I've been using one called "Mr. Longarm" that goes from 6-12' and is very lightweight. Problem is it doesn't lock into position after awhile. At $15 a pop they seem almost disposable but I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions to get more uses out of these poles. What do you use?

Buy one of Field's thumb syringe poles and forget the paint pole. WCS has them also.

Does fields have a website? I'll also look at WCS. Thank you!

fieldsdevsupply.com I think, just goober them and they should pop up.

My poles are 4 ft in length that I use for skunk injection administration. What is the need for such a long pole. It is very difficult to inject accurately and with precision with a longer heavier pole.

I think you may need to develop better bedside manner skills.

Perhaps I'm in too big a rush but I don't always have time to speak softly and tell em what they wanna hear (the skunks). I've been sprayed at while injecting before and if it weren't for the 11-12' length, I'm sure I'd have been hit. Been sprayed much with that shorter pole?

I should also add I cut 1-2" holes in the back of my traps. Once I get the syringe into the cage I rest it on the cage wire. It's like a rest for a rifle. That skunk can move left or right in that trap and I can track him with that needle perfectly.

Like Bob I use a 4 footer, if you're rushing them and making them spray you're doing the customer a disservice. I learned the hard way about patience and reading the skunk. 5 or 10 extra minutes is all it takes and if you have several skunks at once do the easy ones first and give the nervous Nellies time to calm down.

I've been patient with it before. Then I get a skunk that will jump at everything and never calm down. Maybe I'm saying the wrong stuff to them? Have you been sprayed much?

Could anyone post a picture of their entry point on the cage they put the syringe through? I think I'm missing something here.

I've never been sprayed but have had them spray, must be my cat like reflexes.

Hahaha I need some of those reflexes. Do you have any access holes cut into your cage? How do you get the syringe in?

If the mesh is 1/2x1 I cut a couple cross bars out strategically to make a 1x1 hole but most of my daily use skunk traps are 1x1 and the Fields pole fits right in. Your technique of sliding the pole resting on the mesh for steadiness is good but be careful about making any squeaking or grating noises, they don't like it.

I must be using a different syringe then. I use the 12cc syringes with the machined aluminum syringe that screws to a paint pole. I can't imagine fitting it through the 1x1 wire but ill look when I get home.

I find that if you have a skunk that wont calm down for you try spraying him with water while you inject him. Skunks HATE rain. Jim Bethell sells a very good dispatch kit that fits through 1 inch holes and uses 4 foot chimmeny cleaning rods.

You may need to get another type style of pole.One thing that is important is that if you dont cover your cage traps you can have a very nervous and edgey skunk when you arrive. That is your first mistake if you dont cover your traps on each set up.Covered traps provide better security for any animal. They just dont feel naked, exposed and vulerable therefore they will be more workable in most cases.

A percent of all skunks approached will be naturally defensive just is their nature. Also the time of day you do your pick ups can influence your animals disposition as well.

Covering traps is just standard procedure with our working policy. We use 4 point hingeing covers so you can slowly flip one flap or another up and over the trap to make access to the skunk for your best dispatch delivery.Also as stated our poles go thru 1" wire grids easily and if you have 1/2"-1" wire grid you need to cut some access holes on the trap to allow you access to the animal depending upon its position in the trap.

I have dispatched thousands of skunks in my days fur trapping and adc trapping. It does require some practice and understanding to run a high 99% efficiency. Confidence in your method is like many things, it helps to guide you on each future consecutive procedure.

Bob.. your skunk pole I got from you in Lima is awesome.. I was really impressed how fast and efficient this was. I have not had a spray yet using it. first stinker I had to poke twice for some reason.. but never sprayed. 4' is plenty long enough.

They are a good little pole for its purpose.

Thank you for the help bob. I always enjoy learning how others do it. I'll have to try the shorter pole for sure.