I don't think you're doing anything wrong, because that is a dang good set up that catches raccoons (and greasy ol possums, too).
When I am really bent on grinners and nothing else, I use those duffer coon traps, because those raccoons have to reach in and pull the trigger outward to set them off. Their paws are kind of like our hands in that they have a good grip, so they will fart around with that trigger trying pull off a fat marshmellow or get to some tuna behind it.
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Pain is guaranteed. Suffering is up to you. Taos Muncy
Tell him the right answer is shifting to a .284-.308, and for the right fee you'll convert his 7-08 so it works a lot better on deer in the brush. Muledeer