Raccoon Hunting on Vancouver Island

Anything you need to know about the best time, places, outfitters, and regulations of Vancouver Island raccoon hunting, you can find them here. We are ready to help you make a rewarding BC hunting opportunity.

Have you ever seen a raccoon in your yard lurking for you to sleep? Well, on Vancouver Island, provided that you have the required licence, raccoon hunting is allowed. Since Vancouver Island has all the criteria of a raccoon habitat, the population of raccoons on the island is pretty significant. Raccoons have heavy-set bodies, black facial masks, and banded tails. They weigh between 12 and 35 pounds (5.4 kg and 15.8 kg), making them great bates for hunting, although raccoon hunting is mainly done for the fur.

The raccoon population on the east coast (Campbell River, Comox, and Nanaimo) of Vancouver Island is denser than on the west coast. According to the statistics, there are 238 raccoons per square kilometre, but remember that hunting and trapping are illegal without possessing a licence. It's best if you choose your hunting site there. Over the past ten years, Trapping activity has declined and has been reduced to only a few dozen raccoons a year. Although its nocturnal lifestyle makes for more than a few incidental takings, annual harvests from trapping have rarely exceeded 1,000 pelts.

In the following, we will discuss the essential factors you need to know regarding raccoon hunting on Vancouver Island. Besides, we will introduce all the regulations you must know before going on a raccoon hunting tour on Vancouver Island.

Many years ago, raccoon flesh was used as the staple food by indigenous people on Vancouver Island. Indigenous people set hunting trips for raccoon harvests to freeze food for the winter. Back then, raccoons were one of the main resources Micmac indigenous people of Richibucto for both food and clothes. So, we can say that raccoon hunting used to be a custom on Vancouver Island for years, and now, the fur has widespread use amongst people; for two decades, during the 50s and the 60s, coonskin hats were fashionable. However, the flesh isn't the reason why people go raccoon hunting anymore.

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1. In general, raccoons do not attack human beings; however, they may get aggressive when somebody approaches or corners them. Thus, take the necessary safety measures while hunting raccoons.
2. Raccoons hate cold temperatures; that is one of the reasons why Vancouver Island is an excellent habitat for raccoons and coon hunting. Try to finish your raccoon harvest before the first snowdrop.
3. If you're a local and, in any case, own poultry, secure it in the best way possible. Prevent raccoons from opening their way into your yard at any cost. Hunting and trapping raccoons are not allowed without a licence.

Raccoons are a common species on Vancouver Island; however, the best spots for hunting raccoons are places with an abundance of hardwood, like Maple, Oak, and Sycamore trees. It is best if there is also a water source, such as a creek, pond, or river nearby. They like the wetland since they can wash their food; thus, the best opportunity for hunting on Vancouver Island is maybe when they're occupied with the water.
Properties near a highway, town or any well-travelled road are not suitable for raccoon hunting because they seek food in the yards and garbage. You can easily set a trap and get them into it, provided with the required licence. And since Victoria has a massive population of raccoons, hunting is more likely to be successful there. Once the raccoons determine that a home or a neighbourhood is a good food source, they will keep coming back, which is an excellent chance for hunting or trapping. They are the invading bandits in the world of quadrupeds.
For now, the management units (MU) or the hunting areas designated by BC regulation for hunting raccoons are 1-1 to 1-15 on the region 1 (Vancouver Island) map. After all, hunters should be aware of no hunting and shooting areas on Vancouver Island.

Raccoon hunting costs depend on different factors and primary expectations from our clients. For example, services such as meals, hunting guides, and transportation that we provide to you during your hunting journey will definitely influence the price you'll pay. Our raccoon hunting prices start at $600.

To experience a successful raccoon harvest on Vancouver Island:
1- Plan for your coon hunting in advance.
2- Choose the areas where you intend to hunt for your coon hunting on Vancouver Island.
3- Apply for and obtain the necessary licence for your raccoon hunting.
4- Select the right outfitter to be by your side in coon hunting adventure.
But why does choosing the right outfitter matter before starting a raccoon hunting adventure? They provide their guests with appropriate gear and adequate scouting knowledge to ensure that every hunter involved in that trip would have the best chance of a successful raccoon harvest. If you want to make sure that your coon hunting adventure on Vancouver Island is going to be the best experience ever, choosing the right outfitter is a MUST! If you need help or have any questions regarding the choice of the best outfitter, please contact us.

✓ The raccoon is an annoyance somehow. If your home or neighbourhood is a good source of food, raccoons will keep coming back.
✓ They can outsmart many kinds of live traps.
✓ A group of raccoons (called a gaze) are observant. Whenever you're nearby, they quite likely to toddle off to darkness and safety.
✓ For farmers, raccoons can be trouble. They may decimate laying flocks, eat meat birds, and also destroy gardens.
✓ A raccoon could be turned into a hunting trophy because of a hat made from its pelts and tails.
✓ Placing live traps is a method for catching raccoons.
✓ Unleashed dogs may be used to hunt small game. Trained hunting dogs can help you to find your game.