Back in the 1960's or 70's ( I dis-remember which)coon hides were bringing damn good money.
My Dad had Walker hounds and we ran trap lines all season. We made really good money until fur prices dropped.
A couple of older folks liked baked coon and always asked us to save them a young tender one and we always did.
I've tried BBQ coon made like pulled pork sandwiches and it's actually pretty good.
About the only time I kill one now is when they get after the laying hens. They're probably unpleasantly surprised when they find out that the Great Pyrenees likes to sleep under the floor of the chicken coop.
