Skunks got to go, need varmint gun

[highlandcruzer]

Originally Posted by bigndn

Interesting. I've witnessed one spray approx 30 degrees off from its head (If the head was 12 o'clock, he squirted at 11 o'clock AT ME). He was in a live trap and couldn't move a lot, but he managed. Didn't get me, but STINK!!!!!!!

I'll bet he lifted at least one hind leg.

If you lift the front end off the ground they're unlikely to do that. You have to take your time, and watch their body language. For the most part, they're not as trigger happy as you might think. Having control of the head, might have something to do with it too.

It's probably not fool-proof , but out of many, many skunks.......I never got sprayed.

[cruiserdan]

No mention of the venerable .22 WMRF?


A .22 mag is a very effective pest piece. I do very much like the .22-250 tho.

[bigndn]

Originally Posted by highlandcruzer

I'll bet he lifted at least one hind leg.

If you lift the front end off the ground they're unlikely to do that. You have to take your time, and watch their body language. For the most part, they're not as trigger happy as you might think. Having control of the head, might have something to do with it too.

I couldn't tell you. I had placed the trap between 3 haybales (in a U shape) and was removing one from the legs of the U so I'd have a clean shot. When he sprayed, I 'matrixed' and could have walked on water, but I wasn't checking out his back feet.

[highlandcruzer]

Originally Posted by bigndn

When he sprayed, I 'matrixed' and could have walked on water, but I wasn't checking out his back feet.

...............I feel ya' !

[bootfoot]

If you do try the live trap drowning method, leave the trap in the water for alot longer than you think is necessary - way after any bubbles stop coming up. I got sprayed once when I was a kid by assuming that no bubbles = dead skunk.

smelly bootfoot

[reconranger]

Just saw this thread.

22cal. Plentiful, accurate.

I'd also suggest another non-lethal way: Coyote urine.

2 winters ago, the door to the crawlspace under the kitchen broke. Had a resident skunk for the entire winter. I have neighbors all around me, so shooting was verboten. Sprayed coyote urine. Instant disappearing act. Still, I traded one odor for another.

[pappy]

Skunks are easy to trap, as said. I use banana.

Get a live trap, and a cardboard box that it will fit in, just big enough. Make sure box is taped so it doesn't leak. Then when you get the varmit, close the box with the trap/skunk inside. Insert your CO2 nozzle, and gas away. Nighty night. Doesn't take much gas for them to go down. Let sit for about 15 minutes after the gas is off. Here at work we use an aquarium with a lid that the trap fits into.

[bigndn]

Originally Posted by pappy

Skunks are easy to trap, as said. I use banana.

Get a live trap, and a cardboard box that it will fit in, just big enough. Make sure box is taped so it doesn't leak. Then when you get the varmit, close the box with the trap/skunk inside. Insert your CO2 nozzle, and gas away. Nighty night. Doesn't take much gas for them to go down. Let sit for about 15 minutes after the gas is off. Here at work we use an aquarium with a lid that the trap fits into.

Now that's a great idea!

[highlandcruzer]

Originally Posted by bigndn

Now that's a great idea!

x2!..........I just had one of those, "why didn't I think of that?", moments. Smart.

I used to know of some people that would use ether on skunks. I like the CO2 idea better!

[bigndn]

Originally Posted by highlandcruzer

x2!..........I just had one of those, "why didn't I think of that?", moments. Smart.

I used to know of some people that would use ether on skunks. I like the CO2 idea better!

Personally, I'd REALLY like to use a flamethrower on one or two!! I wonder if the flame would consume the spray or perhaps the smell of burnt hair and charred flesh would overpower it? Makes a guy wonder.

[Bogo]

Originally Posted by pappy

Skunks are easy to trap, as said. I use banana.

Get a live trap, and a cardboard box that it will fit in, just big enough. Make sure box is taped so it doesn't leak. Then when you get the varmit, close the box with the trap/skunk inside. Insert your CO2 nozzle, and gas away. Nighty night. Doesn't take much gas for them to go down. Let sit for about 15 minutes after the gas is off. Here at work we use an aquarium with a lid that the trap fits into.

This is close to what I'd been doing, except I used truck exhaust instead of CO2. Anyways I was having problems with three skunks that wouldn't go into the trap no matter what I tried. I even tried banana, honey, and worms plus a bunch of other foods.

I borrowed a CZ 453 .17 HMR with scope from the neighbor. Not having shot a gun in ages I only used 4 rounds to hit 3 skunks. One skunk dodged at just the right moment so he took 2 rounds. First round blew his foot off, second was a body shot while on a three footed run. All shots were in the 5 to 25 yard range. I had already determined that I liked the specs and reputation of the CZ 453 so it was nice to actually get to play with one. There are still a couple ones I'd like to handle before purchasing, but after checking out 4 others it is still at the top of the list. Why, because I love the trigger on it. My only issue is the stock needs to be a bit longer. A different shape would also help some but isn't as critical. My neighbor already said he'd help craft a stock that fits better. I'm only concerned about finding a good block of wood to make one out of as I have a full set of wood working and carving tools.

[lowenbrau]

I can't believe no one has recommended a .204 Ruger. Its the latest greatest thing and I want one bad. Prolly in a CZ but maybe in a Sako come bonus time.

[highlandcruzer]

Originally Posted by bigndn

Personally, I'd REALLY like to use a flamethrower on one or two!! I wonder if the flame would consume the spray or perhaps the smell of burnt hair and charred flesh would overpower it? Makes a guy wonder.

Mmmm.......Burnt skunk essence.


Try it.



















Let me know how it works for ya.