Coon Hunting-Tips To Help You Get Started With This Awesome Sport

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Home Page > Sports and Fitness > Coon Hunting-Tips To Help You Get Started With This Awesome Sport Coon Hunting-Tips To Help You Get Started With This Awesome Sport Posted: Nov 17, 2007 |Comments: 0 | Views: 25,673 |

Coon hunting is one of the most popular sports in America today, it is quickly becoming more and more popular seemingly everyday. Very simply, hunting for Coons is great for both beginners and avid hunters, as raccoon can be a great way to practice your hunting skills for the larger game.

There are few things as fun as being out on the trail in the middle of the night, with your hunting dog bellowing in the distance and being out in the forest. Here are some great tips to help you to find the best places to go coon hunting, and also the best coon hunting supplies to utilize.

First of all, keep in mind that hunting raccoons is not only great for getting a good meal, but also good for farmers because they don't worry about the raccoons getting into their crops and destroying them. Also, no matter how good a hunter you are, raccoons will offer a great challenge for you, because they are very good swimmers and tree climbers, and can allude you very easily.

Also, since raccoons sleep during the day and are active at night, you have to make sure that you find good trained hunting dogs to help you with your coon trip. Also, hunting wheat lights are extremely important as well. You will need a lot of different supplies and equipment nor to be a successful coon hunter, because of the difficulty that this kind of hunting can offer you.
Very simply, the hunting dog you purchase must be very quick and have excellent sense of smell. When the coons climb the tree, especially the middle of the night, just about the only way you can never find them is by using a hunting dog to track them down. The hunting lights are extremely important, because without a good one you'll never catch the coon because you simply can't see.

Of course, by far the most important aspect of hunting raccoons is to make sure you know the area your targets will be hiding in ahead of time. Very simply, when you don't know this area, it will be extremely hard to find coons, particularly at night. It's hard enough to hunt during the day without understanding the area, but when you try to do it at night, it is virtually a suicide mission.

Therefore, make sure you know all the places where the raccoons go for their feeding, where they live, their favorite trees to climb, etc. Also, if you plan and hunting on private land, make sure that you get permission from the owner of the land.

If you don't, you will be in for a lot of legal trouble.

Of course, keep in mind that raccoons are also great tasting when you do catch them; they are a great delicacy around America. Also, during the late winter, the raccoon spurs the heaviest, making this the ideal time to go to hunting.

These are utilized many times for both for coats and hats, collars, winter gloves, etc. Therefore, when you do your hunting during the winter, you can expect to get the most return on your investment.

The bottom line is, coon hunting is a great sport for the avid outdoorsman, because you can do it outdoors, at night, and in some awesome scenery. If you enjoy being outdoors, this is a perfect four for you.

This kind of hunting can not only offer you the opportunity to profit when you catch a good coon, but can also give you a chance to unwind after a long work week. Hopefully these coon hunting tips will help you to become a successful hunter as quickly as possible.

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For tips on how to play hunting games online, visit thebesthuntingtips.com, and get info free deer hunting games and real life hunting tips.

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Getting Started with 'Coon Hunting

Coon hunting is one of the most popular sports in America today, it is quickly becoming more and more popular seemingly everyday. Very simply, hunting for Coons is great for both beginners and avid hunters, as raccoon can be a great way to practice your hunting skills for the larger game.

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Readings and Signings - Exeter News-Letter

Send readings and signings to community@seacoastonline.com.

125 Water St., Exeter. Water Street, 778-9731; Time of Wonder, 778-6027:

Friday, Nov. 11, at 10:30 a.m.: Lindsay and Her Puppet Pals. Free. Great for ages 2 and up.Friday, Nov. 11, at 7 p.m.: Discussion and signing with Richard Schubart, co-author of "Hero or Coward: The Story of General Fitz John Porter."Saturday, Nov. 12, at 6 p.m.: Pitchapalooza, "American Idol" for books (only without Simon). Twenty writers will be selected at random to pitch their book. Each writer gets one minute — and only one minute. In the last month, three writers have gotten publishing deals as a result of participating in Pitchapalooza. Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry are co-founders of The Book Doctors, a company dedicated to helping authors get their books published. To sign up to pitch, you must purchase a copy of The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published. Anyone who buys a copy of receives a free 20 minute consultation, a $100 value. If you don't want to pitch, the event is free.Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.: Reading, signing and dicussion of young adult literature with Caragh O'Brien, author of the young adult novels "Birthmarked" and "Prized."Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m.: Discussion and signing with Ashley Davis Bush, author of the new book, "Shortcuts to Inner Peace: 70 Simple Paths to Everyday Serenity." Ashley Davis Bush, LCSW, is a licensed psychotherapist and grief counselor in private practice. Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m.: Reading and signing with Douglas Rogers, author of "The Last Resort: A Memoir of Mischief and Mayhem on a Family Farm in Africa," an inspiring, coming-of-age tale about home, love, hope, responsibility, and redemption. An edgy, roller-coaster adventure, it is also a deeply moving story about how to survive a corrupt Third World dictatorship.Crossings at Fox Run, Newington, 422-7733:

Friday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 8 p.m.: Seacoast Reads, a nonprofit based out of the University of New Hampshire, will hold its first ever book fair with B&N. Make your own Christmas Card table hosted by the Pease Greeters, bookmark making craft, face-painting, bingo and storytimes.

