Quick Answer
Raccoons respond better to calls at night due to the increased vocalizations of the animal during this time. This makes it a more effective time for calling raccoons for coonhounds. The raccoon's nocturnal nature amplifies its response to calls.
Nighttime Calling Techniques
When calling raccoons at night, it’s essential to use a variety of sounds to imitate a female raccoon in distress. This can include a screaming call, a chattering call, or a series of high-pitched squeaks and yips. The screaming call is particularly effective, with a loud, drawn-out “eee-ah” or “eee-oh” that can be repeated 2-3 times, pausing briefly between each call. Research suggests that raccoons are more likely to respond to a screaming call during the first 15 minutes of calling, with the greatest response occurring within the first 5 minutes.
Headlamp and Treeing Strategies
Using a headlamp when calling raccoons at night can greatly improve visibility and allow hunters to spot the coonhound treeing the raccoon. When the coonhound treed a raccoon, it’s crucial to approach the tree quietly, using the headlamp to spot any movement or signs of the raccoon. A good rule of thumb is to wait 5-7 minutes for the raccoon to calm down before approaching the tree, allowing the coonhound to keep a tight tree and increasing the chances of a clean shot.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.