RE: shooting racoons
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.