Quick Answer
Raccoons tend to favor trees with sturdy branches and dense foliage, often targeting oak, beech, and pine species due to their strong limbs and leafy canopies.
Ideal Tree Characteristics
When selecting trees for raccoon climbing, look for species with a diameter of 12-24 inches, which provides sufficient structural support for raccoons to ascend. Trees with a dense canopy, such as oak and beech, offer raccoons a secure place to rest and hunt for food. These canopies also provide cover for raccoons to move undetected, allowing them to remain in the tree for extended periods.
Techniques for Locating Tree Activity
Using a headlamp to illuminate the tree’s canopy at night can help reveal raccoon activity. Look for signs of disturbance, such as bent or broken branches, and listen for the sounds of raccoons moving through the tree. When a raccoon is treeing, it often chooses a location with a commanding view, such as a fork in the branches or a clearing in the canopy. This allows it to survey its surroundings and remain alert to potential threats.
Competition Hunt Strategies
During a competition hunt, it’s essential to move quietly and deliberately to avoid spooking the raccoon and losing the tree. Use your coonhound to track the raccoon’s scent and locate the tree, then approach the tree cautiously to avoid startling the raccoon. When the raccoon is treeed, consider the wind direction to determine the best location for the hunt stand, taking care to remain downwind of the raccoon to avoid detection.
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