I have decided that I wasted too many skunks this year. I am going to build a dispatch pole. I have to admit I'm a bit of a chicken when it comes to getting 5 feet within spraying distance. I've gotta have at least 10 feet.My ? is , is there any way of just freezing the glands and selling them without extracting? I have to admit I'm a bit chicken when it comes to puncturing that thing. Thanks,Bill

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Never happier than when I smell just a little skunky.

I cut above the rectum to allow a litte wiggle room...but I/m a novice. Someone uses a metal stationary clip to keep the anus closed, too. Thought that was a good idea and might try it. Had some leakage on a couple that I got in a hurry on. Doesn't take much pressure to force the essence out, I/ve found.

I cut across at the base of the tail with a sharp knife/scapel/razor and continue until I can see the top of the pods. Then work your cuts until you have exposed both of them then detach cut from the intestine.Once you have done a few its quite routine. Just try not to squeeze or put pressure on the pods when cutting. Some can really be primed full especially in late Jan and Feb.

Freezing of the pods and essence is common with some trappers. I get alot of those each year. The only problem is leakage can occur once the tissue hardens and several are placed in a jar they tend to bleed. Then they must be thoroughly thawed prior to extraction or the gland wont collapse fully.

Only use sharp needles during extraction and you will have few problems. Its a good practice to hold a piece of loose/fat tissue on the pods with a pair of needle nose pliers while inserting the syringe into the pods.Each pod is independent and each must be entered into for full essence extraction.

Place your essence container in a secure position like in a tomato paste can that is screwed down onto an object so as not to knock it over in the transfer process.Glass with polyseal caps is the best storage method.Metal will corrode in time. Tape seal the lid and place in a shaded cool place until use or sale. It is a good practice to mark the ounce levels on any glass bottle you are using to determine how much you have. Then you will know pretty close as to the volume for sale purposes.

In a video I recently watched the guy said that cork worked well to plug the top of the jar with and the he claimed to insert the needle through the cork to empty his syringe. I haven't tried it but I guess it would prevent a person from spilling the essence.

Experience is your best teacher. Cork is not easy to penetrate if using a wine bottle thickness/depth. The repeated insertions will cause an odor leak and evaporation in the long term. Not to mention the dulling effect on the needle from repeated use.Skunk is very difficult to contain with anything remotely pourous.It even bleeds from good closures so I wouldnt recommend cork.

The method of transfer I suggest is as foolproof as I have found.I have worked a few thousand ounces over the last 30 some years and had my accidents now and then.Holding your transfer bottle in a secure base is highly recommended.