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Roadkill

Discussion in 'Lifesize Mammals' started by fourrifles, Mar 24, 2012.

  1. Mar 24, 2012 #1
    fourrifles

    fourrifles Member

    130
    0
    Mack's Creek, Missouri
    I was headed back from the dump today and found a beautiful little spotted skunk on the road. