If it is a coon on dry ground, i whack it right at the base of the skull. If it is in water, i will tag it right on the top of the head enough to knock it out, then let it drown. You have to watch it since fracturing the skull can make it harder to skin. Also, you need to make sure to use something relatively heavy and very hard. My favorite club is an aluminum little league sized ball bat. Worked like a charm on coons and i even used it on a really ticked off bitch coyote too.