Local annual raccoon hunt helps raise money for St. Jude

PARSONS, Tenn. — The world’s largest raccoon hunt benefiting St. Jude is underway this week at the Decatur County Fairgrounds.

All proceeds from the no-kill field trial hunt benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.

The hunters in this event don’t harm or kill the raccoons.

Instead the dogs just chase the raccoons up a tree.

One county leader says it’s truly an event for the whole family.

“It’s a special weekend for us here in the county. We get to see a lot of, it’s been going on so long, we’ve lost several volunteers over the years, but new ones step in and pick up. It’s become more of a family-oriented event as far as friends become family. They know grandfathers down to grandkids now,” said Mayor of Decatur County, Mike Creasy.

Organizers say winners of the event are awarded cash prizes.

In its nearly 50-year history, the hunt has raised more than 4.5 million dollars for St Jude.

The event continues through the morning of April 14.

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