Creatures of the night...
Apr 5, 2017 20:23:00 #
I live on a ranch in essentially the middle of nowhere AND we're quite familiar with the hazards of wildlife, ranging from grizzly / black bears, wolves, coyotes, elk, etc. As a result I always carry bear spray when out and about at night.
When I was imaging my four galaxies a few nights back I heard rustling in the corner of my garage where I store our dog food. I saw an empty bag moving so picked up a good solid 2x4 and whacked the bag expecting to get a squirrel. I just badly annoyed a very large skunk! My whole garage and primary imaging area now smells VERY bad!!
The next morning I hauled out the skunk trap, baited it with dog food and this morning had a nice big skunk to get rid of. I'm not against shooting a few predators on occasion but we normally release skunks in a large community pasture a few miles away, per the picture below. That's my good wife kicking the trap to get the critter moving. It really didn't want to leave; guess it liked the dog food!?
Caution: Be safe while astro-imaging, particularly if you're in an area where nocturnal critters prowl!
When I was imaging my four galaxies a few nights back I heard rustling in the corner of my garage where I store our dog food. I saw an empty bag moving so picked up a good solid 2x4 and whacked the bag expecting to get a squirrel. I just badly annoyed a very large skunk! My whole garage and primary imaging area now smells VERY bad!!
The next morning I hauled out the skunk trap, baited it with dog food and this morning had a nice big skunk to get rid of. I'm not against shooting a few predators on occasion but we normally release skunks in a large community pasture a few miles away, per the picture below. That's my good wife kicking the trap to get the critter moving. It really didn't want to leave; guess it liked the dog food!?
Caution: Be safe while astro-imaging, particularly if you're in an area where nocturnal critters prowl!
Apr 5, 2017 20:42:35 #
bwana wrote:
I live on a ranch in essentially the middle of now... (show quote)
Quite an undertaking Brian how did you keep him from spraying you while he was in the trap.
Craig
Apr 5, 2017 21:07:07 #
CraigFair wrote:
Quite an undertaking Brian how did you keep him from spraying you while he was in the trap.
Craig
Craig
The trap is short enough that it can't get its tail up and without being able to raise its tail it doesn't seem to be able to spray anything, although the trap does need a good washing out after each use to get rid of skunk crap!!
Warning: The above reasoning may be an ol' wives tale; however, this is the sixth skunk I've trapped since last July and I haven't been sprayed while the skunk was in the trap. But the coat, pants and boots I was using the night I whacked the skunk are still airing out well away from the house... And my wife says I smell bad!?
bwa
Apr 6, 2017 00:22:30 #
Apr 10, 2017 11:29:42 #
That'll teach you to go whacking on the unknown.
Maybe you could enlighten us to if tomato juice actually removes skunk piss?
I had a close encounter of the skunk kind in Wyoming. Out for a 4 wheeling adventure, a Mama skunk crossed the road we were on with a litter of kittens.
One was behind and separated from the group, doubling back. It came out behind our Toyota Landcruiser.
So I thought I'd corral it behind the rig while the kids got a closer look. (We had the top off)
It played the game for a bit, but I found myself being pursued by it in short order.
Even the kittens know they have the upper hand if they need to use it.
Finally, after many good laughs watching Dad avoid the tiny skunk, the kitten turned and rejoined it's group.
Maybe you could enlighten us to if tomato juice actually removes skunk piss?
I had a close encounter of the skunk kind in Wyoming. Out for a 4 wheeling adventure, a Mama skunk crossed the road we were on with a litter of kittens.
One was behind and separated from the group, doubling back. It came out behind our Toyota Landcruiser.
So I thought I'd corral it behind the rig while the kids got a closer look. (We had the top off)
It played the game for a bit, but I found myself being pursued by it in short order.
Even the kittens know they have the upper hand if they need to use it.
Finally, after many good laughs watching Dad avoid the tiny skunk, the kitten turned and rejoined it's group.
Apr 10, 2017 19:43:18 #
SonnyE wrote:
That'll teach you to go whacking on the unknown. b... (show quote)
Skunks don't fear many other critters. The only thing they should fear are our St. Bernards. They eat skunks like dog treats!! Doesn't mean they don't get totally stunk up but it doesn't seem to bother them!? Definitely bothers me but not them!
Tomato does work but there are better commerical products for "deskunkifying" animals and clothes.
bwa
Apr 10, 2017 21:34:16 #
bwana wrote:
Skunks don't fear many other critters. The only thing they should fear are our St. Bernards. They eat skunks like dog treats!! Doesn't mean they don't get totally stunk up but it doesn't seem to bother them!? Definitely bothers me but not them!
Tomato does work but there are better commerical products for "deskunkifying" animals and clothes.
bwa
Tomato does work but there are better commerical products for "deskunkifying" animals and clothes.
bwa
Never had to deal with skunk, hoping I never do.
PS: I post this, and this is the banner ad following the post:
http://www.bonide.com/trusted-brands/repels-all/?gclid=CIWS1Nahm9MCFUpNfgodMywIyQ
Big Brother is always watching.
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