Racoons Responsible for my Broken Windshield

[Mackey]

Just got back from a camping adventure with my wife and 4 kids at Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, Indiana.

The racoons there are simply out of control! And they are responsible for my van's windshield being broken, interfering with my vacation.

The coons woke me up in the process of tearing up our camp looking for food (which was locked away in the van). They were knocking over stuff around camp and causing a general ruckus about two am when I jumped out of my cot intending to settle the score. One ran up a tree next to my van. I grabbed a block of nice oak intended for the campfire and launched it at the marauder. As soon as I released I realized my mistake.

The coon got the last laugh.

But, on a positive note, my wife got some WiFi time at a Salem, IN McDonald's while I conversed with "Brad" from Safelite about all manner of things including his new AR and stuff. And insurance covered 100% so it's all good.

 

[williamnewman1]

man , goofy little boogers , last time camping they were so bad we made deadfall traps out of milkcrates and rocks (entertainment for the whole family)

 

[gunman41mag]

Bet that raccoon will make a cool pet

 

[Magneto]

I love going there, but it's reasons like this I stay at the Inn.

 

[fullauto 45]

Three things you need.
1 - .22 pistol.
2 - subsonic rounds.
3 - suppressor.

That's all.

 

[cobber]

Be glad they weren't skunks. Had a few near misses (fortunately) of that type...

Worst was down in the Smokies at one of the NPS campgrounds. They were huge and fearless.

 

[littletommy]

Sounds like one of those things your wife will never let you forget.

 

[littletommy]

Three things you need.
1 - .22 pistol.
2 - subsonic rounds.
3 - suppressor.

That's all.

Why? So he could shoot his windshield out?

 

[sepe]

Wait, so you go camping and get annoyed by things that live in the woods so you throw a piece of firewood at them...maybe I'm a bit confused here. Maybe next time, plan a much more sterile and safe adventure.

 

[Mosinguy]

Wait, so you go camping and get annoyed by things that live in the woods so you throw a piece of firewood at them...maybe I'm a bit confused here. Maybe next time, plan a much more sterile and safe adventure.

^ this I think you're responsible for breaking your own windshield after throwing firewood around. IMO

 

[tv1217]

I don't think he's serious, but just in case, please avoid getting coffee @ McDonald's, Mackey, m'kay?

 

[ISP 5353]

Wrist Rocket and a bag of marbles!

 

[churchmouse]

Raccoon lake is just as bad. We put marshmallows out in the woods just beyond the light from the lanterns. They act like Krack heads over the goodies and fight like mad. It keeps them out of the camp for the most part.

 

[gungirl65]

The drought is adversely affecting the wildlife in my area. With the lack of rain there's not as much for the wildlife to eat. That's probably why the coons were going so crazy trying to get your food. They were probably starving.

I've heard places advertise for people to put out food and water for the birds because things are so bad. I was talking with one of my rescue friends earlier today and she told me of finding skinny dead birds because things are so bad.

So for anyone else going camping you may want to take a peace offering for the wildlife so may be they will leave you alone.

 

[Caleb]

Wrist Rocket and a bag of marbles!

Use small stones so DNR doesn't catch you doing what you're doing

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

I wonder how much it would cost for the IN DNR to set up some kind of Raccoon relocation program.

ALL the campgrounds are overrun with them. They tear up tents / other property every weekend.

Even if it were a "permanent" relocation - they would hardly even put a dent in the population.

The DNR has been taking deer overpopulation very seriously in the last 10-12 years - why not the raccoon population?

-J-

 

[MrsGungho]

I wonder how much it would cost for the IN DNR to set up some kind of Raccoon relocation program.

ALL the campgrounds are overrun with them. They tear up tents / other property every weekend.

Even if it were a "permanent" relocation - they would hardly even put a dent in the population.

The DNR has been taking deer overpopulation very seriously in the last 10-12 years - why not the raccoon population?

-J-

I don't like being woken by a raccoon trying to find food in the middle of the night either, but it is their home, not mine. I think it's something people have to live with if they chose to camp.

Funniest story, we were down at Morgan-Monroe camping and had one of the neighbors over for talk and drink after dark. The boys (4 total, all under 10) were running around and playing. They all decided they wanted some marshmallows and before I could jump up to get ours, they were running to the neighbors camp. Cue horror film scream now. Raccoon was at the neighbors camp and ran off with the marshmallows when it saw the boys... boys ran just as fast the opposite direction.

 

[hoosierdoc]

The DNR has been taking deer overpopulation very seriously in the last 10-12 years - why not the raccoon population?

-J-

I am not going to suggest raccoons are really running the government, but it IS something to consider...

Deer don't carry rabies but raccoons do. Very curious indeed. I heard China or other places pay a lot for pelts. Any truth to this?

I have been rushed by five tiny baby raccoons before. Terrified me. I thought I was going to squish them. Momma was up a fence watching. Probably playing on her iphone

 

[Redskinsfan]

Funny story, I enjoyed it much.

All these suggestions about launching projectiles especially those prone to ricochet such as ones from slingshot are terrible ideas in a crowded campground. I too hate to be awaken for anything in the middle of the night, but in this case I think shooing them away in the best option.

 

[Myles]

Funny story, I enjoyed it much.

All these suggestions about launching projectiles especially those prone to ricochet such as ones from slingshot are terrible ideas in a crowded campground. I too hate to be awaken for anything in the middle of the night, but in this case I think shooing them away in the best option.

You mean shooting them away?