Covered traps should always be used. Place a trap cover over a cage trap like the Tomahawk Pro 107SS. Or use a PVC tube trap. Put dirt on the bottom of the cage. This can attract grubbing skunks. If you catch a female, you can save some of that dirt. Use it in traps during the breeding season.

Figure out how skunks will approach the yard. Set the traps with the wind carrying the lures to these spots. Just do not set the traps too far upwind. When something is caught, you will want to approach the traps at this angle. So give yourself room. Quietly speak to the skunk when approaching them. Shooting them in the chest with a pellet gun is preferred. Skunks spray when shot in the head. Lakewood Exterminating euthanizes skunks with CO2.

Traps are best set over entry points. Catching skunks that do not live on your property is a difficult task. Wandering males have a wide range. They might not visit regularly.

What to Bait Traps With?

Go for two to three different baits. Implement taste, visual, and smell components. Wildlife Control Supplies sells Rosebud bait. This seems to be the best. Make sure you wear gloves because it will stick to your hands. Sadly, it doesn’t smell like roses. Put it on a marshmallow, and throw a banana or honeycomb in. If desperation hits, try some fried chicken.