Quick Answer
SHOULD_YOU_HUNT_RACCOONS_DURING_A_FULL_MOON: It's not ideal to hunt raccoons during a full moon because it disrupts the natural behavior of the raccoon and the treeing instinct of your hound. A full moon can cause the raccoon to stay up, making it harder to tree and increasing the likelihood of a chase. This can be stressful for both the hound and the hunter.
Hunting with a Full Moon: The Challenges
When hunting raccoons during a full moon, you’ll likely encounter raccoons that are more active and alert. This can make it difficult for your hound to tree them, as they’ll be more inclined to stay on the ground and evade the dog. In addition, the noise and commotion caused by the full moon can stimulate the raccoon’s natural flight response, making it harder to keep them in the tree.
Treeing Instinct and Full Moon
A treeing dog like a Treeing Walker coonhound relies on its keen sense of smell and instinct to tree its quarry. However, a full moon can disrupt this instinct, causing the dog to become more focused on the sound and movement of the raccoon rather than its scent. This can lead to a dog that’s more prone to chasing and less focused on treeing, making it harder for the hunter to bring the raccoon to bay.
Full Moon and Bear Hunting
While the challenges of hunting raccoons during a full moon are significant, it’s worth noting that hunting bears is often less affected by the lunar cycle. This is because bears are generally less active and less responsive to noise during a full moon. However, it’s still essential to consider the impact of the full moon on your hound’s behavior and performance, and to adjust your hunting strategy accordingly.
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