Being the type of person that's to cheap to spend good money on something I can make myself, as I think a lot of trappers are. I desided to make my own aluminum skunk syringe. Being a machinist by trade doesn't hurt, but it only cost me a couple of smoke breaks to knock this out on a manual lathe.

Part of the reason I desided to make my own is that I wanted to be able to remove it from the pole quickly and easily for loading the syringe and for safe storage. So, I made a quick release for attaching it to the pole.

Here's the hollow aluminum plunger. Note the slot in the butt end of the plunger which opens up to a hole a bit larger than the slot.


Here again with the rubber tip attached and inserted into the plastic syringe.


Here with the mating piece I made for the end of a 7' extendable pole (feeling brave) a picked up for a couple bucks, and the spring loaded button on the end of the pole for the quick release.


Here's a close-up of the end of the pole showing button with the mating piece to the slot in the plunger.


I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, but of course, the real test will come when I actually have to use it on a skunk.

that is great.

that's awesome.

for spring plungers, i find it's easiest to take apart old aluminum crutches. my father in law picks up scrap metal, so it keeps me in good supply.

Thanks guys!

I didn't even think of that, but it was easy enough to make it the way I did.

That's pretty cool. Looks like you have an idea to start your own business. I know I'd buy one because I'm unable to make something like that.

looks good, nice work!

i'm still not a fan of having to push against the critter when "plunging" ... that's why i switched over to my cheap version of syringe pole that eliminates the need to push against the critter to depress the plunger ... makes a world of difference if ya ask me

BTW my syringe pole is only 3 foot in length, that aint brave, just crazy!!! lol ... it works for me

Man that's a sweet looking invention cougar.


Possum skinner, I ordered pvc pipe cut to the length you specified in your how-to instructions...

I got this short-*** little pole that doesn't even go up to my waist... you're crazy!

Nice Job Darin !! .... Now just machine up a sliding "front" cone like on the factory made ones and you will avoid bent needle issues. Basically, it is a cone, that has an 0 ring in an internal groove that lets the cone slide on the syringe barrel.
I really like the way you made that quick release pole attachment.A definite improvemnet!

I'm thinking about asking the boss if he'd want to put them into production, but I have no idea how or where I'd sell'em.


I haven't used either type of pole before, but I agree with you. I just haven't figured out how to make one you don't have to push on, but can be used on an extendable pole yet, but I'm working on it.


Yep, I'm going to make the cone too, I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

So, what do y'all think, should I try and get a patent for the improvement?

You could try and patent it..and probably could get one...unless there is some infringement on the whole aluminum syringe idea...as it's very similar to the "other" one out there.

But...in all seriousness....most trappers are too tight fisted to spend the money on a quality skunk syringe system. Might not be worth the patent fees etc. Then again...who knows.

I assure you, my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek on that question... Although, I've always thought it would be neat to have a patent on somethting. I'm not 100% sure about this, but I don't think there would be an infringement, as long as you're making an inprovement and not an out right copy. Besides, I doubt there's a patent on the other one to begin with.

I completely agree, and that's half the reason I'd consider doing it. I personally thing that the other one is a bit overpriced at $45, and think I could sell it for a more reasonable price.

Possum skinner, are your syringe pole plans in the archives?

So when can we buy one from you?

I need one... You like Marlboro or Camels?

Well, I've recieved a few PM's asking the same thing, so here's what I'm thinking.

I'll have to discuss it with my boss before I could use his machines for making something I'm going to sell. He's ok with me using them for my own projects, but this would be different. Also, I should probably do a bit of research to make sure I don't get myself in trouble over any possible patent infringements. So, it'll be a while before I'd be able to make them to sell, but I'll definitely keep you all informed as to the outcome of all this.

Thanks for all the interest and kind words!

That is nice!

anyone ever dispatched anything other than a skunk with one?

I haven't tried it. However, my understanding is that other animals just won't sit still for being poked. Therefore, you're likely to end up with a broken needle, the animal biting the syringe, or both.

DONT try it on other critters, IT DOESNT WORK.... skunks a susceptible to acetone. Ive heard thru years of unresponsible trappers trying it on coons, and other furbearers. Just suffering occurred. Stick with skunks on the acetone or become a vet and then you can LEGALLY obtain the uthanizing type drugs.

For all of you who were interested in buying one of these, here's an update.

I'm currently working on a new design for a model that would eliminate the need to push against the skunk in order to make the injection. So, what I'm wondering is, how many of you would want to wait and see if this design works out, or do you prefer one like in the pics above? I haven't decided how much to ask for either model yet, but if the new design works out, it will cost more do to added material costs and a lot more work going into making it. So, please let me know what you think.