Raccoon

Procyon lotor

All species

Abundant, curious, and everywhere — a perfect species for the dirt-hole and pocket set trapper.

Typical Size

10 – 30 lb

Prime Season

Nov – Jan

Overview

Raccoons are one of the most widespread and heavily trapped furbearers. Their curiosity and strong appetite make them easy to catch with baited sets, and their populations support long, productive seasons.

Identification

10-30 lb stocky body with grizzled gray fur
Black facial mask and bushy, ringed tail
Highly dexterous front paws
Nocturnal, leaving five-toed hand-like tracks

Habitat

Hardwood bottoms, creek and river corridors, farm edges, and anywhere near water and food. They den in hollow trees, ground burrows, and outbuildings.

Field Sign

Distinctive hand-like tracks in mud, latrines on logs and rocks, torn-up cornfields, and mussel shells along waterways.

Behavior

Nocturnal foragers that follow water edges and field lines. Strongly food-motivated, which makes bait- and lure-based sets extremely effective.

Best Sets

Dirt Hole Set

When: Along field edges, trails, and water crossings

Trap: 1.5 or 2 coilspring foothold, or a dog-proof (DP) trap baited with cat food

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Pocket Set

When: On the water's edge

Trap: Foothold at the base of a bait pocket dug into the bank

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Dog-Proof Set

When: Where non-target catches are a concern

Trap: DP trap baited with sweet or fishy bait

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Bait & Lure

Fish-based and sweet baits both work. Cat food, marshmallows, and commercial coon lures near a dirt hole trigger their curiosity.

Fur Handling

Skin cased, flesh thoroughly (coons carry a lot of fat), and stretch. Prime fur has a full, dark underfur and clean leather.

Ready to run a line for raccoon?

Mark your sets and trap line on the map and track every check.

Maps