River Bottoms and Raccoon Habitat
Arkansas’s bottomlands, with their dense hardwood forests, wetland edges, and winding creeks, offer some of the best raccoon hunting in the South. These fertile, low-lying areas provide raccoons with ample cover, abundant food, and ideal denning locations. From the Mississippi Delta to the cypress sloughs and bayous of southern Arkansas, raccoons move confidently through the underbrush as soon as night falls, making after-dark hunting the most effective strategy. South Arkansas is particularly rich in raccoon populations, making it a prime location for hunters.
Finding Productive Bottomland Ground
Key raccoon travel routes in Arkansas bottomlands follow natural features like creek banks, oxbow lakes, and flooded timber. These animals often leave tracks and scat along mud flats and trails leading from water to food sources like persimmon trees, cornfields, or peanut stubble. Old logging roads, levees, and beaver runs can all serve as predictable raccoon highways. Look for evidence of frequent movement, especially where multiple habitat types meet.
Strategies for Night Hunting
Night hunting in Arkansas typically involves three primary methods: calling, using dogs, and baited setups. Raccoons often set on locations like corn piles or nests, which can be targeted by hunters. Calling with high-pitched distress sounds such as bird or rodent squeals can be effective near food or water. Dogs are a popular option, especially in thick cover where raccoons quickly climb when pressured. Tracking the barks and locating treed raccoons makes for fast-paced action. Baiting near known travel routes—especially along creek bottoms—offers stationary hunters the chance to intercept raccoons as they begin their nightly foraging.
Lighting and Concealment
Red or amber-tinted lights reduce detection while still revealing the telltale eye shine of a raccoon at distance. In bottomland terrain where brush is thick and visibility is limited, using headlamps and scanning lights in tandem helps maintain awareness. Keep your location downwind of trails and feeding zones. Sit quietly and avoid heavy movement, as sound carries far in the stillness of the woods. Scent control can also be beneficial, particularly on calm, humid nights.
Best Timing for Success
The most productive time to hunt raccoons in Arkansas is during the first two to three hours after nightfall. This is when raccoons begin their nightly routine, emerging from hollow trees, ground dens, and old structures. Overcast or moonless nights are ideal, as raccoons tend to be more active and less cautious in low light. Colder nights often bring longer movement windows, while mild evenings can increase numbers of raccoons on the move early.
Gear for Arkansas Bottomland Hunts
A .22 rifle provides precision and minimal pelt damage, making it ideal for shooting raccoons in the trees. In thick, swampy areas, a shotgun is more practical for quick, close shots. Hunters should bring a reliable headlamp, waterproof boots, light gloves, camouflage suited for night hunting, and a compact seat or cushion. If hunting with dogs, GPS tracking collars and handheld receivers are essential for managing dogs in remote, tangled bottomland.
Regulations and Considerations
Raccoon hunting in Arkansas requires a valid hunting license. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission oversees hunting regulations and ensures sustainable practices. Night hunting is legal in most areas during the open season, and hunters should check local rules regarding methods, land access, and equipment use. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission plays a crucial role in managing wildlife and promoting conservation. When hunting on public land, ensure you’re aware of any area-specific guidelines, including those set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Ethical hunting includes responsible lighting use, respecting land boundaries, retrieving downed game, and practicing safe firearm handling at all times. Following the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's regulations is essential for ethical hunting.
Conclusion
Bottomland raccoon hunting in Arkansas offers a unique combination of challenge and reward. Navigating the shadows of flooded timber, listening for a dog’s bark in the still woods, or waiting for glowing eyes to appear near a bait site creates a memorable outdoor experience. With good scouting, the right gear, and a deep respect for the terrain and tradition, raccoon hunting in Arkansas becomes more than a pursuit—it becomes a part of the southern nighttime woods.
FAQs
Where should I hunt raccoons in Arkansas?
Target creek bottoms, flooded timber, old logging roads, and field edges near water where raccoons move and feed at night.
Certain areas are so covered with raccoons that hunters can consistently see them while hunting.
What is the best time to hunt raccoons after dark?
The first few hours after sunset are most productive, especially on overcast or dark nights when raccoons move more confidently.
What gear is best for night raccoon hunting?
A .22 rifle or shotgun, headlamp, scanning light, waterproof boots, camouflage, and tracking gear if using dogs.
Can I hunt raccoons on public land in Arkansas?
Yes, but check area-specific regulations and confirm that night hunting is permitted where you plan to hunt.
Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that trapping methods do not harm people or domestic animals, emphasizing safety and ethical considerations in wildlife management.
Do I need a license to hunt raccoons in Arkansas?
Yes, a valid hunting license is required, and all regulations regarding night hunting, dogs, and equipment must be followed.