How many trappers out there utilize skunks that they have caught? And if so what do you do with them? I caught 2 of em this morning and just shot them in the lungs and left them lay trap and all. In the past couple years I've gone back after a few days and retrieved my trap. I know of some guys that actually skin skunks and sell them. I've thought about it very very hard but just can't get myself to skin a skunk.

(Edited for the Archives -- Hal)

I have skinned a many of them.

-- Hal

Hal, aren't you concerned about hitting the glands?

Just skin around the anal glands like porcupines make love!

Okay....when and if I do this I'll report back. Thanks.......Ten Shot

I have never tried this so I don't know if it would work, but it sounds like a good idea. If you catch a skunk dispatch it then dig a hole in the catch circle big enough for the skunk. Bury it with only a few inches of the tail sticking up and set your traps around it. The animal smell will already be there and the tail will add interest.

Sounds like a good idea, Coon Caller. Problem is in Wisconsin it could get you a ticket. Can't use exposed bait here. Traps need to be at least 25 ft from exposed bait.

Skunks are easy once you get some experience. I just did 4 skunks in 15 minutes, not fleshing or boarding, i do that later. Any questions fire away, be glad to help.

Wacky: Good advice....(chuckle)

Ten Shot: Skinning a skunk is no different than the other mustelids(sp). I am more worried about scent release during dispatch than skinning.

RO

If you're worried about stinking-up your shed/garage, try letting them soak in a bucket of water overnight, a flowing stream works even better. That will help remove some of the smell if they've already sprayed, most of them are so fat you should have plenty of room to avoid the "orange juice" bag while skinning. Skunks have a "heavy" pelt, if you've never skinned one, you'll have new respect for them, noticed in one of the magazines, someone was paying $15 per once for the juice. Just my opinion, the set where you caught your skunk is probably one of the best sets on the farm. Sometimes that "long range" lure will almost set a trap on fire, if it's laying there with a skunk in it, you're not going to catch anything! It's illegal here to leave anything in a trap more than 24 hours. Looks bad too.