If I am wrong please correct me, skunks can not spray if they can’t lift their hind legs. So if a skunk were to get inside of a 4” pvc pipe and got stuck in there, there would be a good chance he couldn’t spray correct?

So if that all works, I am thinking of getting a 4” pvc pipe maybe 1.5-2’ long and cap one end. Then make a very simple platform and attach an old door hinge around the middle of the pipe and at the edge of the platform. Ideally the skunk is lured to the platform, smells and sees the bait sitting in the cap of the pipe, goes into the pipe and crosses the tipping point and is then stuck upside down and can’t spray.

Seem like it would work? One of the places I trap has a bad skunk problem right up at their house. Seems like they have a new skunk family move in every year, figure this would be simple for them to use year around when I can’t trap.

Lots of good PVC spray proof traps on the market already. Just Google it.

adult skunks wont fit in a 4" pipe. 6" is marginal with 8" the best bet. With all that said a live skunk can spray tail up tail down.
What will they do with it if it is stuck? This is an 8" that works well. A cage with a wooden box over it will work also.

skunks can spray from any position that they are in. Ask me how I know this. If It has been done with skunks I have done it. I did a lot of experimentation with handling them and dispatching them over my lifetime. If it was said to be the best way I tried it. I have found the most sure fire way now to handle them odor free 99.9% of the time. That is about as good as it gets.

My favorite out of all I own are my Double sided Ones from KirkDekalb , shown here on an ADC set up (center shot)

What monster toms said. 8" tube is best. They are not spray proof, if handled right, should be no problem.

I have not had any luck with the 4 inch pvc trap. I think I have had it 2 or 3 years. Only small opossums and not many of them. JMO well built trap.

BOB J WHAT IS THE 99.9 BEST WAY TO HANDLE THEM?

Piece of rubber or luan covering with a cage trap and don't startle them and you shouldn't have an issue. For bait we use a lure stick placed in the rear of the trap. That's how we remove skunks. Nothing is guaranteed that a skunk wont give ya dose.

If you deal with skunks enough you don't need em unless you have pets to worry about bothering the skunk.

Supa starz may not need or the great ones for that matter, but if you are placing traps on another's property and have the potential of people/pets walking near the trap to avoid contact, I'd use a cover. Especially if the trap needs to be placed in a travel route/on the side of a porch etc. Cover isn't so much just for you it's to limit exposure to the residents/pedestrians. Folks intentionally tampering with trapped skunks is out of your control. jmo

I know there are traps on the market already, just trying to save a buck. I will just change the pipe size to 8” and if they spray then at least it will be in the pipe and not on their dogs. Peroxide/baking soda and dish soap works wonders on skunk funk and could easily be pours down the pipe after their “last bath”.

Monster Toms,

Did you build the 8" yourself? Most PVC tube traps commercially made are only 6". Do you know of anyone who makes and sells the 8" tube traps?

X2 tdhp, Bob Jameson, Monster Toms
Some of my cage traps have black moisture barrier over it. Also have used cardboard, tarps and had a guy the other day that used carpet to cover. While I was removing the skunk here comes a cat. In a pinch I've used black trash bags.
653, gently and slowly Do Not startle or anger them. If you do you and the client might not be happy.

Yes I have been known to build a few.

A 6 inch diameter tipping type trap that you describe should work better than an 8 inch. My bet is a lot of skunks could turn around in an 8 inch pipe if it tipped them up on their nose. I think that tipping trap idea is a simple way to make a trap and should work, or could be tweaked so it would.

I have caught only two skunks on purpose. Both were in my yard in a no. 2 Havahart trap. Somewhere I read they wouldn't likely spray if they can't raise their tail to full staff, which they couldn't in that trap.. Neither of those skunks had any more odor than a house cat. But they were not scared or startled either. I carried them to the truck uncovered and drove 5 miles to a release spot, unlatched the door locks and left. When I came back to get the trap the next day they were gone. (probably headed straight back to my house)

These are 6" not 4" skunks holes into the ground are never larger... the Double door Advanced Trap by KirkDekalb. Are the best with the skunks seeing completely through before entering ...they make ADC jobs go much quicker.

I use MonsterToms tubes. Been in service for about 5 years without a hitch. Ok, so I had one ran over with a brush hog. Bounced one out of the truck at 60mph and its still going.