Second raccoon

[JimD]

A few minutes ago, less than an hour before sunset, I saw something going down the shore line behind my house. I was hoping it was a muskrat that has chewed some of the floats under my dock but it was this 8 lb 5 ounce raccoon. My dog found it first and wanted to attack it. She's almost 40 lbs but I don't want vet bills. I shot it between the eyes with a 34 grain jsb pellet going a little under 800 fps. Raccoon dropped immediately but Cola, my dog shook it while it twitched. The last one was similar in size and took 3 hits from my 32 fpe P35-22 but the one that put it down was a shot between the eyes.

Should I skin it? I didn't mess with the last one because it showed up in the middle of the day and I thought it might have rabies. I think this one is healthy but tanning skins is a bit of work. I guess I could be like Jerry Jones (Cowboys owner) and eat it.

mi

 

[gendoc]

good shot !!!
1 hour before sunset is still kinda early in my neck of the woods to see these critters......
i definitely would not eat me

 

[JimD]

I could still pull it out but I bagged it and put it in the trash can with the squirrel guts. I don't tan squirrel hides but I eat them.

 

[Screwwork]

Nice shooting, congrats

 

[Berserkeley Mike]

It should be cool in a South Carolina garbage can overnight; in the morning, gut, skin and clean the carcass. Wear gloves. Pay attention to remove all gland-looking fatty things under the armpits, groin, neck and back. Jerry Jones isn't the only one, that's a good sized dinner for a family of 4. I find them on the better side of the game meat spectrum, like pork crossed with dark meat turkey. If you have to kill it, might as well try to eat it. Enjoy!

 

[kayaker]

Jim, if it were me I'd wait till mom or dad showed up, just a matter of time. Might as well do a big one for all the work involved. As far as eating one I don't think so go deer hunting. Nice job on the trash bandit

 

[thammer]

They are delicious if cooked right and all glands removed.

 

[BlackICE]

Can You Eat Raccoon? Absolutely

The first time I ate a raccoon was about 11 years ago. Some were raiding the chicken coop where we lived, so my roommate and I were charged with dispatching. We trapped one in a Hav-a-Hart, killed it, and being equal parts curious and broke, we cooked it. We braised the first raccoon with a...

www.themeateater.com

But, I would pass eating an urban or suburban raccoon, just eating your neighbor's recycled garbage!

 

[JaceSpace1369]

Nice shooting!

 

[JimD]

Thanks guys. I think I'll stick with squirrels.

 

[Contndr35BB]

Thanks guys. I think I'll stick with squirrels.

I hear you, I've eaten G-hog many years ago a couple times done different ways . I can't say I liked it, just did it to try it. I've known many people that loved it as well as raccoon . Most "country" folk would be the typical consumer of those critters where I grew up. I no longer have the taste for any wild game & have basically given up on deer or black bear hunting along w/ most small game . The critters I take now get a trip to the farm cats , raptors/ vultures /predator spot or the compost pile.

 

[coastal drifter]

I have friends that eat them, I never have.

 

[3Crows]

Any mammal can have or get rabies. However, certain animals are known to be ubiquitous vectors, namely raccoons and skunks (and feral dogs and any bat). Rabbits and squirrels are extremely unlikely hosts because they are unlikely to survive beyond being bitten by an infected predator. Skunks and raccoons, as much as I would like to skin out the raccoons I eliminate, just too dangerous IMO. I had to get the rabies shots due to a wildcat bite when I was a child, long story. Nick your skin skinning out a raccoon! Even with latex gloves. Armadillos taste better and due to their lower body temperature are also unlikely vector animals, they just have leprosy. Hoover Hogs, yummy!

 

[sasquatch]

It's always worth skinning one coon in life.

That's a nice shot and good dog going in for the rag doll effect.

It goes to show you don't need 1000fps to kill game once again. Those heavy lead pellets put down a good smack.



Santa was good to you

 

[BlackICE]

Depending on your area, eliminating pests may be legal, but skinning and keeping the pelt is not. Keeping the pelt may be considered hunting, or trapping which may require the an appropriate license and seasonal restrictions. Usually pesting has fewer requirements and restrictions.

 

[Terryb00]

@JimD ,
I just love the stock you made for your P35!
Slim, sleek, and pretty wood.