The Best Hunting Dogs for Raccoon Hunting: Coonhounds, Terriers, and Feists
When it comes to raccoon hunting, having the right hunting dog can make all the difference. Coonhounds, terriers, and feists are some of the best breeds for this type of hunting. Coonhounds, known for their excellent scenting ability and endurance, are often the top choice for raccoon hunting. Terriers, with their small size and fearless nature, are highly skilled at locating and flushing out raccoons. Feists, a versatile breed, are known for their agility and ability to track down raccoons in various terrains. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and strengths of these three types of hunting dogs, helping you choose the best one for your raccoon hunting adventures.
Coonhounds
1.1 American English Coonhound
The American English Coonhound is a popular breed for raccoon hunting. Known for their incredible sense of smell and endurance, these dogs are well-suited for tracking raccoons through various terrains. They have a distinctive bay when on the trail, which helps hunters locate them easily. American English Coonhounds are also known for their loyalty, intelligence, and determination, making them excellent companions for raccoon hunters.
1.2 Black and Tan Coonhound
The Black and Tan Coonhound is another exceptional breed for raccoon hunting. With their keen sense of smell and exceptional tracking abilities, these dogs excel in locating and treeing raccoons. They have a distinctive black and tan coat that provides camouflage in the darkness, allowing them to blend in while on the hunt. Black and Tan Coonhounds are known for their endurance, strength, and agility, making them reliable partners for raccoon hunters.
1.3 Bluetick Coonhound
Bluetick Coonhounds are highly regarded for their hunting skills, particularly in raccoon hunting. These dogs possess a remarkable sense of smell and are renowned for their ability to track raccoons even in challenging terrain. Their striking blue and black mottled coat makes them stand out among other coonhound breeds. Bluetick Coonhounds are known for their intelligence, bravery, and determination, making them a valuable asset for any raccoon hunting enthusiast.
These coonhound breeds are among the best choices for raccoon hunting due to their exceptional tracking abilities, endurance, and natural instincts. Whether it’s the American English Coonhound, Black and Tan Coonhound, or Bluetick Coonhound, these dogs will prove to be reliable partners for any raccoon hunting adventure.
Terriers
2.1 Rat Terrier
Rat Terriers are small yet mighty dogs that excel in raccoon hunting. Their compact size allows them to maneuver easily in dense underbrush and tight spaces, making them ideal for tracking raccoons in their burrows. These terriers possess a strong prey drive, which is essential for hunting raccoons.
One of the standout qualities of Rat Terriers is their intelligence. They are quick learners and can be easily trained to follow commands and navigate obstacles during a hunt. Their tenacity and determination make them excellent at flushing out raccoons from trees or underground dens.
2.2 Feist
Feists are a versatile breed known for their exceptional hunting skills, including raccoon hunting. These small to medium-sized terriers are highly energetic and agile, making them well-suited for chasing and treeing raccoons.
Feists have a strong sense of smell, enabling them to track raccoons with precision. They are often used in conjunction with other hunting dogs, such as Coonhounds, to corner raccoons and alert hunters to their location. Feists are known for their endurance and enthusiasm, making them an excellent choice for raccoon hunting in challenging terrains.
2.3 Jack Russell Terrier
Jack Russell Terriers, or JRTs, are renowned for their fearless nature and boundless energy. These terriers possess a strong hunting instinct and have been successfully utilized in raccoon hunting for many years.
JRTs are exceptional at locating raccoon dens and flushing out the raccoons from their hiding places. Their small size allows them to access narrow crevices and tight spaces where raccoons might try to escape. These terriers are known for their agility and quick reflexes, making them excellent at pursuing and capturing raccoons.
In conclusion, Terriers, including Rat Terriers, Feists, and Jack Russell Terriers, are formidable hunting dogs for raccoon hunting. Their compact size, intelligence, tenacity, and agility make them well-suited for tracking, flushing, and capturing raccoons in various hunting environments.
Feists
3.1 Treeing Feist
The Treeing Feist is a small but mighty hunting dog breed that is known for its exceptional treeing skills. These dogs are often used in raccoon hunting due to their agility and keen sense of smell. Treeing Feists are highly energetic and possess a strong prey drive, making them excellent companions for hunters.
These feists are adept at climbing trees and can quickly locate and corner raccoons until the hunter arrives. They have a compact and muscular build, allowing them to navigate through dense underbrush and rough terrains with ease. Treeing Feists are known for their high intelligence and ability to adapt to various hunting styles, making them a versatile choice for raccoon hunting.
3.2 Mountain Feist
The Mountain Feist is another popular hunting dog breed that excels in raccoon hunting. These feists are known for their agility, endurance, and tenacity. Mountain Feists have a strong prey drive and are highly skilled at tracking and treeing raccoons.
These dogs are often used in rugged terrains, such as mountains and forests, where raccoons are known to seek refuge. Mountain Feists are known for their exceptional scenting abilities, allowing them to track raccoons over long distances. With their compact and muscular bodies, they can navigate through difficult terrains and chase raccoons up trees.
3.3 Stephens Cur
The Stephens Cur is a versatile hunting dog breed that is highly regarded for its raccoon hunting abilities. These dogs are known for their speed, endurance, and determination. Stephens Curs have a strong prey drive and excel in tracking, trailing, and treeing raccoons.
Stephens Curs are often used in both open fields and dense forests for raccoon hunting. They have a keen sense of smell and can track raccoons with precision. These dogs are known for their excellent treeing skills, as they can corner raccoons and alert the hunter to their location. Stephens Curs are loyal and intelligent, making them reliable companions for raccoon hunting enthusiasts.
In conclusion, Feists, including Treeing Feists, Mountain Feists, and Stephens Curs, are exceptional hunting dogs for raccoon hunting. These breeds possess the necessary qualities, such as agility, endurance, and strong prey drive, to excel in tracking, trailing, and treeing raccoons. Whether it’s in rough terrains or dense forests, Feists are reliable and versatile companions for any raccoon hunting adventure.
In conclusion, when it comes to raccoon hunting, Coonhounds, Terriers, and Feists have proven to be the best hunting dog breeds. Coonhounds, with their excellent scenting abilities and endurance, are particularly well-suited for tracking and treeing raccoons. Terriers, known for their agility and fearlessness, excel at flushing out raccoons from burrows and dens. Feists, on the other hand, are small yet energetic dogs that possess both tracking and treeing skills. Each breed brings unique qualities to the table, ensuring a successful and thrilling raccoon hunting experience. Whether it be the Coonhound’s nose, the Terrier’s tenacity, or the Feist’s agility, these dogs are undoubtedly the top choices for raccoon hunting enthusiasts.