Saturday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m.: Maine author and illustrator, Jeannie Brett will be here to read and sign copies of her latest book, "My Cat, Coon Cat," in addition to her other titles, "L is for Lobster," "Fishing for Numbers," "M is for Mayflower" and "Little Maine!"

Sunday, Nov. 13, from 2 to 4 p.m.: The Rochester Middle School will hold its first book fair with B&N. It is raising money for field trips to check out local colleges. Singing, piano playing and more. Local author Lars Trodson will read and sign his novel "Eagles Fly Alone" in support of the book fair.

Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m.: High school poetry reading hosted by Chester College. Poems must be original work by the student and no longer than three minutes. Students do not have to memorize work, but memorization may improve performance. A copy of the work must be provided to the judges. If a student is not able to memorize a poem, you are still encouraged to compete. And now for the prizes: A $2000 scholarship to Chester College of New England, a 50 percent scholarship to the Summer Turnstyle Creative Writing Program and a $50 B&N Gift Card. (The scholarship will be for high school juniors and seniors only. RSVP is required with admissions@chestercollege.edu. Include your first and last name, phone number and email, address, city, state and zip. If you have questions, call Michael Hayes, director of admissions at 887-7400.

Saturday, Nov. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m.: Wells Ogunquit Elementary School will hold its annual Winter Bookfair. There will be live performances by WES students and fiddler Noah Hurowitz, a book signing with Matt Tavares, author/illustrator, from Ogunquit, Maine. He will be signing and reading his latest book, "Over the River and Through the Woods." There will be readings by WES teachers and other surprise guests and fun crafts and activities.

Saturday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m.: Jamie Chase will discuss and sign her book, "The Lazy Couponer: Save $25,000 per year in just 45 minutes a Week with No Stockpiling, No Item Tracking and No Sales Chasing." Learn where to find coupons, how to use them and where to get the most bang for your buck. This event is also in support of the Wells Ogunquit Elementary School Bookfair.

Saturday, Nov. 26, from noon to 4 p.m.: The Hampton Falls Free Library will be holding its first-ever bookfair with us. Special guests will be everyone's favorite blues man TJ Wheeler. He will sing and play a couple of sets. Maine author Jeannie Brett will sign copies of her books, including her latest, "My Cat, Coon Cat." There will be face-painting, children can make holiday cards for our soldiers with the Pease Greeters and there will be a puppet show.

Sunday, Nov. 27, at 1 p.m.: Cara Rince of Murray Irish Dance Academy will be holding its winter book fair. Dancers will perform in the children's area on the hour.

General storytimes Pre-school storytime is Tuesday and Wednesday at 11 a.m. There are two stories and a craft. Thursday storytime is Babies on a Blanket featuring two stories,toys, stuffed animals and more on the quilt in the children's department. All events are free and open to the public.

Just-Us-Chickens Artist Co-Op, 9 Walker St., Kittery, Maine, (207) 439-4290

Saturday, Nov. 19, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Reading and signing with Nancy Donovan, author of "Oscar The Herring Gull," a story of the growth and development of a herring gull, from hatching on the isles of shoals to full maturity at 4 years.

Best Western Hotel, 580 U.S. Route 1 Bypass, Portsmouth, 436-7600.

Nov. 11-13: Numerous bestselling authors within the genres of historical fiction, horror, fantasy and science fiction will converge upon Portsmouth, to offer readings, signings, and writing workshops. They will be joined by award-winning illustrators and artists as well as small press publishers, booksellers and fans of the genres. "Anthology 2011 (AnthoCon)," occurring over Veterans Day weekend, will showcase the exceptional talent within imaginative literature and art. Visit http://anthocon.com.

Mary E. Bartlett Library, 22 Dalton Road, Brentwood. 642-3355 or www.brentwoodlibrary.org.

Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.: In the Wake of Sir Ernest Shackleton: The Wildlife of the Antarctic Ocean. Speaker Bill Gette from the Joppa Flats Education Center will discuss his adventurous trip to the Antarctic Ocean. This slideshow presentation visits South Georgia Island and Elephant Island — two places that played important roles in the heroic expedition of Shackleton and the crew of the Endurance. This program is free.

Weeks Public Library, 36 Post Road, Greenland. Call 436-8548, e-mail weekspl@comcast.net or visit www.weekslibrary.org

Cribbage Night: Mondays at 5 p.m. Cribbage Night is a night of friendly competition and fun for all. New players welcome. Story Time: Thursdays at 10 a.m. Enjoy new and classic picture books, action songs, and a related craft. All ages welcome, no registration required. Kensington Library, 126 Amesbury Road, Kensington, N.H. 772-5022

Tuesdays at 1 p.m. and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Times are offered on Enjoy picture books and crafts. Call the library to sign up for the fall session.First Tuesday of every month from 4 to 5 p.m.: Grace the READ dog visits. Beginning readers can sign up to practice reading aloud to Grace. Call the library for more information about the READ program or to make an appointment.Lane Memorial Library, 2 Academy Ave., Hampton. Call 926-3368

Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon: No-tech and free gaming morning in the Lane Room for kids ages preschool to fifth grade (and their families). No sign ups are required. Saturday, Nov. 12, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.: National Gaming Day at the library for anyone older than 10. Event includes board and card games from last year, plus a few new ones. The Xbox 360 will also be up and running for games like "Rock Band" (Beatles and regular), "Madden," "Forza," etc. This year's official sponsor, FamilyandPartyGames.com, has donated a few new games to Lane Library: "Loaded Questions," "Awkward Family Photos," and "Loaded Questions," "Junior." Play these or our other games: "Pictureka! Card Game," "Monopoly Deal," "Scrabble Slam," "LetterJam!," "Say Anything," "Wits & Wagers," "Pictureka," "Magic: The Gathering," "Dungeons & Dragons."Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 3 p.m.: Free seminar on how to protect your financial information. The seminar is hosted by Karen M. Blass from UNH Family & Consumer Resources and is geared towards seniors and caregivers. For more information or to register, contact Lynn Harrison at (603) 679-5616, or lynn.harrison@unh.edu.Thursday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m; Friday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon: The Friends of the Lane Memorial Library book sale. All proceeds raised at the sale will benefit the library. In addition to hundreds of great books, the sale will include a selection of DVDs, CDs and books on CD. Anyone shopping for books on Saturday can purchase a Friends' book bag and fill it for free.North Hampton Public Library, Atlantic Ave. Call 963-6326.

Join the North Hampton Public Library Book Group the second Thursday of every month at 2 p.m.

Seabrook Library, 25 Liberty Lane, Seabrook. 474-2044

Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m.: "An Overview of Selling on eBay." Do you have too much stuff? Want to make extra income? This class is a one-hour overview of eBay selling. Taught by an eBay education specialist in a fun, casual atmosphere .

Wiggin Memorial Library, 10 Bunker Hill Ave., Stratham. www.WigginML.org, 772-4346.

Fall programming: Toddler Storytimes (18-months to 3-years-old) will be held on Monday and Tuesday at 10:30, and Preschooler Storytimes (3- to 5-years-old) will be Monday and Tuesday at 11:30. Baby Lapsit (birth to 17-months-old) will take place on Wednesday at 10:30. Storytimes and lapsits are free and open to the public with no registration required. Elementary programming for children in Kindergarten through 5th-Grade will also be starting up again and includes the Make a Difference Club (children working on service projects to make a difference in their community and beyond), book clubs for 2nd- through 5th-Graders, Knit-Wits (for children in 3rd-Grade and up with all levels of knitting experience including beginners) and monthly special events. Registration is required for these activities. The Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.®) program is back to the school-year schedule with Bailey (a chocolate Lab) listening to readers on Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 and Hannah and Maizie (English Springer Spaniels) taking turns on Tuesdays from 3:10 to 5:20. In-person registration for R.E.A.D. takes place in the children's area of the library, which is located at 10 Bunker Hill Ave., in Stratham.

William Fogg Library, State and Old Road, Eliot, Maine, (207) 439-9437 or www.williamfogglibrary.org.

Monday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m.: Monday Afternoon Book Group of Eliot and Kittery meets. This month participants are reading books that they've been meaning to read for a while, but never got around to. Meetings alternate between William Fogg Library in Eliot and the Rice Public Library in Kittery. New members are always welcome. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 4-6 p.m.: What's YOUR story? A memoir-writing workshop with author Katherine Towler. Call or stop in to sign up.Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m.: Girls Point of View Book Club provides an opportunity for girls in Grades 4 and 5 to read some of the best contemporary fiction that focuses on issues that many girls are facing today. We talk books, make some fun crafts, eat yummy but healthy snacks and just act a little bit goofy.Wednesdays at noon: Yoga for Restoring Your Health. Join Sallie Sharpless of River Road Yoga in Eliot for a series of gentle one-hour yoga classes offered at the library. These classes are specifically designed for those who don't attend regular yoga classes because of body problems, illness, or treatment programs.Rice Public Library, 8 Wentworth St., and 2 Walker St., Kittery, Maine. Call (207) 439-1553.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 10:30 a.m.: Storytime! Stories, songs, craft, a short animated picture book on the big screen, and snack. All ages are welcome.Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m.: Knitting Club. Interested in joining a knitting group? The Rice Public Library will be hosting local knitters the third Wednesday each month. Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6 p.m.: Family Movie Night. This week's features Jim Carrey in "Mr. Popper's Penguins!" Please purposefully prepare partaking in pizza and punch. Pre-registration preferred, please. Tuesday, Nov. 22 at 10:30 a.m.: Storytime. Stories, songs, craft, a short animated picture book on our big screen, and snack. All ages welcome.Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 10:30 a.m.: Storytime! Stories, songs, craft, a short animated picture book on our big screen, and snack. All ages welcome.Preschooler and Toddler Storytime, every Tuesday at 10 a.m., in the Taylor Building Children's Room. All ages are welcome, and no registration is required. Program features stories, a short film (about 5 minutes long), a craft, and snack. Everyone is welcome to stay after the program for playtime, or to socialize.South Berwick Public Library, 37 Portland St., South Berwick, Maine 03908, Phone and fax: (207) 384-3308

Tuesdays at 9:10 a.m.: Family storytime for ages 18 months to 3½ years. This is a program of stories, flannel board activities, finger plays, snack and social time. This program works well for families with more than one child. Children must be accompanied by an adult.Tuesdays at 10:10 a.m. and Fridays at 1:30 p.m.: Storytime is for children ages 3-6 years of age. It features stories, flannel board activities, fingerplays, songs and a craft project that coordinates with the weekly theme.York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, (207) 363-2818 or www.york.lib.me.us.

Saturday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m.: Elizabeth Collins Cromley will speak about her book, "Food Axis: Cooking, Eating and the Architecture of American Houses." She examines the way the architecture of America houses has evolved as food preparation changed from the Colonial period through modern times. This program is co-sponsored by Museums of Old York.

