Nowadays, many people hunt for smaller and less endangered animals. One of the most common prey species is the raccoon.
Unlike many other preys, raccoons are more active animals during the night, which presents a different thrill for many leisure hunters.
The lack of adequate lighting during the night can add a certain sense of danger to the activity.
Therefore, to avoid any accidents, hunters must properly equip themselves. One of the essential gadgets for this activity is the lighting equipment.
This article will show you the different types of lights that you can use for night hunting.
We will also give you our list of recommended lighting devices for raccoon hunting.
THE BEST COON HUNTING LIGHTS
Coon hunting usually takes place in areas where there is no adequate lighting. These areas are generally farmlands and woodlands.
The absence of good quality light makes coon hunting both exciting and dangerous. To cope with this, coon hunters must bring night hunting lights.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD COON HUNTING LIGHTS
To maximize the use of this type of light during this activity, you need to know some of the qualities that you should look for when you shop for coon hunting lights:
- It should not be bulky and heavy.
You should be able to carry it using your strength while covering a considerable distance.
- It has a good quality battery pack.
The battery must be made from premium-quality materials, and it also needs a long battery life and must be rechargeable.
Having a rechargeable battery can save you from the trouble of needing to buy one whenever you go on a hunt.
- It should have a powerful beam.
A coon light with a powerful and bright beam will allow you to see your target without needing to be closer to it.
- It has to have a bright light.
High-intensity lights are considered the best lights for raccoon hunting.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF RACOON HUNTING LIGHTS
There are four different lighting gadgets that you can use for raccoon hunting. Each of these lighting fixtures is unique and has a specific purpose.
Depending on your hunting style and preferences, you can choose to use any of them.
1. SCOPE MOUNTED GUN LIGHTS.
Scope mount gun lights can be handy in long-range coon hunting.
Since it is mounted and attached to your rifle, you don’t need to carry it to use it while you aim to shoot your target.
The best thing about it is that you can adjust the width of your light, as well as its beam intensity. You can narrow or widen the light, even during the hunting session.
Another good thing about this type of light is that it is available in many different colors. You can choose to use either the red light or the green one, and some brands offer a yellow light.
The only problem with this is this type of light can make your gun heavier, especially when the light’s body is attached to your rifle.
Whether or not you are using it, you will carry its weight whenever you lift your gun.
2. LED HEADLAMP-STYLE LIGHTS.
If you don’t want to carry your lighting fixture with your hands, this would be a good choice for you. This type of light is usually worn on your head or attached to your headgear.
LED headlamps cast a bright beam on whatever you are looking at. Its bright light is perfect for illuminating the path you are walking down during a hunt.
3. HYBRID FLASHLIGHTS.
Hybrid flashlights work like scope mount gun lights, and you can also attach them to your rifle. If you want to do this, you will just need a unique holder or adapter bracket.
It is, however, often used as a handheld device. The downside is that the tasks you can do with your hands will be limited.
Since one of your hands is already carrying the device, you can only use the other one for the task.
4. HANDHELD SPOTLIGHTS.
Handheld spotlights work similarly to your hybrid flashlight. But they are more powerful, shine brighter, and are more flexible.
If you would like to use this lighting fixture, know that you won’t use both of your hands for a task.
The main difference between these lights is the location of their light source. Each of them serves a different purpose.
Night hunting takes place in dark areas with limited natural light. That being said, you will need the aid of artificial light.
Remember that the best coon hunting light for you will always be based on your style and preferences.
BEST LIGHT COLOR FOR YOUR COON HUNTING LIGHT
The color of your light can affect your success in hunting raccoons. Keep in mind that raccoons can see white light.
Suppose you use a bright white light while hunting; they will know you are nearby. If this happens, raccoons will 1now hide from you.
The best light color for your coon hunting light is the red light.
- Raccoons are not afraid of the red light. Many people think that not even a good coon can see red lights correctly. If you use a red light, you will not scare them away.
- Another good reason you should choose this color is its effects on your night vision.
This color can place the least amount of strain on your eyes, enabling you to stay longer and hunt for many hours during the night.
- If you cannot find anything with red light, then the green light is okay. Many gun lights and night vision systems use this color.
Green light allows the human eye to distinguish details in low-light areas.
This type of light is also suitable for long-range lighting, which is helpful in hunting.
The only problem with green lights is that raccoons can see them better than red lights. They may not get scared of it, but it could certainly make them nervous that you are nearby.
THE BEST RACCOON HUNTING LIGHTS ON THE MARKET
1. ORION PREDATOR H30
REASONS TO LOVE IT:
- It is equipped with the latest Cree XP-E2 LED.
- You have the option of choosing between having a red light or a green one.
- It has three different mounting options: barrel mount, rail mount, and scope mount.
- The Orion Predator H30 packages come with rechargeable batteries.
- Long battery life.
- Durable and waterproof.
- Easy to use.
The only concern that some people have with this lighting tool is its remote pressure switch.
Some people think that Orion Predator H30’s remote pressure switch can be a little difficult to use. For more information, you can check it here.
2. STREAMLIGHT 44911 WAYPOINT SPOTLIGHT
REASONS TO LOVE IT:
It is one of the brightest that is available on the market. It has three lighting modes:
- The high mode with 1000 lumens has a long beam of up to 678 m and will last 3 hours.
- The medium mode with 550 lumens has a long beam of up to 490 m and will last up to 6 hours.
- The low mode with 35 lumens has a long beam of up to 200 m and will last 80 hours.
You can charge it using a 12V cord. It fits nicely in your hand and is shock-proof.
People’s only concern with this is that it’s not 100% waterproof. For more information, you can check it here.
3. BORUIT HUNTING HEADLAMP WITH RED LIGHT
REASONS TO LOVE IT:
- It has both white light and red light.
- The white light has two lighting modes: high mode and medium mode.
- Rechargeable batteries.
- Very bright light.
- You can charge the batteries by plugging them into a wall outlet or USB port.
The only negative thing about this is that it cannot be submerged underwater. You can learn more about it here.
Night hunting can be pretty dangerous, primarily because it’s dark. It would, therefore, be a great deal of help if you had suitable quality lighting devices.
In addition to that, you also need to prepare for it properly. To start with, you need to research your state’s policy on it.
What are the reporting requirements and the allowable hunting methods? Does your state require hunting licenses?
These are just some of the questions that have answers that you need to find when you conduct your research.
After all, knowing your state’s policies is a great way to prepare before your hunt.
If you are participating in a hunting game with dogs, ensure you have all the necessary dog supplies before the big game.
You have to make sure that you and your dog are equipped for the event.
FAQs
What is the best coon hunting light?
It’s the Orion H30 Predator, the scope mount option. It can emit light up to 819 feet (or 273 yards).
What color light is the best for raccoon hunting?
Red light is the best light color for raccoon hunting.
Can raccoons see red light?
Raccoons can see red light, but with specific difficulties.
Most of them will not react to this light color, which is why we recommend to use red light when hunting raccoons.
Can raccoons see green light?
Yes, they can, though they will not negatively react to it.
Summary
Since coon hunting takes place at night, hunters need lighting devices. These will ensure both the safety and the success of the hunt.
Thankfully, there are many available on the market. You just need to find one that suits your hunting style and preferences.