shooting racoons

[WhitetailReaper]

i have 2 huge racoons every morning that run around and play underneath my deer stand, now i'm thinking they would make really nice hides, i'm pretty sure my bow would pin them straight to the ground at 10-20 feet, but as far as tanning the hide, skinning them, and possible eating them, any advice

[jsb57]

at that distance either a .22 or just a field tip i coon hunt and got away from a .22lr after a couple of head shots and having one up your leg but they were out of the top of a tree a 17hmr head shot probably wont leave a exit hole

[Soilarch]

Use a high velocity .22 if you go that route. I too have seen them take some crazy head shots, and by some miracle not go "flop". I don't understand it...and while its no concern to you since you'll be up in the tree, take my word for it: You DO NOT want a pissed-off coon on your hands. Pound-for-pound they are incredible mean, fiesty, and reseliant (sp?) animals. But anything more than a .22 is overkill I think. If you can put a arrow in their face that oughta do the trick as well. As far as eating them, I don't remember the details but know they can be pretty good. Grandma said she would soak 'em salt water, then soak/boil them in some fresh water...then BBQ or Fry 'em.

[dogslayer]

Never shoot any game with a field point . Unless you can brain every shot , and paper is different than in the field . A wounded coon could be bad news .