Science of Trapping

ill usually measure sixteen or eighteen inches, from the nose to the root of the tail, which is about twelve or fourteen inches long and quite b

ng found on all specimens. In some of the Pacific coast States, a variety is found having only a single white stripe running the entire length of the back. There is also a small species found in parts of

glands near the root of the tail, which the animal can eject at will. This scent is perhaps the most powerful

of the woodchuck. In thickly settled countries where the dens have been destroyed by hunters, they often make t

the cold part of the winter, they remain in their dens, coming out only on warm nights, until after the middle o

are usually from four to ten in a litter, tho

when they have an opportunity to do so, they will kill and eat poultry,

weather, when the skunks have been confined to their dens for a considerable length of time, the warmth of the dens has a tendency to injure the fur. The males also fight among themselves and their fur is often injured in this way. At other times the fur is spoiled somewhat, because of too small an entrance t

but as this method means the destruction of a good den, it is not advisable to do so. The best way is to trap them, as in this way the den will not be injured, and it is almost certain that you will find sk

nside the entrance, unless the mouth of the den is small, when it should be set just outside. The trap should be set with the jaws lengthwise of the hole, so that the skunk steps between the jaws, and not over them, as by stepping over the jaw the fo

it is always best to use care, especially in setting baited traps, as one never kno

that are traveling about, only look in and turn away, and if the trap is set inside, will not be caught. If, h

e also some special traps manufactured for these animals, having dou

are likely to escape. They seem to struggle more on dark stormy nights, and during

the mouth of the den. In such a case, several traps may be set

ole and cover with dry dirt. Sprinkle some scent about, on the stump and ground; use care in setting as you are likely to catch a f

t the bait into small pieces and scatter it all around the trap, also, if you have it, sprinkle some scent a

, set the trap between these roots and fasten the bait o

n wood, stones or stakes, setting the trap in the entr

hole in the bank, or in a wall or pile of sto

deadfalls and snares, and they seldom b

of any kind, rabbit, squirrel, mice, rotten eggs or fish--tainted bai

ughly. A mixture of the male and female scent is probably best. Many of the decoys recommended f

t long, and approach the animal very slowly, using care not to make any quick movements. If the skunk raises its tail, as though it intended to throw its scent, stop, and stand perfectly still until it drops its tail again, when you can go nearer. In this way if you are c

Lead the skunk into shallow water, gradually working it into deeper, holding its head under until nearly drowned, then let it have a little air,--just a breath, and push it under again, keeping it there until its

jointed pole. Approach the animal carefully and place the point of the knife against the side of the animal's neck, just ove

he back, with a 22 caliber rifle or pistol. This breaks the back kil

low across the back. Never shoot them in the head, or stride the head wi

hs on it so as to make a dense smoke. Hold the scented animal in the smoke for about five minutes, using care to keep it away from the fire or th

ng soap and hot water; there will be no scent remaining on the hands. Benzine or gasoline will also remove the scent from the hands or

s of jumps as does the weasel, mink, marten, etc., but maintains a steady walk, and the foot-prints will be an even distance apart and spread considerably so as to make

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