Don't have coons here but have a lot of skunks and they are just coming out from the winter. I have shot several with the bow and the only problem I had was when the arrow stayed in the skunk. I usually leave the skunk for a day before I go to garbage bag it and then get my arrow. As long as you pass through the arrow doesn't smell. If it does smell a little downy fabric softner (just like you use on dogs when sprayed) will take the foul smell away.