My first season also, I have trapped several racoons...
Don't carry a firearm.
Blunt force trauma works well, just have to calmly take a good aim, and use the proper amount of force. A catch pole works well in holding the racoon still.
Since racoons frequent water, and I primarily water trap, I have set everything up to Drown. Rinse 'em in the water, hang up to dry overnight. Skin, Flesh, and put up the next night. Seems to work well for me.
I have an assortment of coon traps, and next season they will all be attached to drowning rigs. Including my L'll Griz Getrz (which I plan to get more of). My 1-1/2 CSs for coon will be mostly used with PVC sets. I plan to signifigantly increase my coon catch utilizing a canoe. You can move faster, if the animal is already dispatched when you arrive at the set.