Caught my first Stinker!

When I took my trapping course, my instructor said, "And when you catch your first skunk, don't call me!"

Two nights ago, caught one in a trap set for a raccoon. Never been that close to a skunk before and now have a new appreciation for you guys that deal with this regularly! Even though I didn't get sprayed, I could still smell it in my clothes after inspecting the area. Good thing it was a windy evening, but still had to close the windows in the back of the house.

Was prepared, but still...I have never seen a skunk in my area in the 40+ years that I've been here.

Just curious : what do you tell your customers about the possible effects of trapping a skunk? Do you include an option to deodorize the area in the event of spray?

No, but that could be a service. I do not bring up the subject, a good way to loose a job. LOL

Most customers know because they are dealing with the issue already and is the reason you are there for the removal. I tell them there is a chance, the majority just want the problem removed. Time is there best friend if it does happen. You'll be chasing that odor for some time.

Only had 2 let loose on me. Both customers realized it was just a hazard of getting your skunk removed. Some things are beyond anybody's control.

Smells like there is a second skunk around--that familiar odor wafted through the house around midnight, last night. Went for a walk outside and if there is a family out there, they've located themselves nearby.

Original odor isn't nearly as strong as it was that first night. Can only catch hints of it now and then if outside near ground zero.

Had to remove one at a public swimming pool that tucked itself underneath a stair way . Luckily I got it without no spraying .

1 qt Hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup Baking Soda
1 good squirt liquid dish soap

Don't try to save leftovers

Sometimes even if they don't spray, it seems like they must leak...as the smell can hang for a while.

I caught three last week on what was supposed to be only coon eating deer corn out of feeders. All were caught in my large coon cages. I use the smaller 8"X8" when I'm targeting skunks. I was told a long time ago that if a skunk can't get his tail up he won't spray. Don't know if that's true or not, but that's my reasoning for using small cages for them. I have been very fortunate in that I have never been sprayed while doing ADC work. Knock on wood. I use a large flip top trash can to remove caged skunks from property owners place. Seems once they go inside they calm down. Move slowly and stop anytime you see that puckered opening pointed at you.

I find any type of covering on a cage for the most part will keep them calm and allow you to move through out the property with the cage without an issue. Also find when a skunk has sprayed it usually is due to being startled by the homeowner, their pets or another animal harassing it.

Skunks are easily corralled, especially if you have a good bait or lure in front of them. Keep the cage covered and march on.

I was listening to a Trapper's Radio Podcast linked from this site, and one of the ADCer's said that something you learn when dealing with skunks is that they actually can spray with their tail down. Now I'm wondering if this is one of those practical jokes trappers play on each other....

TDHP, I think my skunk was startled when the DP triggered (set for a raccoon). Stinks the same, though!

TDHP,

Is that post in the pictures something you put there? If so, what's the purpose?

That's what I've been told...If you see their rear pop up, ya got problems!

Yes, part of testing a lure for them.

I think your test proved successful TDHP. I've never tried a vertical pole like that. Interesting.

It pays to think outside of the box and really get a feel for the animals you target, especially high dollar skunks.

In time you will be an expert as you are still in the learning curve. Just because you do not see a skunk or smell one does not mean they are not in Canada. I have had a mother with six little ones under our shed and there was not a sign or smell of them. Skunks only spray when fighting among themselves or alarmed.

You will learn the nuance of skunk perfume in it is an oily substance in character like poison ivy oil, so it's molecular form holds in the air, which you discovered by walking through the area. Unless it is covering a trap and removing, the rule is kill the skunk, let it rest to let the molecules settle out, and then remove. If I can do it, I leave them until the next day.

You will learn that skunk has different scent from sour to what people think is the skunk aroma. Fresh skunk spray, the scent on a skunk or skunk scent are different altogether. In all honesty to me, weasel and mink is a far more ripe scent than skunk, as they are really sour.

I actually like the little buggers as they are cute. They get frustrated and pound their feet which is the sign to stop playing with them. They are currently digging grubs out of our cemetery and fields. It is amazing what a few animals can churn up as a natural pesticide.

Skunks are easy money!

Dealing with that smell or risk of odor...I wouldn't call it 'easy.'

On good years I don't get hit, bad years I may get it 2 or 3 times. When I get hit it is going to be a young one and I am in a hurry. Skunks and Groundhogs are my money makers. My wife can catch a bunch of skunks, problem is she makes me go pick them up to take away LOL If she or I am not after them, we just turn them loose. If we move easy most time we do not need a cover to let them go at the site., but if the skunk is worked up she calls me LOL she has never been hit years ago I was giving a Demo with about 40 trappers watch on how to let a skunk go with out a cover. Just as I was leaning over the trap and opening the door a very good friend let loose on a predator call , than goodness it was a older skunk and just showed me the pucker and not the green LOL I had a skunk in a ground hog snare and it was not tangled running around in the catch circle and going under the shed. he went under the shed and I drove a stake to get him wrapped around. I most of the time can cut the snare off the skunk with no problems but this guy came out as I made my last wack on the stake and let me have it right in the face. run back in. the sucker did it 4 more times and by now I am really mad so I grab the cable and yanked it out and grabbed it by the tail as it shot the 6th time and missed me LOL as I am holding it by the tail and cutting the snare off to shove it in a cage trap the customer comes out of the house and starts to give me a hard time about the smell stops dead in her tracks stops complaining and said on never mind, turn and I said good decision, she replied walking away yes I think so. LOL