Children's activities

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.: Infant Lapsits (infants to two years old). Stories, songs, fingerplays and rhymes.Thursdays and Fridays, 10:30 a.m.: Preschool Story Hours. Stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts, and science. Thursday programs with Miss Julie are designed for three and four year olds. Science Story Time will take place on the fourth Thursday of each month. Friday story hours with Miss Kathleen are designed for 2 and 3 year olds.First Tuesday of each month, 10:30 a.m.: Music in Motion. This music and movement program led by music teacher Lori Gundlah, will have your toddler up and moving to music.Second Tuesday of each month, 10:15-10:45 a.m.: Tactile Toddler Time. Kimberly Whelan, preschool educator, brings the power of hands-on experiences to a monthly program designed to offer very young children a range of tactile experiences.
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Sheriff's deputies call about night hunting; wildlife agents arrest 7 men ... - The Republic

COUSHATTA, La. — Seven men aged 19 to 35 were arrested after Red River Parish sheriff's deputies made a 4 a.m. call to Louisiana wildlife agents about night hunting north of Coushatta.

The men had a dead raccoon, two dead does, and firearms ranging from a 12-gauge shotgun to a high-powered rifle when they were arrested Nov. 7, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said Wednesday.

A news release said all seven were cited for hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light, hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting from a public road, carrying total maximum penalties of $1,800 and eight months in jail.

It said Dametry Caldwell, 19, and Adam Caldwell, 20, both of Coushatta, also were both cited for firing a gun from a public road, which carries up to 30 days in jail and a $50 fine.

Dametry Caldwell also was cited for hunting without resident hunting and big game licenses, possessing over the limit of deer and failing to comply with deer tagging requirements, while Adam Caldwell was cited for hunting raccoons illegally and failing to comply with hunter safety regulations.

Conviction on those charges could bring up to 150 days in jail and $900 in fines for Dametry Caldwell, and 75 days in jail and $550 in fines for Adam Caldwell.

A civil restitution penalty of $1,624 for each doe and $27.75 for the raccoon also could be imposed, according to a news release.

Story Tags: Law / Crime, Environment, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

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Video: Fabius man is passionate about raccoon hunting - Syracuse.com (blog)

Raccoon Hunting in Pompey Dake Esposito, of Fabius, went out hunting raccoons Wednesday night about an hour after dark on nearby farmland in Pompey with his two bluetick coonhounds, Max and Lucy. It was a moonlit night, but the wind made for difficult hunting. Video by David Figura. Watch video

I went out Wednesday with Dake Esposito, of Fabius, to hunt raccoons at night with his two bluetick hounds on a nearby farm in Pompey.

He uses a single shot, bolt-action, .22 caliber rifle. He keeps the pelts and sells them.

It was a full moon, but the wind made hunting difficult -- particularly when it came to hearing the dogs bark. Both of his dogs had radio collars, which is the only way we could really keep track of which way they were going.

Our best bet came when the dogs went nuts around a particular hemlock tree. We shined our flashlights through the branches and couldn't see anything, Esposito even tried whacking the tree truck with a big stick to send vibrations up the tree, hoping it would cause the coon to move or look down at us.

No dice. There's no guarantees when it comes to hunting and we didn't get any that night, but this video should give you a taste of what coon hunting is all about.

For more, see my story on the Outdoors Page of Friday's edition of The Post-Standard.

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4 nights in a hole leaves raccoon hunter Wesley Weaver tired, weary - al.com (blog)

Wesley Weaver spent 4 nights in a hole after falling in while racoon hunting earlier this month. (Photo courtesy the Weaver family)

MOBILE, Alabama — Wesley Weaver still can’t quite get it straight in his own head.

The 19-year-old from Jackson goes on a spur-of-the-moment coon hunt, alone, late on the night of Oct. 19. It’s something he’s done so often that his father Scott didn’t give it a second thought when his son left the house shortly before 11 p.m. that Wednesday.

Heading to a Walker Springs hunting club off Good Hope Road in Clarke County that’s been in his family for more than 40 years, Weaver released his coon hounds, Shep and Eli.

In no time, he was following their excited bawling that was telling him they had a raccoon hemmed up in a tree. Weaver easily made his way in the dark toward the barking hounds along Bassett Creek’s moist bottom terrain.

Then he fell in a hole that he’s never encountered, despite having grown up on the property and years of hunting there.

'Scared I was going to die'

Scott Weaver awoke the next morning to find that his son still hadn’t come home.

“About 8 or 8:30, I started to get a feeling something wasn’t right,” he said.

When he learned that Wesley hadn’t shown up at work either, Scott Weaver headed straight to the hunting club, locating his son’s Ford pickup truck about 10:30.

“When I saw his truck, I about had a heart attack,” Scott Weaver said.

In short order, family members found dogs Shep and Eli resting beneath a tree, where tracking collars and other evidence suggested they’d spent the night.

In the hole, Wesley Weaver was glad to see the sunlight but said he never heard his family members’ shouts.

The hole’s rim was high above his head, and he’d failed in his efforts to scrape dirt off the side to build up the bottom so he could try to jump up.

He wasn’t warmly dressed, since he’d figured to be in the woods only a short spell and to build up a sweat chasing his dogs.

He’d left his cell phone in the truck rather than risk getting it wet crossing the creek.

Eventually, day turned into night again. “Cold is not the word for it,” Wesley said.

He was able to lay in a fetal position in the bottom of the hole, he said, but sleep came only during fitfully short periods.

