In Where the Red Fern Grows how do Billy Little Ann and Old Dan catch a raccoon?

billy uses a brace and bit trap in the story. the raccoons like shiny objects , and will not release.

A brace and bit would be a drill and drill bit today. Drill a hole in a log or piece of firewood and angle 2 nails into the hole. Drop a shiny coin or bit of foil into it. When the curious raccoon grabs the foil and tries to pull its fist out, it gets impaled on the nails. It will be too stubborn to let the foil go.