Find the right dog to catch this critter
While most popular in the southern states, coon hunting can take place in any rural area with raccoons, which includes most of North America. A coonhound will pursue and tree the raccoon for the hunter. It is usually a winter activity, as that is when the raccoon has the heaviest coat. While many hunters eat their catch, even more use the pelts for making or trimming winter garments.
Coon Hunting
As raccoons are nocturnal, coon hunting takes place at night. However, the hunter should know where the raccoons generally are ahead of time, and be familiar with the area in daylight. Running through the woods at night with hounds, even accompanied by lights, is difficult enough if unfamiliar with the territory. Know where the animals eat, sleep, and which trees they like to climb. Make sure you have permission from the landowner to hunt the property, to avoid arrest for trespassing.
Coon Dogs
The most common breeds used for coon hunting include the treeing walker coonhound, the plott hound, and the redbone, english, black and tan, American leopard and bluetick coonhounds. To some degree, training depends on the breed of dog. According to Coon Dogs, the training of treeing walker coonhounds must be very consistent, as they are very bright and will take advantage of the owner/trainer if they can get away with it. Many coon dogs double as family pets, as most breeds are good with kids and quiet in the house.
Training Tips
The owners of Shaffers Training Center in Charlestown, WV advise on its website that raising puppies in the house rather than a kennel environment makes a dog more trusting of humans and easier to train for hunting. Train the dogs in different types of terrain--basically anywhere the raccoon is found. Train dogs with simulated hunting, which demands the scent of the coon. Use commercial coon scent, hide, or roadkill. Lay the trail on the property, ending at a tree. Making sure the dog barks at the right tree, and continues to bark until the hunter arrives, is the major training hurdle. Putting a hide in the tree is the best way to encourage the dog to keep barking until you arrive. With any dog training activity, praise and a small food reward lets the dog know he's done the right thing.
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