Raccoons are intelligent, nocturnal creatures known for their dexterous paws and curiosity, and hunting them isn’t an easy task. However, understanding the best, most effective baits when hunting raccoons can significantly enhance your success in capturing these elusive animals.
The raccoon is captured for several reasons, the most common being that they are a nuisance to humans because they are known for raiding their homes on trash cans, chicken coops, and gardens. This is because the raccoon is omnivorous and will feed on many things.
Some people also capture them for their fur, which is used in coats, hats, and other garments. In some areas, raccoons are captured and transferred when they are considered overpopulated, just to balance the ecosystem.
This article looks at some of the best baits one can use for hunting raccoons.
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| 1) Milligan’s Cat-Man-Do Bobcat Animal Lure
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| 2) AuSable Brand Dog Proof Trap Coon Bait
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3) Coon Gitter bait.
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4) Wildlife Research Center Lure #1
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5) Dobbins Coon Candy Lure
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6) Milligan’s MOJO Coon Lure
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Understanding Raccoon Behavior
Raccoons are primarily active at night, searching for food sources, and they consume a varied diet, including fruits, nuts, insects, small animals, and human leftovers. Their inquisitive nature makes them susceptible to traps baited with appealing scents and tastes.
How to Lure and Bait Raccoons
The following baits have proven effective in luring raccoons.
Sweet and fatty foods
Raccoons are attracted to the scent of sweet and fatty foods. These can include marshmallows, which they like for their sugar and stickiness, and peanut butter on bread. One can also use pieces of fruit like watermelon, cantaloupe, or grapes, which are enticing due to their natural sugars.
Fish-Based Baits
The strong smell of fish usually attracts raccoons. This can be from sources like canned sardines, raw chicken, or bacon. A few drops of fish oil can also enhance a bait’s effectiveness. Hot dogs and lunch meat are also pretty easy to use on traps.
Pet Food
Pet foods have proven to be effective for attracting raccoons. Dry cat or dog food has an appealing taste and aroma, but remember always to use it with caution to avoid attracting domestic animals.
Commercial Baits
There are specialized Raccoon Baits that are formulated to attract raccoons effectively. These include;
1) Milligan’s Cat-Man-Do Bobcat Animal Lure
Milligan’s Cat-Man-Do Bobcat Animal Lure (1 oz bottle) is a popular, long-time favorite among trappers, originally made for bobcats but loved by many for its strong attraction to other predators too. This lure blends bobcat’s favorite foods with curiosity musk, creating a powerful, long-distance scent that draws animals in without overwhelming them at the set.
It’s especially good for raccoons because it taps into their curiosity and food-driven nature. Raccoons are intelligent, opportunistic feeders with a keen sense of smell, and this lure’s mix of natural attractants, which make them investigate, pulls them to your trap or set reliably. Trappers often report catching raccoons alongside bobcats, coyotes, and foxes when using it, especially in dirt hole or flat sets.
The scent carries well, even in cold weather, and it’s freeze-proof, so it works year-round. The smell is strong, so handle it carefully outdoors and store it sealed to avoid a stink in your vehicle or house. A little goes a long way, just a few drops on a stick or in the trap does the trick.
Pros
- Strong, long-distance calling power
- Attracts raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, and more
- Works well in all seasons (freeze-proof)
- Curiosity musk draws curious animals like raccoons
- Trusted and popular among trappers
Cons
- Very strong, skunky odor (can stink up storage or vehicle)
- May not be ideal as sole lure for some other animals
2) AuSable Brand Dog Proof Trap Coon Bait
This pellet-type bait is crafted with a blend of five different oils and essences, combined with food-grade ingredients, including corn for visual appeal. Each batch takes up to 8 hours to produce, ensuring a high-quality, complex scent profile
The bait’s strong, fishy scent and corn inclusion make it visually and aromatically appealing to raccoons, who are drawn to fish-based and sweet odors. It works in both dog-proof (DP) traps and live cage traps, though it’s most effective in DP traps
The bait is formulated to be less attractive to dogs, reducing the risk of catching pets in DP traps, which is critical for trappers in areas with domestic animals
Pros
- The strong scent works every time
- Cost-effective
- Weather resistant
- Very easy to use, just scatter the pellets
Cons
- Doesn’t work as well on live traps.
3) Coon Gitter bait.
Coon Gitter is a pellet bait with a strong sweet cherry scent, formulated to attract raccoons while being less appealing to cats and dogs. It’s sold in 12 oz. or 1 lb. bags and is designed for both DP traps and cage traps. The bait is non-messy, doesn’t turn rancid, and is weather-resistant, making it suitable for various trapping conditions.
The bait’s strong scent can be intense to some users, and some have also reported that it attracts other non-target animals, such as opossums and skunks. The bait is, however, easy to apply and use across different trap types, making it a valuable option.