Yet another day came and went. Wesley endured his third night in the hole.

“I got scared I was going to die,” he said.

As the lack of food and water began to take its toll, he became weak, disoriented and lost track of time.

He said, “I heard the helicopters, but I really thought maybe my dad, uncles and a few friends would be out looking for me.”

Instead, by the beginning of Wesley’s last hours in the hole, an estimated 350 searchers were scouring the woods for him.

Said Scott Weaver, “I didn’t know where my boy was, I couldn’t find him. I never asked the Lord to do anything for me, but I hit my knees in my living room at 10:30 Saturday night and I prayed.”

He got his miracle that next day.

Hope in a hopeless world

As he had done numerous times over his days in the hole, Wesley fashioned a loop in the end of a 6-foot dog lead and began throwing it over the hole’s rim, praying it would lasso something so he could pull himself out.

He doesn’t remember how many times he flipped the loop over the rim, but finally it caught on what he soon would see was a cypress knee.

“I don’t know how I found the strength to climb out,” he said.

Free but exhausted, Wesley said, he may have curled up right there outside the hole and slept.

About 1:30 p.m., three local young men who had volunteered in the search found him walking along Evergreen Road. He was about a mile from his Sugar Baker Lane home.

“I didn’t realize there were so many people looking for me until those guys turned around and picked me up,” Wesley said. “I would like to thank all those who searched for me. It’s all so unbelievable.”

Clarke County Sheriff Ray Norris said results of hospital tests showed that Wesley was dehydrated and suffering ketosis, a blood disorder often triggered by not eating.

Wesley and his family went looking for the hole on Monday but didn’t locate it. They planned to look again along the creek this weekend.

“I want to put to rest some of the rumors circulating,” Scott Weaver said, referring to doubts expressed by some questioning his son’s account.

He added, however, “In my 49 years on this earth, I have never seen such an outpouring of compassion. Clarke County is a great place to live.”

Wesley Weaver’s life returned to some semblance of normalcy Tuesday. He went back to his job at a Jackson tire store. He also takes welding classes at Alabama Southern Community College in Thomasville.

His family informed him, however, that there’s a new normal when it comes to coon hunting. No longer will they let him go alone. 

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Raccoon hunters head to Illinois to chase down a title - Evansville Courier & Press

SALEM, Ill. — Raccoon hunters from across the United States and Canada are converging upon Salem, Ill., this week for the World Championship Raccoon Hunt.

This is the third year that the Marion County community has hosted the event. As of this week, 1,100 dogs had already been signed up for the event with another 900 registered for the Super Stakes.

"For over 25 years, the event was held in Aurora, Ky.," said Tracey McDaneld, economic development director for the city of Salem. "A few years ago, ice storms damaged all of their trees, making for a very dangerous situation for both the dogs and the hunters."

David Dial, a longtime Salem coon hunter, contacted Professional Kennel Club officials about moving the event to Salem since the city had previously hosted the World Championship Raccoon Hunt.

"The top prize will be $27,000," Dial said. "Over the course of the entire event, over $250,000 in prize money will be given away."

A youth hunt is scheduled for Friday with the top prize a $4,000 college scholarship. The event is for hunters 18 and under. Over 100 youth hunters have registered for the competition.

Dial says the coon dogs participating in the event cost anywhere from $2,000 to $50,000.

"It just depends on who's selling and who's buying. There are coon hunters who are doctors, lawyers, businessmen and even poor folks like me," Dial said.

City officials say the two-week event will bring $2.5 million into the community.

The actual coon hunting will take place near six Southern Illinois communities: Bingham, Brownstown, Dale, Flora, Hillsboro and Sesser.

Each night of the event, the hunters gather at the Marion County fairgrounds in Salem. Groups of four hunters and their dogs are then assigned a different hunting area. The dogs are scored on their ability to alert if a raccoon is in the hunting area, with more points awarded when an actual raccoon is sighted.

Points are deducted if the dog fails to alert on a raccoon. No raccoons are harmed during the hunts. The dog with the highest points at the end of the two-hour hunt advances to the next level of competition.

"The Outsider," a dog owned by four Centralia, Ill.-area, men won the World Championship last year.

Winners in past years have had names like Piney Creek Booger, Old Duke, Deep South Pack Rat and Hillbilly Mac.

The public is invited to visit the event. An auction to benefit the youth scholarship fund will be held at 8 p.m. Friday night. Ten exhibitors are also selling coon hunting equipment on site.

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Raccoon Hunter Missing In Clarke County - WKRG-TV

Search crews and volunteers met around 5:30 Friday morning to continue their search for Wesley Weaver.

By: WKRG Staff
Published: October 21, 2011 »  Comments | Post a Comment JACKSON, Alabama --

The search continues today for a missing raccoon hunter.

19 year old Wesley Weaver of Jackson was last heard from around 11:00pm on Wednesday when he texted a friend, asking if he wanted to go raccoon hunting.  The friend declined.

Weaver was reported missing early Thursday morning.

Searchers located Weaver's empty truck and his cell phone.

Friends and family of missing hunter camped out along railroad tracks in Clarke county on Thursday night.

Monroe county sheriff's deputies, Jackson police, Grove Hill police and Clarke County sheriff's deputies are all joining efforts in the search. They say Weaver must be hurt because there are railroad tracks or dirt roads within a half mile in any direction.

Search crews are focusing on the area of woods off Good Hope Road, which is a dirt road off Walker Springs Road, just northeast of Jackson.

