diaster averted .........I hope

[lockhaven]

I have been having trouble with coons getting into the trash, eating the woodpecker food and peeing on the porch. Coon pee is next to skunk to my nose. So I went to TSC and for $25 bought a wire trap a 2 for 1 deal big trap for coons possums and like critters small one for squirrels and such. I baited the big trap with suet that the coons are so fond of and set it by the porch. I awoke about an hour ago and peered out to a knocked trap, and a coon running off into the woods oh good I thought I got one of the coons. My trail camera had alerted me to the fact that I had 2 coons raiding my turf each night. Being greedy I thought I would end the one coons career and maybe get his accomplice all on the first night. Flash light in one hand model 41 S&W in the other I approached the trap.......FAST RETREAT...... a skunk. I have not seen a dead skunk on the road for years around here and had no photos from the trail camera but he was in my trap right next to the porch. Shooting out of the question nothing short of a perfect shot to the occipital bone would not cause a sudden release of pure skunk rendering the house, porch perhaps my tractor parked nearby unusable for the foreseeable future. I knew that from my experience of living in the woods for 61 years and trapping fur as a high school money source I and most importantly the skunk had to remain calm. So far the skunk had been successful at keeping calm it was just looking around I was not doing so good. I devised a plan..... I took a large bath towel, since I am not married this decision was not met with any resistance. Very quietly and talking in a low steady voice I slowly placed the towel over the trap then stepped back for a few minutes. I then carefully and very slowly released the latch on the trap being very careful not to let it snap back down possibly upsetting my guest. I raised the door and stuck an arrow through the wire to hold the door open all very slowly and quietly. I then with a move that would make the Flash take notice retreated to the house. As I write this the skunk is finishing up the suet and has not yet left the trap, I do hope it does not take up residence.

 

[creekbend]

Best wishes. If worse comes o worse, I've heard that Tomato Juice works.

 

[dirt ditch]

I know there were some folks around here who would cover the trap to keep the skunk calm. They then slid the trap into a barrel full of water to drowned the skunk with no smell.

 

[lockhaven]

well the skunk has left without any 'messages left behind'

 

[Western]

I had a old army blanket I used just for skunks. As you said, just lay it over the trap and you can darn near carry it any where you want to go. DUKEs dog proof traps work great for coons. Might try some dog/cat food, or a marshmallow then add some molasses, coons love that stuff. Or tuna, skunks haven't seemed to be attracted to it as much, at least for me.

 

[Looking4new]

i don't know about where you are, but up here it is against the law to shoot any animal in the trap. Just sayin'.

 

[vwnotrunning]

Set your trap up on something off the ground. Skunks don't climb, the the coons can get anywhere. They will find and get to the bait, especially if other sources are eliminated.

 

[vwnotrunning]

I have also learned if skunks are a potential then I tie about a 30' wire to the trap. That allows it to be drug away from sensitive areas prior to any form of disposal or relocation.

 

[murphy1244]

i don't know about where you are, but up here it is against the law to shoot any animal in the trap. Just sayin'.

Why do people post Jast Saying? I see that a lot.

 

[MotorSeven]

The only problem with your plan so far is that by trapping, then releasing the skunk at your house, he will come back. I would have taken the skunk for a little ride, but I do have a pick-up that could be washed out.