Are you an avid hunter looking for a new challenge? Hunting raccoons at night without dogs can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. How to hunt raccoons at night without dogs requires a strategic approach and keen observation skills compared to traditional daytime hunting with dogs.
Raccoons are nocturnal creatures. They are highly active after sunset, employing the right techniques becomes essential. The stereotypical coon hunter works the woods with at least one, if not two or three coonhounds. As a result, novices are frequently terrified by the prospect of coon hunting without dogs. But let me assure you that it is doable, and many people prefer to hunt raccoons this way.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about hunting raccoons at night without dogs, from equipment and tactics to safety precautions. The following information is extremely useful for your upcoming raccoon hunting trip, so don’t miss it.
Raccoon Hunting Equipment Without Dogs at Night
5 types of equipment hunters need to prepare before going coon hunting without dogs at night include:
- Weapon
- Night vision or thermal imaging devices
- Calls and decoys
- Hunting Clothing and Gear
- Safety equipment.
Weapon
Rifles, shotguns, and crossbows are the most commonly used weapons for raccoon hunting. Each has benefits and drawbacks, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Rifles offer long-range accuracy, while shotguns provide a wider spread for close-range shots. Crossbows are quieter and easier to maneuver in tight spaces. Whichever weapon you choose, make sure it is legal and appropriate for hunting in your area.
Night Vision Or Thermal Imaging Devices
Hunting raccoons at night requires some form of night vision or thermal imaging technology. These devices allow you to see in low light conditions and spot raccoons hiding in the darkness. There are various options available, such as night vision scopes, binoculars, and monoculars, each with its own set of features and price points.
Calls And Decoys
Raccoons are highly vocal animals, and employing calls might attract them to your hunting location. Electronic calls are the most successful since they provide authentic sounds of raccoon distress or mating calls. On the other hand, I find using decoys to attract raccoons is also very effective. There are many types of decoys available, from motion-activated ones to simple stuffed animals.
Hunting Clothing and Gear
Proper attire and equipment are essential for every hunting trip, particularly at night. You should wear dark, camouflage apparel that mixes in with the environment. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp to navigate the woods and track down raccoons.
Raccoons have a very sensitive sense of smell, so using boots or equipment that helps minimize human scent is necessary. Don’t forget to bring a small backpack to hold all your equipment, water and snacks.
Safety Equipment
Safety should always be a top priority when hunting, and it becomes even more critical at night. Make sure to have a first aid kit, a fully charged cell phone, and a GPS device in case of emergencies. It is also recommended to bring a hunting partner along for added safety and assistance.
How To Hunt Raccoons At Night Without Dogs
There are 4 different ways that you can go about hunting raccoons without the use of dogs.
- Trapping
- Hunting with a firearm
- Go on a field hunt
- Hillbilly hunt
Keep in mind that raccoons are intelligent and elusive creatures, so it may take some time and patience to achieve success.
Trapping
Traps are one of the most prevalent methods of hunting raccoons without dogs. There are several types of traps you can employ, but the most frequent is the live trap. Live traps are intended to capture the animal alive, so that you can then release it into the wild or relocate it to another area.
When setting up a live trap for raccoons, you should keep three things in mind. First, you need to make sure that the trap is large enough to handle the size of the animal. Secondly, you need to bait the trap with some raccoon bait to draw them in. Almost any household item, including sardines, hot dogs, fruit, and even cat chow, can work as trap bait. Finally, you should place the trap in an area where you know raccoons are active.
You need to put up several traps throughout your property, if you want to catch multiple raccoons. You can also experiment with different sorts of bait to determine what works best.
Hunting With A Firearm
Raccoons are little animals that can be tough to hit with a traditional rifle or shotgun. As a result, many hunters choose to use a pellet gun or air rifle when hunting raccoons. Raccoons are small targets so you need to take your time and aim carefully.
You should also ensure that you are using the correct ammunition for your rifle. You must utilize pellets meant for small game hunting, if you are using a pellet gun. Air guns and pellet guns also have limitations. Because these guns are not as powerful as regular firearms, they may be incapable of dispatching a large raccoon. Furthermore, these firearms can be difficult to shoot precisely, so you need to practice before using them in the field.
Go On A Field Hunt
You need to prepare a trail camera when going for the field hunt at night. I prefer to utilize trail cameras to see if there are any raccoons in the area. Then, you need to use a coon squall or a mouse squeaker to attempt to draw a curious or hungry coon out of its den.
Stay still until you hear activity, then beam your coon hunting spotlight through the trees. Raccoons often look in the direction of the light and can be seen shining in the dark. You can also go to the manufacturer’s website and download prepared noises to help with dog-free hunting. Finally, you have to carefully choose your position to be able to hit the target.
Hillbilly Hunt
Hillbilly hunting incorporates elements of trapping and field hunting. This strategy attracts hungry coons by using bait, the smellier the better. You lie in wait and use a coon squall every 15 to 20 minutes after strategically placing your bait.
The raccoon may take some time to come by because they are as cautious as they are curious, so be patient. When you hear one, use your hunting spotlight to find the animal and shoot it.
Tips For Coons Hunting Without Dogs At Night
Let’s talk about 3 tips for hunting raccoons at night without using dogs.
- Scout Your Hunting Area
Before heading out to hunt, it is crucial to scout your hunting area during the day. Look for signs of raccoon activity, such as tracks, droppings, and damaged crops or trees. This will give you an idea of where to set up your hunting spot and what routes the raccoons may take.
- Set Up Near Water Sources
Raccoons often come near water sources, such as streams, ponds, and rivers, especially at night. Setting up near these areas can increase your chances of spotting a raccoon. Additionally, water sources are also great for setting up traps or bait stations.
- Be Patient and Quiet
Patience is key when hunting raccoons at night without dogs. They are nocturnal animals, so it may take some time for them to come out of hiding. It is crucial to remain still and quiet while waiting for a raccoon to appear. Any sudden movements or noises can scare them away.