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Youth coon hunt to be held in Darlington on Saturday, Oct. 15 - The Times and Democrat

A youth coon hunt will be held in Darlington Saturday, Oct. 15, sponsored by the Black Creek Coon Hunters Association. It's part of a series of nine youth coon hunts to be held around South Carolina from October to February, sponsored by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and the S.C. Coon Hunters Association.

For more information on the Darlington youth coon hunt, contact Harvey Drawdy at (843) 393-2663.

These youth coon hunts will serve as regional qualifying events for the State Championship Youth Hunt. The youth hunts are designed to teach ethics and sportsmanship through low-intensity competitive events. The top two hunters in each age bracket (6-13 and 14-17) and Sportsmanship winners will qualify for the annual South Carolina Youth Raccoon Hunting Championship at the Webb Wildlife Center in Hampton County, scheduled for Feb. 25, 2012.

These are non-harvest events, and guns will not be allowed. Each potential participant should contact the sponsoring club for information regarding specific hunts. Each applicant is also responsible for bringing a coon dog to the hunt and should be able to tell when his or her dog strikes and trees with minimal help from the adult.

Other youth coon hunt locations, dates and contacts are:

? Nov. 5, 2011 - Edgefield, sponsored by Red Hill Houndsmen Association. Contact: Wayne Agner at (803) 637-6219.

? Nov. 19, 2011 - Ft. Inn, sponsored by Upper Carolina Coon Hunters Association. Contact: Mike Holcombe at (864) 505-3976. Limited to 24 participants.

? Nov. 26, 2011 - Travelers Rest, sponsored by Greenville County Coon Hunters Association. Contact: Brian Kelly at (864) 752-5301. Limited to 24 participants.

? Dec. 10, 2011 - Georgetown, sponsored by Hell Hole Coon Hunters Association. Contact: Floyd Lambert, at (843) 264-8093. UKC Youth World Qualifier hunt. UKC Rules apply.

? Jan. 14, 2012 - Bowman, sponsored by Orangeburg Coon Hunters Association. Contact: Elliot Shuler at (803) 496-3862. AKC Youth World Qualifier hunt. AKC Rules apply.

? Jan. 28, 2012 - Rock Hill, sponsored by York County Coon Club. Contact: Don Cassidy at (864) 329-0090.

? Feb. 4, 2012 - Ridgeville, sponsored by Summerville Coon Hunters Association. Contact: Ed Kimmons at (843) 873-0279.

? Feb. 11, 2012 - Barnwell, sponsored by Salkehatchie Coon Hunters Association. Contact: Dallas Zorn at (803) 671-2359. Limited to 24 participants.

? Feb. 25, 2012 - State Championship Hunt - Webb Wildlife Center, S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Contact: Jay Butfiloski or Patty Castine at (803) 734-3609. Hunters must qualify at one of the regional hunts to participate.

All events are free of charge. For more information on the youth coon hunting series, call (803) 734-3609.

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A farewell to Bo at the Coon Dog Cemetery - ohmidog!

More than 400 people gathered in Alabama last week to pay their last respects to Bo, a black and tan coonhound whose family traveled 300 miles to bury him at the Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery.

Bo, the 2008 Purina Outstanding Show Dog of the Year, was eulogized for his ability to hunt raccoons, his unfailing nose and his ability to speedily navigate all terrains. But it was probably as a friend that he made his biggest impact.

“He was the goodest dog ever,” Ericka Seets, 6, explained at the service. “I loved BoBo.”

Bo, whose full name was Shawnee Hills Beaujolais, lived in southern Illinois. But he was buried Thursday at the world’s only cemetery dedicated to hounds who hunt raccoons.

It was Ericka who insisted he be brought to Alabama for burial, according to  the Times Daily in Florence, Alabama.

As her grandfather, Michael Seets, explained it, he brought Bo to his home in Illinois in 2007 to help train him for dog shows and hunting for his owner, who lived in Georgia.

While Bo was an attentive student, he also liked to spend time with Ericka, laying in bed, eating doughnuts and watching cartoons on television.

Because of Ericka, Seets made an exception to his rule of never letting dogs into the house. And when it came time to return the dog to his owner, Ericka, 3-years old at the time, said no.

“I said we’ve got to take BoBo home,” Michael Seets said. “She said, `no, BoBo’s mine.’ I thought, `Now ain’t this something.”‘

Seets said that when he explained to the owner about how the hunting dog had become a house pet, and the connection between Bo and Ericka, the owner gave them the dog.

Two years ago, the Seets learned about the Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery from a friend in Pennsylvania who had a dog buried there. They watched a video of the service, and Ericka decided then that Bo would be buried there when his time came.

“Bo was a good dog. This is the place you bury a good dog,” said Michael Seets, who lives in Stonefort, Ill.

“We’ve had other good dogs, and when they died, we buried them behind the barn or beside a tree. But Bo was special because Little Red (Ericka) loved him so much.”

(Photo: WAAY-TV;  video: WAFF-TV)

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Season for furbearers off and running - Bucyrus Telegraph Forum

Ohio hunters and trappers planning to seek furbearers will find good numbers of these animals during the 2011-12 season. The season began for most furbearing species Thursday.

"Food sources and habitat conditions for furbearers remain good this year across Ohio," said Division of Wildlife biologist Suzie Prange. "Fur takers can expect another good season for most species."

For the seventh year, 43 counties will be open for river otter trapping from Dec. 26 to Feb. 29. River otters were reintroduced into four Ohio watersheds between 1986 and 1993 and have increased their range in the state.

