Hi All.

Question: In NY, should one keep trapping racoons for the entire season or not?

Meaning: An older gentleman has told me many times he stops trapping after whatever date (December I think) because they're "(This word is unacceptable on Trapperman)" and sleep in their own urine and whatever in dens and they're "all denned up."

Is this an old wives tale or not? And would I get even better coon pelts later in the season?

Thank you.

Coons definitely go down hill after being denned up for awhile. Breeding season is also hard on quality. In general, late season coon are of poorer quality than what you will catch right now.

If you're trapping for damage control, sure. If you want to sell fur for a dollar or two, forget it.

Sleeping in their own urine or peeing on one another In a den I think is an old wife's tale I would continue trapping into Dec. Then just keep a eye on how the fur looks.

Rubbing is a real problem if they are denning a lot, but that's gonna vary from year to year.

Groenewold said you folks in NY are good for about 1 week after Thanksgiving. After that, maybe not so much.