Pros
- Only a small amount is required per trap
- The dry pellet form allows for straightforward application
- Compatible with multiple trap types
- Dog safe
Cons
- Some complaints of Inconsistent batch quality.
4) Wildlife Research Center Hard Core Raccoon Lure #1
The Wildlife Research Center Hard Core Raccoon Lure #1 (4 oz. Bottle) is a liquid attractant that’s known for its intense, burning-sweet scent. The lure has been used for a long time, more than 40 years, which makes it a proven option for handling raccoons.
Its oily formula doesn’t mix with water, making it ideal for wet or rainy conditions, and most users note that it holds up better in adverse weather than pellet baits. The scent also lasts longer, only requiring application after around 5 and 7 days, reducing costs from maintenance.
Pros
- The lure emits a strong, sweet scent
- Has been used for over 40 years.
- The oily formula is naturally rain-resistant
- Attracts raccoons from a long distance.
Cons
- The intense scent may be overpowering for some users
5) Dobbins Coon Candy Lure
The Dobbins Coon Candy Lure will give you an edge If you’re targeting raccoons in an area with natural food competition.
The lure is a sweet, paste-like raccoon attractant made with a syrup-based formula that mimics ripe fruit, appealing to raccoons’ love for sugary foods. It’s available in 1 oz. and 4 oz. sizes, designed for use in dog-proof (DP) traps, live cage traps, and as a calling lure for animal damage control (ADC).
Some users have described it as an irresistible lure for raccoons, while also being satisfied that it can be used in areas where pets can roam freely without danger of being attracted to it. The bait’s jelly-like consistency requires minimal amounts, making a 1-oz bottle last for multiple sets.
Pros
- The lure’s sweet aroma is particularly enticing to raccoons.
- Effective on various trap types
- Designed to be less attractive to domestic animals
- The paste is easy to apply
Cons
- The paste-like consistency requires careful application to avoid ground absorption
6) Milligan’s MOJO Coon Lure
The Milligan’s MOJO Coon Lure is marketed as having a special curiosity agent that triggers the curiosity from raccoons. The lure is a mixture of raccoon glands, food-based ingredients, and it is ideal for year-round trapping, especially in harsh climates.
The liquid form of the Mojo Coon Lure ensures the scent persists, requiring only a capful per set, which reduces reapplication frequency compared to some pellet baits.
For application, most users have recommended that it works well if applied with visual baits like marshmallows, cat food, or corn to draw raccoons from a distance. Fish oil has also been said to boost the scent.
Pros
- Works in different weather conditions
- Gland secretions easily draw cautious raccoons than food-based baits
- Gland-based lures are less appealing to non-target animals
- Doesn’t require much quantity per application
Cons
- Requires visual baits to be effective
Raccoon Bait-FAQs
What food attracts raccoons the most?
Raccoons are opportunistic feeders drawn to sweet, fatty, and aromatic foods. Popular choices include marshmallows, canned tuna, cat food, corn, and ripe fruits. Their strong sense of smell helps them detect food from a distance, making strongly scented bait especially effective in luring them toward traps.
Is peanut butter effective for trapping raccoons?
Peanut butter is highly effective bait because its sweet, nutty scent appeals to raccoons. Its sticky consistency makes it difficult for them to grab without triggering the trap. It’s inexpensive, easy to apply, and works in various weather conditions, making it a reliable choice year-round.
Should bait be placed inside or outside the trap?
Bait should primarily be placed inside the trap, positioned so the raccoon must enter fully to reach it. However, placing a small amount outside can help lure them in. This combination increases the chances of the animal triggering the trap once they follow the scent inside.
How often should I change bait in a trap?
Bait should be changed every one to two days, or sooner in hot weather, to keep the scent strong and appealing. Spoiled or dried bait loses its aroma and effectiveness. Frequent replacement ensures the trap remains enticing and increases the likelihood of catching a raccoon quickly.
Are there baits raccoons avoid?
Raccoons typically avoid foods without a strong scent or flavor, such as plain bread or raw vegetables. They are less attracted to overly spicy or bitter items. Choosing bait with a rich smell and taste is key, as mild or bland foods won’t hold their interest for long.
Effective Baiting Techniques to Maximize Trapping Success.
- Position bait at the trap’s far end to ensure the raccoon fully enters.
- Secure the Trap to prevent raccoons from tipping them over and escaping
- Inspect traps frequently to ensure humane treatment and comply with local regulations.
- Be mindful of other wildlife and pets; select baits less likely to attract them
Conclusion
The best baits for hunting raccoons are available in a wide variety of forms as seen on this article. While baiting raccoons has been done for many years, the advent of commercial baits has made things even easier. These lures are easy to buy, apply, and store for future use. While using them, however, one should consider the laws concerning the trapping of raccoons, both during the day and night, and the use of lures present in their jurisdiction.
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