Coon Hunting Without a Dog: Is It Possible?

I came across an interesting discussion on a forum the other day about coon hunting without a dog. Apparently the gentleman who posted the question wanted a couple coons to mount and didn’t want to pay for a dog.
This lead to an interesting little debate which you can read for yourself.
This debate also sparked me to show you some ways that you can catch a raccoon without a dog. Sure, it takes most of the thrill out of a hunt but nevertheless it can be done.
Here’s how.

Coon Hunting Without a Dog

If you’re just wanting to catch raccoons and forgo the thrill of the hunt here’s what I suggest.

# 1 – Trap Them

Around here, in rural Ohio, raccoons are plentiful. They are constantly eating up people’s gardens, crops, and hanging out by trash cans. Needless to say most people want them gone.
I have set traps for several people and when I catch the raccoons I set them loose at our coon hunter’s club or give them to a friend who is training a pup.
All you need is a trap and some bait. Here are some bait ideas for you:

• Sweet Corn
• Hotdogs
• Watermelon
• Fish (canned is fine)
• Marshmallows

# 2 – Hillbilly Hunt

I’ve done a fair share of hillbilly hunting. Including having my brother jump rabbits for me instead of using a rabbit dog. It works.
Here’s how you can still get the thrill of the hunt without having a coonhound.
Go to your desired hunting location. Obviously a place that’s well known for having a lot of raccoons in the area. Take some raccoon bait mentioned above.
I personally would bring fish since the coon is more likely to follow the smell. Set out your bait in an open area.
Now use a raccoon call every ten or fifteen minutes. Wait patiently and when the raccoon comes you’ll be ready.
Don’t forget to bring a gun and a spotlight……….

# 3 – Field Hunt

Here’s another idea which will include you finding a field with trees around it. Here’s what you do:

• Pull into a field that is surrounded by trees.
• Bring two skillets and beat them together.
• After you make loud sounds in the field shine your spot light around on the trees. Coons will here the loud sound and will look in your direction.
• If their are coons around you should be able to easily spot them.
• Shoot the coons out of the tree.

Final Thoughts

There are other ways to hunt raccoons without dogs but these seem to be the most effective. If you know of other ways to go coon hunting without dogs let us know!