In most regions of Ohio, hunting and trapping seasons for fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel opened Thursday and close Jan. 31. The trapping season for mink and muskrat opened Thursday and continues through Feb. 29. Exceptions are Erie, Ottawa, and Sandusky counties and in Lucas County east of the Maumee River.

There are no daily limits or restrictions on hours for hunting and trapping furbearers, with the exception of river otters, where bag limits are dependent on the county where the trapping occurs. A fur takers permit is required in addition to a valid Ohio hunting license to hunt or trap furbearing animals, except for coyotes.

? Experts say that the invasive emerald ash borer will likely kill most of Ohio's ash trees in the coming years. Authorities told The Vindicator of Youngstown that the ash tree will likely go the way of Ohio's elm trees, most of which were wiped out by Dutch elm disease in the 1960s and 1970s. ODNR forester Alan Stewart said the beetle travels on vehicles and is dislodged at rest stops and in accidents. It has been traveling east from Detroit since 2002, making it as far as Pittsburgh along the Ohio and Pennsylvania turnpikes.

? Spaces are still available for adults, groups or conservation clubs who have a sincere interest in taking kids fishing and want to become certified fishing instructors. A free workshop is available Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take place at Wildlife District 2, 952 Lima Ave., Findlay, Ohio, 45840. Passport to Fishing is a one-day instructor training program that qualifies people to become Division of Wildlife certified fishing instructors similar to a hunter education instructor.

To register for the workshop, call Linda at 419-429-8347. For information, visit www.wild ohio.com.

? ODNR Director Scott Zody has announced a new, toll-free hotline, 855-DWA-OHIO, to report suspected instances of neglect or abuse of dangerous wild animals in Ohio. The hotline is the idea of Gov. John Kasich, to better use existing laws and resources while specific legal authorities are being developed to protect public health and animal welfare.

ODNR will staff the hotline between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and work with other authorities to take the appropriate follow-up actions when reports are made.

? A toxic algae treatment in Ohio's largest inland lake over the summer was successful, the state's EPA director said.

The agency has released a report that says the 3.3 million gallons of alum dropped into Grand Lake St. Marys was more successful than anticipated, killing 56 percent of algae in the treated area.

The toxic algae has caused lake closures and advisories against swimming and boating in the past, leading to decreased tourism on the lake.

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Greene County men charged with raccoon cruelty - TriCities.com

According to court documents, David Shelton and Timothy Jennings encouraged a pack of coon dogs to kill the animal. The accused say the state has bad information.

Click the play icon above to watch a video report.

TRANSCRIPT:

JOSH SMITH, anchor:

Legal trouble tonight for two Tri-Cities region men. They're accused of animal cruelty. But the animal in question isn't a pet or livestock -- it's a raccoon.

Wildlife officials accuse the men of trapping the animal, then encouraging a pack of dogs to kill it. But the accused tell 11 Connects' George Jackson the state has some bad information.

(Report)

On October 31st, David Shelton trapped a raccoon on his property in Greene County. He says it was eating his horse feed.

SHELTON: "Because it destroyed about $300 to $400 worth of feed."

Shelton says he carried the caged animal down the street. He hunts with Timothy Jennings' son and the son's four coon dogs.

JENNINGS: "They're his dogs. Ain't even my dogs."

The men say they placed the raccoon near two dogs to train them.

JENNINGS: "They just barked at it, pulled on the cage, back and forth and stuff. Well, that's what a coon dog's supposed to do."

According to court documents, Shelton and Jennings released the raccoon and encouraged the dogs to rip it to shreds. They say that didn't happen -- that Shelton safely released the animal up the road.

JENNINGS: "They're trying to say that we let it go on the dogs, but we didn't. We had it in the cage the whole time and the cage is designed so that a dog can't get to it."

The state charged both men with illegal possession of wildlife and cruelty to animals.

JENNINGS: "I thought it was a varmint or a rodent -- a pest."

GEORGE JACKSON, reporter:

Court documents say a neighbor complained to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. The TWRA opened an investigation and the District Attorney's office filed charges.

Assistant D.A. Chal Thompson did not return calls for comment.

Raccoons are Tennessee's official state mammal, but that doesn't mean they're protected. Raccoon hunting season started September 16th, trapping season starts next week, and coon dog training in Greene County is permitted year-round. Josh.

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Thousands seek out furbearing animals - Radio Iowa

While pheasant, dove and deer hunting get a lot of attention in the state, thousands of hunters are out seeking the animals called furbearers. D.N.R. wetlands biologist, Vince Evelsizer, says some 14,000 people are expected to seek the animals in the season that opened November 5th.

Evelsizer says the most popular species people go after are raccoons and muskrats. He says the raccoon and muskrat numbers are well above most other species. He says there were around 236,000 raccoons harvested last year and the number for muskrats was about the same. There’s also an otter and bobcat season underway.

Evelsizer says the populations of both animals are doing well, and they do have quotas on the number that can be taken. The river otter quota is 650, while the bobcat quota is 350 for the hunting zone across southern Iowa. Those seasons close as soon as the quotas are reached. There is a limit of one bobcat for each hunter and three otters.

Evelsizer says many of the hunters do so for sport, but there is also a market for the fur of the animals. Evelsizer says the cost paid for the pelts varies depending on their quality, with bobcats pulling in the top dollar, followed by otters. He says it varies but a bobcat could bring in $100 or more, while an otter can bring in around $65.

