New trapper here just trying to get my feet on the ground in this hobby. I have read quite a bit about extracting and selling skunk essence but it’s hard to find a lot of the simple details that experienced trappers might consider a ‘no brainer’. So I’ve been told buyers like you to collect the pure essence from what you get from the skunk but is there any use or market for the ‘mustard’? Also, if you wouldn’t mind while you are here if you want to drop a few tricks of the trade that you have picked up along the way referring to skunk essence from storing, collecting, selling, etc I would super appreciate it!!

May I ask what part of Ks you from

Northeast!

There's some guys on here that are more experts about this topic than, hope they will chime in. One bit of advice I'll share is if you grind full pods (which I guess is frowned upon) keep your mouth closed at all times. Lol
I was hoping if you were closer you could come over and I'd show you how I do it. I just collect for myself but I don't mind the mustard in formulations.

Welcome to Tman

Don’t sweat the mustard it sells for the same price mustard in, not a good move to remove it to get less money for it. Store in glass only no plastic it will eat a hole in plastic in no time. It’s best to work with smaller amounts it’s easier on your lungs I use 4oz Boston round lure bottles my buyer likes them also and it’s measured for easy sale. If you drop a 4oz bottle your our $80 you drop a bigger bottle your out a lot more then.

Remove the pods to drain them you can milk the mustard that way and use the pelt, I drain the pods there is always leftover essence and mustard in the pods.

More skunk musk the better and it does not matter if mustard in my recipes. Just needs to be pure skunk.

Right now I just take a needle and syringe after I have skinned them and extract the essence that way. From there I have been putting it into glass baby food jars temporarily because I thought I would have to remove the stuff that settles to the bottom. So if I’m understanding right I would be able to just take all of the essence I can get out with the needle and syringe and just put it straight into my 4 oz boston round bottles and sell it as is?

One time I had a fella ship several medicine brown bottles full of pure skunk, it was a mess. I sent him some four oz glass bottles with metal lids.

Are these dipped in wax? If so is it any certain kind of wax or just whatever is lying around?

Law Dog you want to cash in on that stash?

Tool grip dip to seal the stuff in it has a way of escaping if your not careful.

Promised to my buyer he takes all I can get no problems he even picks it up, shipping the stuff is nerve racking.

Always keep the mustard in your essence collection bottle. Unless you establish a regular buyer that wants the mustard removed for their use. Mustard helps to establish authenticity of the essence. There are some that try to doctor the essence for their profit. Generally that essence is different in color shade, fluid consistency and has no mustard in many cases.

Very good point Bob about adding to authenticity of the essence.

That is great you do not have to ship, very nice looking product sir.

FYI civet essence will have a white grits looking fat in it and a lighter color yellow to quill.

Thanks I had to hold on to it longer last year because of Covid so he picked up 212 ounces between me and another guy that collects here also.

I sent a picture of the essence I have to a potential buyer and they noted that the color seemed off. It is 100% pure essence but its almost like a yellowy orange instead of the reddish brown I have seen others have. Any thoughts on what could cause this?

Keep collecting it should balance out as you go.