How to Set a Racoon Trap

Raccoon are widely spread throughout the United States, and they are a commonly trapped fur-bearing animals. They can be found in hardwood forests, along any body of water, and they stay active even in the middle of winter. Wherever the raccoon is found, its habits remain similar; they are always on the prowl for food and have a natural sense of curiosity, a habit which trappers can use to their advantage.

Things You'll Need

  • Steel traps
  • Aluminum foil
  • Rebar wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Raccoon lure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a place along a stream, lake, or pond where raccoon are traveling. Tracks resembling a small human hand in the shore mud will indicate that raccoon are in this area.

    • 2

      Wrap aluminum foil over the entire trap pan, with the shiniest side of the foil up, and then set the trap.

    • 3

      Place the trap in the water next to the raccoon tracks; the trap should have 1 to 3 inches of water over it and not be more than 12 inches from the shore.

    • 4

      Twist a double strand of rebar wire around the trap ring and tie the other end off to a tree or other solid object so the raccoon cannot make off with the trap.

    • 5

      Find a dead stick that is no more than 1/4 inch in diameter and long enough so it can be stuck in the water with 3 to 4 inches sticking up above the water. Dip one end of the stick in the bottle of raccoon lure and push the other end into the water just beyond the trap, making sure the lured end of the stick stays above the water.

    • 6

      Cover the trap, but not the foil wrapped pan, with water soaked leaves to hide the trap. The raccoon will be drawn to the scent of the lure. Upon seeing the shiny foil, the raccoon will grab for it and push down the pan of the trap and be caught.