As hunters, we understand the delicate balance between managing wildlife populations and preserving the ecosystems we cherish. Raccoons, while seemingly innocuous, are prolific pests that wreak havoc on crops, property, and native wildlife. Aside from their impact on the environment, they pose public health risks and significant economic costs to landowners and municipalities. The solution? Ethical nighttime raccoon hunting, made exceptionally efficient with Pulsar thermal imaging technology.
Why Hunt Raccoons?
Raccoons are a textbook example of ecological opportunists. Their intelligence and adaptability allow them to thrive in urban and rural environments, often at the expense of native species and human infrastructure. These masked marauders raid crops, prey on ground-nesting birds, and even spread diseases such as rabies and leptospirosis. Managing raccoon populations not only protects fragile ecosystems but also alleviates the economic burden they impose on farmers and homeowners.
Hunting raccoons at night is a logical approach. As nocturnal creatures, raccoons are most active after sunset, making nighttime the ideal time to intercept their destructive activities. The challenge lies in seeing through the cover of darkness—a challenge perfectly met with Pulsar thermal imaging technology.
Raccoon seen through the DXP55, photo courtesy of Ben Blood.
The Gear You’ll Need
For spotting raccoons at night, the Pulsar Axion 2 LRF XG35 Thermal Monocular offers unparalleled performance in a compact design. Featuring a high-resolution <40mK NETD thermal sensor, the Axion 2 delivers crisp, detailed imagery, making it easy to detect raccoons even in dense cover. Its 1913-yard detection range and integrated laser rangefinder provide the tools you need to identify and assess targets from a distance. The 2.5-20x magnification ensures flexibility for scanning large areas or zooming in for precise observations. Its lightweight, pocket-sized build makes it easy to carry during long hunts, while its IPX7 waterproof rating guarantees durability in any weather. The Axion 2 is the ideal monocular for raccoon hunters seeking reliability and convenience.
Once the raccoon is located, the Pulsar Thermion Duo DXP55 Thermal and Digital Riflescope ensures precision and versatility. This dual-channel scope combines advanced thermal imaging and a full-HD digital day channel, allowing hunters to seamlessly transition between day and night hunting. The thermal channel features a <25mK NETD sensor and 2-16x magnification, offering incredible detail and accuracy, even in total darkness. The digital channel includes a powerful full-HD CMOS sensor for daytime use, making the Thermion Duo an all-in-one solution for any hunting scenario. Its integrated laser rangefinder provides precise distance readings, while picture-in-picture mode ensures accuracy with magnified focus on your target. Built to withstand recoil and rated IPX7 waterproof, the Thermion Duo performs flawlessly in the field, giving hunters the confidence to take clean, ethical shots.
Both products feature IPX7 waterproofing and long battery life, ensuring they perform in any weather condition. Paired together, they provide an unbeatable toolkit for hunting any animal at night.
Weapons
Choosing the right weapon is just as critical to a successful hunt as selecting your optics. .22lr or .22 magnum rifles are favored among raccoon hunters due to their low recoil, quiet report, and sufficient stopping power for small game. For those who prefer shotguns, a 12-gauge with a light load from #4 to #6 is effective, especially in dense cover or when hunting with dogs. Pellet guns or air rifles can also be suitable for close-range shots where noise must be minimized. Precision is key, and headshots are recommended to ensure a quick, humane kill. Using suppressors where legal can further reduce noise, preventing the disruption of nearby wildlife or alerting other raccoons.
Table Fare
For those willing to expand their culinary horizons, raccoon meat can be a surprisingly delicious addition to your table. Properly prepared, raccoon meat has been described as tender, flavorful, and rich. However, it is essential to exercise caution, as raccoons are known carriers of rabies. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals, including raccoons. When considering raccoons for table fare, hunters must be vigilant for the following outward symptoms of rabies:
- Erratic Behavior:
- Rabid raccoons may exhibit uncharacteristic aggression or lethargy.
- They may attack without provocation or appear disoriented and confused.
- Nocturnal animals like raccoons seen wandering during daylight hours could be a red flag.
- Excessive Drooling and Foaming at the Mouth:
- Rabies causes increased saliva production, leading to drooling or foam around the mouth.
- This is a hallmark symptom of advanced infection.
- Paralysis:
- Rabid raccoons may have difficulty walking, dragging their hind legs or appearing paralyzed in parts of their body.
- Unusual Vocalizations:
- Rabid animals may emit strange, high-pitched sounds or growls that are atypical for their species.
- Visible Wounds or Swelling:
- Bite marks or infected wounds near the mouth, head, or neck could indicate a recent fight with another rabid animal.
- Avoidance of Water:
- Hydrophobia (fear of water) is a classic rabies symptom. Rabid animals may appear unable to drink or avoid water sources altogether.
If you suspect the animal may be rabid, do not handle or consume it; instead, report it to local wildlife authorities.
If you’ve confirmed the raccoon is healthy, clean and process it carefully, removing any excess fat and glands to ensure the best flavor. Slow cooking, smoking, and barbecuing are popular methods, transforming the meat into a hearty and satisfying dish. By combining safety precautions with culinary curiosity, hunters can enjoy raccoon as a sustainable and responsible source of wild game.
Cooking Tips:
- Slow Cooking: Braising raccoon in a slow cooker with aromatic vegetables and spices yields tender, flavorful meat.
- Smoking: Seasoned and smoked raccoon offers a rich, smoky flavor reminiscent of pork.
- Barbecuing: Raccoon meat takes well to marinades and BBQ sauces, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Not only does raccoon make good table fare, but consuming the meat also honors the animal, ensuring nothing goes to waste. By turning pest control into a culinary experience, hunters gain both a practical solution to raccoon overpopulation and a unique opportunity to share wild game with family and friends.
Whether you’re safeguarding crops, protecting native wildlife, or simply enjoying the challenge of a nocturnal hunt, Pulsar’s advanced thermal technology equips you for success. And while you do your part to balance your local ecosystem, you might also be coming home with potential table fare. All in all, raccoon hunting is an activity that satisfies both practical needs and culinary curiosity.
If our products have helped you in any way, share your story with us! Accepted stories will receive a 20% discount code.