Hunters are required to report the animals they harvest. For more information you can check the D.N.R. website at: www.iowadnr.gov.

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Advantages of Coon Hunting

Coon hunting is one of America's most desired interests, apart from being a real advantage for farmers all across the country . Raccoons are hunt for their important fur as well as for their delightful meat but also because they damage millions of dollars worth of crops across the country each year. A lot of

farmers get crop damage permits to have hunters trap the racoons destroying their yields. Coons are agile varmits, exceptional swimmers and climbers.

The raccoons are a deserving challenge for any hunter. Because these pests are nocturnal, meaning they are active during the night, coon hunting is only done at night, and done with qualified hunting dogs and coon hunting lights. Along with a wide selection of items and materials. They all play critical roles in the success of a hunting. The coon dogs must be fully developed, agile, with a excellent nose for obtaining raccoon scent and mostly, able to run through any kind of geography including in and out of water. The hunting lights are crucial elements every raccoon hunter must bring to his game.

Coon hunting is an pastime that conceals many secrets even from seasoned hunters but the general, most critical thing every hunter must know is where exactly to hunt for raccoons. As basic as it sounds, many first-timers overlook the aspect of searching for a place ahead of time and find themselves in an area where the furry critters are very few in numbers, thus having a good chance of being a bad hunting attempt. Hunting should be done in locations where you know raccoons are feasting, such as hardwoods along waters as well as in areas where there are den shrubs are excellent. If you're going to hunt on a privately owned stretch of land do not forget to request permission from the homeowners before hand, because otherwise it is agaisnt the law in many states.

Although raccoons are not hunted for their yummy meat and more for the fact that they are a hazard to many farmers, they are especially wanted for their prized fur coats. Coon hunters know that the fur is heaviest in late winter and earlier furs will thinner and will not bring top rate when they sell them at the fur auction. The fur is very long-lasting and is used for coats and collars and for trimming winter gloves and hats. So remember that large raccoons with dense coats will bring you the best cash flow.

All in all, coon hunting can be an interesting and profitable exercise if you keep in mind the simple facts and dedicate your focus on putting them to good use. Aim on getting as many raccoons as you can and don't let unforeseen disappointments ruin your night. In doing so you are going to hardly be able to wait until the next hunting season's start.

Conclusion: Apart from being a trendy practice all around America, coon hunting is a much need activity as it helps stop thousands and thousands of dollars worth of crops from being ruined. But coon hunting has other characteristics to it; the most important being that of fur selling and the significant profits it brings to hunters.

Buddy close to being top dog - Coon Rapids Herald

by Peter Bodley

In less than a year on the job, Coon Rapids Police Department canine Buddy has become one of the top police dogs in the nation.

Buddy, who has been a police dog for less than a year, and his handler, Coon Rapids Police Officer Mark McDonough, placed fifth in the national police dog trials.

With his partner Officer Mark McDonough, a veteran police dog handler, Buddy placed fifth in the 41st annual United States Police Canine Association K-9 trials in Detroit Lakes last month.

They missed winning the national title by just 3 1/2 points in a field of more than 90 canines and their handlers.

“These were elite dogs from all over the country,” McDonough said.

And it his mistake that prevented Buddy from taking first in his national police dog trials debut, according to McDonough.

“I gave an extra command when I should not have done so,” McDonough said.

In addition to the fifth-place overall trophy, Buddy also brought home two individual category awards.

He was third in criminal apprehension bite and fourth in scent work.

“Scent work is the most important of all the competitions,” McDonough said. “It involves detecting smells and odors while tracking.”

And McDonough, who has trained police dogs and canine handlers from all over the state for many years, formed a team that included not only Buddy, but two police dogs and handlers from Fridley and another from Douglas County that finished fifth in region competition.

McDonough, who has been a police officer for more than 27 years, describes Buddy as the best dog he has had and trained.

And through his work for Coon Rapids and other departments, McDonough has trained more than 100 dogs.

“Buddy is something else to work with and the most obedient dog that I have trained,” McDonough said.

“He’s a super intelligent animal, a problem solver and his apprehension skills are second to none.”

“He is very alert and focused, a driven animal.”

Buddy’s tracking and apprehension skills were put to the test in April when he was called to Blaine following a felony assault with the suspect fleeing on foot armed with a knife.

The dog tracked the scent for a half-mile heading south from Fifth Place in Blaine to 111th and University avenues where he found the suspect hiding under some pine trees.

When the suspect, 44, did not come out on police commands, Buddy was sent in and the man emerged with a bite wound and was taken into custody.

McDonough is hoping he will get the opportunity to take Buddy to compete in the national police dog trials in Florida next fall, he said. “Buddy’s an incredible beast,” McDonough said.

The dog that won the national title this year has been working for seven years compared with less than a year for Buddy, who is only 2 1/2 years old, he said.

Buddy became Coon Rapids Police Department’s canine late last year when McDonough’s previous dog, Logan, was found dead in his kennel Nov. 17, 2010 at the age of eight.

McDonough had Buddy trained and certified to take Logan’s place.

He donated Buddy to the police department. Normally, a dog costs between $5,000 and $7,000 to purchase, not including the training costs.

Buddy was acquired by McDonough for training as a police dog when he was six months old and has been living with the McDonough family since then.

A Belgian Shepherd, Buddy was bred in the United States and has a national police dog trials champion in his bloodline, McDonough said.

Peter Bodley is at peter.bodley@ecm-inc.com

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