MDC Dec. 3 program in Greene County to focus on raccoon hunting

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Raccoon hunting is a winter tradition in some parts of the Ozarks. In addition to being a unique outdoors pastime, raccoon hunting provides income to the hunter through the sale of pelts. It also helps control the population of a mammal – the raccoon – that can be problematic if its numbers get to be too abundant.

People wanting to learn more about this age-old Ozarks outdoors pastime should plan to attend a Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) raccoon hunting seminar on Dec. 3. This program, “Hunting: Raccoon Hunt,” will be from 6:30-11:30 p.m. at the Greene County Raccoon Hunters Clubhouse, located at 897 Greene County Highway F near Bois D’Arc, Mo. The building is located on Highway F directly across the road from Bois D’Arc Fire Protection District Station No. 2. This program will include an indoor segment and will also feature a chance to take part in an actual raccoon hunt.

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/181135

Topics that will be covered during the indoors portion of the program include

• Seasons and regulations of raccoon hunting
• Legal times and methods of harvest
• Basic training and handling of a coonhound
• Harvesting and skinning methods
• Basic coonhound knowledge – how the hounds scent, track, and tree, and the barks associated with each action
• Modern tracking collars and operating system operation

COVID-19 recommendations will be in place for the indoor portion of this program

In the outdoor portion of this event, prospective hunters will get a chance to put their skills to work. Participants will be partnered with a hunting guide and hounds and will then be sent into the woods on a hunt. Participants should dress for the weather and the terrain and should bring a flashlight. Participants will be divided into groups of five and must provide their own transportation to and from hunting locations. All participants must possess a Missouri small game hunting license if they’re not exempt.

To get more information about this program, contact MDC Conservation Educator Lyle Whittaker at Lyle.Whittaker@mdc.mo.gov.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding in-person and virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.