Handling a Trapped Animal

By Brian Digital Office,

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← Grant's Answers — Ask Grant

Grant,

I just watched the trapping video and have a couple of questions:

  1. How do you handle catching a skunk in your trap?
  2. What is the contact information for the place that tans your hides?
  3. How do you kill the trapped animals?

I had a problem with squirrels messing up my garden a few years ago. I trapped several and hauled them off a few miles, but got lazy and shot one in my trap with a .22 revolver. It did the trick, but was rather messy (and seemed a little cruel) as it ran around for a minute in the cage.

I was at a banquet at FBC Branson a few years ago where you were the speaker. I appreciated your comments about evolution and other issues. No longer live in the area, but spend as much time as possible chasing deer, ducks and turkey’s in south Arkansas (not as much time as I used to, but with an 8 year old little girl I have other priorities).

I enjoyed the site, Dave and MK Janke told me about it.

Thanks,

Jon

Jon,

Usually skunks are fairly calm critters. Usually if a person moves slow and quietly, they can approach skunks in a trap without getting a long-lasting cover scent. In fact, it is common for pest control agents to catch skunks in urban areas in live traps. They typically place a cover over the trap and then transport the skunk to a rural setting and then dispatch — all without getting sprayed — Usually.

I’ve found the best way to dispatch a skunk is to shoot it with a solid .22 (no hollow points!) in the lungs. The skunk passes quickly and shows no sign of pain. When I use the same shot placement with a .22 hollow point the skunk sprays! There is apparently a direct switch from the brain to a skunk’s scent glands that is programmed to empty all content if the brain becomes disengaged. I don’t recommend aiming at the head. Only use this method if you wish to apply very long lasting cover scent to the clothes you are wearing!!

I have been using a local taxidermist to skin, flesh, and dry the pelts. I then ship the pelts to Moyle Mink and Tannery and have been very pleased with the quality of their work.

I simply use a .22 rifle or pistol (pending on how far I am from the trap) to dispatch critters. I prefer a head shot for all critters except skunks. I want the critter to pass instantly and have minimal damage to the pelt. I prefer a .22 at times as I can stay back 30-50 yards. This strategy results in the critter being calmer and I can pick the shot location easier.

If your back in the Branson area, GrowingDeer.tv is hosting a Meet the Pros banquet Friday, February 26th at FBC Branson. Five of the top anglers on the FLW tour will be sharing strategies for fishing Tablerock Lake as a FLW tourney begins here the following week. The format will be very similar to the event you attended. I hope to see you there!

Growing Deer together,

Grant