Introduction to Raccoon Hunting
Raccoon hunting is a beloved form of small game hunting that captivates many outdoor enthusiasts. The hunt raccoon season in Nebraska typically begins in January and extends through June, with the peak activity occurring during the mating and nesting seasons. This period offers hunters the best opportunities to track and hunt raccoons.
Hunters often employ various methods to hunt raccoons, with treeing and shooting being the most common. Treeing involves using dogs to chase raccoons up a hollow tree, making them easier targets. Shooting, on the other hand, requires precision and skill, as hunters use rifles or shotguns to kill the raccoons. Regardless of the method, it’s crucial for hunters to familiarize themselves with local regulations and season dates to ensure a legal and successful hunt.
Fields, Creeks, and Darkness Movement
Nebraska’s mix of cornfields, wooded creeks, and old farmsteads offers some of the best raccoon hunting conditions in the Midwest. These adaptable nocturnal creatures thrive across the state, from the river bottoms in the east to the shelterbelts and draws of the central plains. For hunters willing to stay out after dark, raccoon hunting offers fast-paced action and an up-close view of the night shift.
Hunters should ensure their vehicles have the necessary park entry permits when accessing state recreation areas.
With the right setup and a sharp understanding of their behavior, raccoon hunting in Nebraska becomes more than a pastime—it becomes a tradition. From waiting over bait sites to walking creek beds with lights, the state’s varied terrain gives you options for how to approach each hunt.
Where Raccoons Like to Travel
Raccoons stick to areas with reliable food and water. In Nebraska, that means creek lines, irrigation ditches, cornfields, and abandoned barns. They’re drawn to grain, insects, frogs, and garbage, and they’ll often work a regular loop between feeding and resting sites.
Look for tracks in mud near water sources, droppings at field edges, and rubs or scratch marks on trees. Dens are usually located in hollow trees, old buildings, or brush piles. If you spot trails winding along fencelines or through narrow brushy corridors, you’re likely near a raccoon travel route.
Night Hunting Setup Tips
The most productive raccoon hunts happen after dark. Whether using a call or walking with a handheld flashlight with a red or amber filter for scanning, hunters need to be patient, quiet, and familiar with the terrain. Walk slow along creek banks, across farm lanes, or through pasture woods, scanning constantly with a red or amber light.
If using a call, set up downwind and let the area settle before starting. High-pitched prey distress sounds often get the job done, especially when paired with a small motion decoy or bait source. Raccoons are curious and will investigate strange noises if they feel safe.
Sitting near a den site or close to a reliable food source can produce steady action. Set up against a tree or brush pile with your back covered and a clear view of where you expect raccoons to approach. Keep your movements slow and deliberate.
Best Habitat Zones in Nebraska
The eastern half of the state, with its wooded river corridors and crop rotation fields, holds consistent raccoon populations. Central Nebraska’s irrigation canals and shelterbelts also provide strong travel routes. The more remote and less disturbed the area, the better your chances of seeing raccoons move naturally.
Hunters should be aware of state-specific rules regarding the hunting of different species, including raccoons. Old homesteads, grain bin sites, and wooded creek intersections are all worth a closer look. Even small patches of cover in an otherwise open field can attract raccoons at night. If a property has food, water, and somewhere to hide, raccoons are likely nearby.
Gear for Nebraska Raccoon Hunts
A small-caliber rifle or a shotgun with light loads works well for quick, clean shots. Using a scope can enhance accuracy and ensure a clean shot during night hunts, especially when targeting tougher, larger male raccoons. A reliable headlamp with a red or green filter allows for scanning without spooking game. Handheld spotlights, thermal gear, and mouth-blown or electronic calls can round out your kit.
Wear layers to stay warm during long night sits and waterproof boots for creek and field crossings. A small pack with extra batteries, snacks, water, and first aid essentials is smart. Be prepared to walk slowly and spend time sitting in the dark.
Licensing and Legal Info
In Nebraska, raccoons are classified as furbearers and can be hunted during designated seasons. Night hunting is legal but may be subject to equipment and method regulations. Certain equipment and methods, such as the use of firearms and night vision equipment, may be prohibited during night hunting. A valid hunting or fur harvest license is required.
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission provides specific season dates and legal weapon choices. If using artificial lights or electronic calls, confirm what’s allowed before you hunt. Access to private land requires permission.
Safety Precautions and Best Practices
When it comes to hunting raccoons, safety should always be the top priority. Hunters are encouraged to wear bright clothing, such as hunter orange, to increase visibility, especially during dawn and dusk when deer are most active. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Knowing the hunting area is equally important. Hunters should be aware of potential hazards, such as uneven terrain or water bodies, and maintain a safe distance from other hunters. Proper firearm handling is essential; always treat your rifle or shotgun with care and follow established shooting techniques to avoid mishaps.
By adhering to these safety precautions and best practices, hunters can minimize risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable raccoon hunting experience.
Luring and Baiting Techniques
Luring and baiting are time-tested techniques that can significantly enhance your success when hunting raccoons. Hunters often use a variety of baits, such as marshmallows, hard-boiled eggs, and fresh fish, to attract raccoons to a specific area. These baits are particularly effective because they appeal to the raccoons’ keen sense of smell and curiosity.
In addition to bait, hunters can use squaller calls and chittering calls to lure out aggressive males, especially during the mating season. These calls mimic the sounds of distressed prey or rival raccoons, enticing them to investigate.
When selecting bait, it’s essential to consider the local cuisine and use baits that are familiar to the raccoons in the area. However, hunters should always check with local wildlife authorities for any restrictions on baiting techniques to ensure compliance with regulations.
By employing the right luring and baiting techniques, hunters can increase their chances of successfully treeing and shooting raccoons, making for a more productive and rewarding hunt.
Why Night Hunts in Nebraska Work
Raccoon hunting isn’t just about harvest—it’s about tuning into the quiet moments after dark. The stillness broken by movement in the brush or the reflection of eyes in the beam of your light is part of what makes it so compelling. In Nebraska, the blend of rural quiet and active raccoon populations gives hunters a chance to experience something both fast-paced and deeply rooted in tradition.
Hunters often hope to experience the thrill of the hunt and the quiet moments after dark.
With minimal gear, a bit of planning, and a good understanding of raccoon behavior, a night hunt here becomes a memorable way to spend time outdoors.
FAQs
When is raccoon season in Nebraska?
Raccoon season typically runs through the fall and winter months until the end of the season. Specific dates can be found through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Do I need a special license?
Yes, a hunting license or fur harvest permit is required. Additional regulations may apply depending on the method of take and what is permitted.
Can I use lights for raccoon hunting?
Yes, artificial lights are allowed for raccoon hunting at night in Nebraska. Be sure to follow equipment guidelines and be aware of any restricted use of lights.
What’s the best time of night to hunt raccoons?
Raccoons are most active in the first few hours after dark and just before dawn, especially when searching for food on warmer nights.
Where should I look for raccoons?
Focus on creek beds, cornfields, abandoned buildings, and wooded areas near water where raccoons feed and travel regularly.
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