting culture

• Long seasons and flexible methods

Hardwoods and bottomlands in the state’s central and southern regions are especially productive.

Additional States Worth Mentioning

While the top 10 stand out, many other states offer excellent raccoon hunting:

• Georgia

• Michigan

• Indiana

• West Virginia

• North Carolina

• Pennsylvania

Nearly every eastern and midwestern state supports strong raccoon populations.

Tips for Picking the Right State

When choosing where to hunt, consider:

Habitat

Look for states with:

• Hardwood forests

• River bottoms

• Croplands

• Abundant edge cover

Regulations

Important factors:

• Night hunting laws

• Hound regulations

• Equipment restrictions

• Bag limits

Access

The best raccoon states tend to offer:

• Large public land holdings

• Walk-in access programs

• Permission-friendly private land

Hunting Style

Whether you hunt with:

• Coonhounds

• Spot-and-stalk methods

• Still-hunting on moonlit nights

…your style may favor one region over another.

FAQs: Best States for Raccoon Hunting

What is the single best state for raccoon hunting?

Missouri, Iowa, and Ohio consistently rank at the top due to habitat, populations, and access.

Do I need a dog to hunt raccoons?

Not necessarily—lights and calm spot-and-stalk tactics work well, especially near water corridors. But hounds dramatically increase success.

Is night hunting legal everywhere?

No—regulations vary widely. Always check individual state rules.

When is the best season to hunt raccoons?

Fall through winter, though many southern states offer long or nearly year-round seasons.

Are raccoons good to eat?

Yes—properly cleaned raccoon is excellent for smoking, stews, and slow roasts.

Plan Your Next Raccoon Hunt

Raccoon hunting thrives across America, but certain states shine due to habitat diversity, strong populations, and supportive regulations. Whether you're hunting with hounds or slipping through creek bottoms with a headlamp and .22 rifle, these states offer world-class action.

To explore more small-game and predator-hunting opportunities, browse trusted outfitters and compare options through our hunt marketplace.