Got a skunk in a live trap this morning. Would like to release using a 4 wheeler and trailer. What’s the safest way to minimize spray?

Put a blanket over the cage.so it can't see you and go for it. He likely won't spray what he can't see, and even if he does spray, it won't get all over the place.

A bottle of wine, scented candles, a hot bath and some relaxing music.

If it's a full grown one no problem. The young ones seem to be trigger happy but either way the sheet cover is the way to go. Hold it out in front of you as you walk up so if they spray you have protection.

I take a black 33 gallon plastic trash bag
and cut it open along two edges (bottom and one side).

Open it up and cut a slit in the top dead center
(for the cage handle).

holding the bag stretched open as a blind,
slowly approach the skunk and drape the open sheet
of black plastic over the trap.

As previously mentioned, the skunk won't spray while
covered over and blind.

Pick up the trap by the handle through the black plastic

and move it to where ever.

To release, set trap down, open gate, and remove
black plastic sheet, and step away slowly.

skunk comes out, and no spray ever.

w

no such thing as never when it comes to skunks spraying..if you handle enough of them you know what I mean

What Walleyed said, but in slow motion
And watch the bumps, they most currently spray when scared, even when covered
Just have the peroxide and baking soda ready

I've handled 100's and never a drop sprayed using that method.

I guess I've been lucky.

My college trapping partner used to grab them by the tail
and lift them off the ground, and said they could not spray
without their feet on the ground.

Never would have believed it until I saw it with my own eyes.

Once he got the #1 1/2 coil spring off their foot,
he would carry them away from the set
and then whack them away from set area.

He never had one spray using that method in several dozen instances.

w

To release-tie rope to handle and drop trap in creek for 10 min!!!

Yeah,

But the noxious gas cloud that boils to the surface a few seconds later

stinks just as bad as If the skunk fired off in non-aquatic scenario !!!

Ask me how I know ?

w

Using Grousewit's method,

Just drive the 4wheeler and trailer with the skunk onboard
off the end of the dock at the lake.

Problem solved !!!

w

My super-secret system:
* Big piece of cardboard under the box trap - if he sprays, leaks, whatever, it doesn't stink up the trap location for a week.
* Approach trap with doubled over dark colored sheet held up between me and skunk - slowly.
* Lay sheet over the trap - it's dark colored and doubled up so he can't see out - skunks spray at a target. If he can't see you, he won't spray...usually.
* Wrap up the package and carry him away gently.

Hold a big blanket in front of you, walk up to the cage slowly and calmly, lay the blanket over the trap SLOWLY AND CALMLY, and carefully carry him away.

Key word " Usually " ^^^^

lol

I'm just not so brave

I"d love to see that on a youtube!! that guys my HERO!!

Pepe LePue has been released. No smell. Used a large black garbage bag. Thanks for the help.
I would tell ya a lot of white on Pepe but I’m afraid Walleyed might come up here in the Fall for the big bucks. lol

My side said it best. Just use an old blanket in front of you to break your outline, talk to the skunk to let him know you are there. Once the blanket is over the cage you can do anything with it. I once had several skunks in cages in the back of my truck, took a turn too fast, the cages rolled over, and none sprayed. I also sometimes use solid sheet metal cages and find the skunks reluctant to leave. I simply open the door, pick up the cage, and snap the skunk out. The animal is off balance and will take off without spraying.
When releasing from a wire cage I simply open the door with one hand, pull the blanket back, and let the skunk walkout. I've had them within 2 feet turn, look at me, and just walk away, never been sprayed. The secret is to not move.
I even released twice skunks caught by the foot in fox traps. Move very slow, talk to the skunk, and no sudden movements.
When I was in the nuisance business I was known as "Skunkbuster". I'm not afraid of skunks, but a nasty coon is another matter.

Right talking to Pepe and no sudden movement. Even the cage had no smell.