Not caught yet but how to remove a skunk from Havahart live trap?

[CH4Ohio]

In Ohio, you can relocate a possum but aren't supposed to relocate a raccoon.

Don't think so. The same trapping rules apply to coons and possums and skunks. Can't relocate them onto public property and can't dump them on another person's property. This is for several obvious reasons, but one is to prevent spreading disease among the animal population.

Check out "Rule 1501:31-15-03 | Nuisance wild animal control. Ohio Administrative Code" as well as the ODNR (Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources) website.

Section E (3) of the above mentioned regulations state that it's unlawful NOT to euthanize or release it "ON SITE".

(3) It shall be unlawful to fail to euthanize, or release on site, any nuisance raccoon, skunk, beaver, coyote, red fox, or opossum that is captured, trapped or taken.

There's just no reason to RELOCATE a NUISANCE animal. Trap it and euthanize it.

 

[Torvy]

Even if it wasn't unlawful, relocating varmints just moves your problem somewhere else. That 'public' land can support X number of critters. If you and your neighbors are all dumping them in that area, they are just going to push more critters into the properties adjacent to the dumping area. (Directly or indirectly)

Put them down as painlessly as possible. If you cannot deal with killing critters, hire someone who will.

 

[lman]

Had that happen maybe 5 years ago. What made it even more challenging was that the trap was between 2 woodpiles, and you couldn't get around it or easily escape. My wife was braver than me, and just snuck up and opened the trap. The skunk wandered out and apparently was grateful enough that it did so without spraying.

Why did you catch it, if you were just going to release it?

 

[the old grind]

Non-target catch. Happens a lot & is why we use live traps. btw, IN has rules similar to OH's.

 

[ponytug]

While we are on the subject of regulations, drowning animals was banned by PACT, signed by Trump in 2019, which made drowning animals a federal crime;

Laws that Protect Animals

In the United States, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government. Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level.

aldf.org

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/724/text

All the best,

Peter

 

[DarkBlack]

While we are on the subject of regulations, drowning animals was banned by PACT, signed by Trump in 2019, which made drowning animals a federal crime;

Laws that Protect Animals

In the United States, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government. Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level.

aldf.org

https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/724/text

All the best,

Peter

I believe PACT leaves it as still legal to drown a nuisance skunk on your property. There’s also, thousands of “how to” videos on the net for baiting mice to drown in buckets of water. That alone would fill up prisons.

I read the PACT act. Its aim is at people making “crushing “ videos. Sick people torturing animals for the thrill.

From the law:

(d)Exceptions.—
(1)In general.—This section does not apply with regard to any conduct, or a visual depiction of that conduct, that is—
(A)
a customary and normal veterinary, agricultural husbandry, or other animal management practice;
(B)
the slaughter of animals for food;
(C)
hunting, trapping, fishing, a sporting activity not otherwise prohibited by Federal law, predator control, or pest control;
(D)
medical or scientific research;
(E)
necessary to protect the life or property of a person; or
(F)performed as part of euthanizing an animal.

You’d still want to check up on your specific state regulations

 

[sixdogs]

Don't think so. The same trapping rules apply to coons and possums and skunks. Can't relocate them onto public property and can't dump them on another person's property. This is for several obvious reasons, but one is to prevent spreading disease among the animal population.

Check out "Rule 1501:31-15-03 | Nuisance wild animal control. Ohio Administrative Code" as well as the ODNR (Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources) website.

Section E (3) of the above mentioned regulations state that it's unlawful NOT to euthanize or release it "ON SITE".

(3) It shall be unlawful to fail to euthanize, or release on site, any nuisance raccoon, skunk, beaver, coyote, red fox, or opossum that is captured, trapped or taken.

There's just no reason to RELOCATE a NUISANCE animal. Trap it and euthanize it.

Good to know. Last I checked was maybe 8 or more years ago and back then coon was the only one you could not release.

 

[WinterDeere]

Drowning is cruel. I've found that putting the muzzle of a .22 rifle thru a gap in the have-a-heart cage, will almost always prompt the animal to come sniff the barrel. One clean shot thru the head, instant death, and usually no damage to the trap.

I've disposed of quite a few ground hogs this way, as they're both illegal to relocate, and can tend to come back if not moved farther than 3 miles. If I had a skunk that needed to be gone, I'd surely use the same method. But I like skunks, as long as I can keep my dog and them separated, they keep German yellow jacket (aka "ground hornet") nests at bay.

 

[gstrom99]

I've caught plenty of skunks, when I lived in Chicago's suburbia. The small "live traps" work great for skunks. The smaller, the better. If they can't raise their tail, they can't spray. The towel/sheet idea works pretty good as a shield. I bought one of the black tube straps with electric door release built in - never once worked... I released all (far away from anywhere...), after the first one I shot. They don't stink until shot, then OMG!!!! Had to leave the trap out for weeks, before bringing it back in the Jeep. Being rural now, I've not caught or dealt with even one.

 

[gstrom99]

I'm looking into that now. I also remember they might open in the trap is upside down. Looking into that as well.

If tipped over, the release will probably open. I stake down (24" rebar) my traps so they can't be tipped over by the trapped varmint or coyote/dog/critter trying to get at 'em.