Questions - Snare Shop Skunk Tube Traps

I do ADC work and predator management work here in Ohio. I just received 6 new Snare Shop Skunk Tube Traps and am excited about using a new trap. I was friends with Charles Dobbins so I am trained to think about modifying, adjusting, and maximizing the efficiency of any new traps.

I have a few questions for those who regularly use them.

Do you find that it is beneficial to stake them for stability to prevent refusals? How about staking to minimize movement to prevent premature firing of the door?

Do you find it beneficial to cover with brush or lean plywood over them to disguise or blend in?

Do you find it beneficial to paint the tube to disguise it for animals or to reduce tampering and theft?

What do you use for scent lures and bait? Any trailing scent or approach pattern? Any wings? Do you put bait in a tray? Do you fasten a bait tray to the treadle?

Do you use screen or hardware cloth to cover the holes on the closed bait treadle end?

Do you put dirt or anything on the bottom in the tube?

Is there anything necessary to improve the trigger system?

Any suggestions or tips to make them work the best?

Thank you for sharing any wisdom for using these new traps! Best wishes!

They work great as they are for small skunks. However, I have trouble getting big skunks to go into them. Just my experience. I use 8 in tubes.

The Snare Shop now sells a 10" pvc tube trap. I believe it's listed as "ADC10". It's 1/4" thick pvc X 30" long with a guillotine trap door and a removable metal back plate. A bit on the heavy side even wo the critter or dirt but it's virtually spray and coon proof!

8” and 10” pipe? You guys are chasing big skunks! The 6” pipe should keep the raccoons out and still catch Ohio skunks.

I catch most of my skunks in tube traps. Occasionally I will have a refusal and have to set a cage trap. In my case refusals don't seem to be about the size of the skunks. I have caught big skunks that were jammed tightly in the tube. I don't modify them at all. I do use stakes or rocks to stabilize them. For bait I smear a big gob of peanut butter on the pan. I then press a small handful of Cheezit crackers onto the peanut butter. Then I put one Cheezit cracker at the entrance of the trap and one halfway in. Depending on the location , I use Yellow Stripe tr youailing lure if I think I need a trailing scent.

Thanks for the detailed information. I wonder how do skunks know they like Cheezit crackers and peanut butter? When I use cage traps I like to give them a taste of something good at the entrance. I will try your method of putting one halfway in too. That is funny about the skunks jammed in the tube. It seems like they can use a bit of stabilizing to prevent false triggering. I tried 2 rebar stakes crossed at the top down at a 45 degree angle which seems to work well. These traps seem well made like they should not need modifications. I have never tried the yellow stripe. I will check it out. If you catch mom, do the young hang around the tube like on a cage trap?

Answer: YES.

I use the 6-inch PVC traps almost exclusively for skunk jobs. I have never had any problems catching skunks of all sizes. Besides the Snare Shop single-door models, I have some from Kirk (Advanced Trap) with double-doors. They are the ultimate for positive setting along decks, etc.

Ron, thanks for the reply and info. That is a great photo. It looks like the skunk command center. Did the little ones enjoy meeting you? I bet the customer was happy about that haul. Isn’t it wonderful to be paid to have so much fun?
Best wishes.

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Believe it or not I’ve had trouble with the trap door blowing off the lip when it’s windy

Thumb Catcher - your suggestions are most helpful! Ha.

Scott - I believe that because it seems anything and everything can happen. However, that must be a big wind. The doors and other metal parts are well made.

It does need to be a strong wind yes. The traps are pretty much industrable. Easy to clean too

I build my own tubes with the same type of door set up and have the same problem. It's annoying enough that I am considering changing the design to something more stable, just haven't figured anything out yet that is solid but keeps pan tension light.

How far back do you tilt the door? It looks like there is about 3/8” of room to play with. Could it be a raccoon that can’t fit in the tube tripping the door? They are a force of nature. To catch the target skunks, I sometimes set a couple traps to catch the raccoons which are usually part of the problem digging up the yard.

Z Traps sells both 6 and 8 inch PVC tube traps.

If you search this site you will find a post showing how to stop the wind closing the door with a magnet, there are pictures.

You can take the end off tube trap and use wire mesh to allow more cooling for animals in the summer, as well as them seeing thru, some feel that helps them go in easier.

Hi Kurt,

Thanks for the reply. Since I bought them, now I am committed to the snare shop traps. The skunks around here should have no problem with these. The locals just aren’t that big.

Very clever idea about the magnet! I expect the Snare Shop will start including a magnet because they do a good job with their products.. Include a 25 cent magnet and raise the price $1.00 and everyone is happy.

I will try the wire mesh end cap. In the photo above there is a wire end cap.

Best wishes.