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Another skunk thread - R Clark - 03-05-2020
Was having some issues out at the chicken coop with an animal burrowing under the coop. Last Thursday, caught a pocket gopher in one of the live traps I had set. Quickly dispatched, holes covered, and traps put away.
Yesterday morning, LOML told me that a new hole had appeared and something was under the coop. This hole was much larger than the ones previous. Set out two live traps yesterday afternoon, baited with peanut butter.
Don't know why, but in the middle of the night, I woke up thinking about what I'd do if I caught a skunk. We've had skunks out there before, and we've seen them on the game cam, but we've managed to scare them off.
This morning, I went out and pointed my high-power light down toward the coop, and sure enough, there's a skunk in one of the traps. Being already dressed for my work day (only 7 more work days until retirement -- stealth gloat!), I decided to let Mr./Ms. Skunk stay in the trap and I'll deal with it when I get home.
Here's the problem: When I put the traps out, I didn't think about what I'd do if I caught a skunk. I thought that perhaps I was dealing with a possum since they're more plentiful around our place and they have been hanging around the coop. The trap which now contains a skunk, is inside the fenced in run, and getting to that trap in a calm manner to cover it with a tarp is going to be difficult, if not nearly impossible.
The skunk is going to get dispatched, in any case. I'm just trying to do this without a scent release. I can get a clear shot, but there's still a strong likelihood of a scent release; at least I won't get sprayed.
I'll have to bury the carcass afterward.
Willing to listen to ideas.
RE: Another skunk thread - fredhargis - 03-05-2020
Shooting it from a safe distance is the only thing I can think off. If you have a 22 centerfire, you might be more assured of a quick kill with a head shot...but I think if the rifle of choice was a 22 rimfire, I would probably consider a shotgun instead. What would be the safe distance? I suspect it's closer to 15 feet than 50.
RE: Another skunk thread - EatenByLimestone - 03-05-2020
Ok, dont do the head shot. That's a good way to get it to spray, lol. Heart/lung is the way to go. They still leak a little, but it's not a spray.
When I have a skunk in an uncovered trap, I hold a tarp, contractor bag/etc up so he cant see me, walk up slowly, and cover it. Easy peasy. One of my techs just used an old rain coat yesterday.
Dont stress out of it. 99% of the time they are incredibly docile and asleep during the day.
RE: Another skunk thread - EatenByLimestone - 03-05-2020
As for dispatch, shooting works, but swimming lessons work better IME.
RE: Another skunk thread - R Clark - 03-05-2020
The trap is on the inside of a chicken run that is currently locked up. It has wire mesh fencing around it, and no cover, so sneaking up will be difficult at best.
Understand about the heart/lung shot vice head shot. That's easy without getting inside spray range.
As for drowning: that would require a truck trip away form the property since I live on top of a hill and have no water on the property.
RE: Another skunk thread - chrisntam - 03-05-2020
Move to the city.
I hate wildlife. We get a possum every now and then, I catch in a live trap, I call the city, they come pick it up and release elsewhere.
RE: Another skunk thread - EatenByLimestone - 03-05-2020
For the future, putting the trap at the entrance hole where they are entering the coop makes an easy spot to access.
RE: Another skunk thread - Stwood_ - 03-05-2020
I'm dealing with skunks living under the hen house floor also. I've found three holes I need to cover up with tin patches.
I shoot on site. I don't trap skunks.
RE: Another skunk thread - Cooler - 03-05-2020
The first thing you have to do is learn to hum according to Havaheart traps
: https://www.havahart.com/how-to-get-rid-of-skunks- Hold a large towel or sheet in front of you, down to your toes, as you walk towards the trap.
- Approach a trapped skunk calmly, humming softly as you near the trap in order to avoid startling the animal.
- Drop the towel or sheet over the cage once you reach it. Skunks don't like to spray if they can't see their target.
RE: Another skunk thread - CLETUS - 03-05-2020
(03-05-2020, 08:50 AM)WxMan Wrote: As for drowning: that would require a truck trip away form the property since I live on top of a hill and have no water on the property.
A large trash can works fine as a makeshift swimmin' hole.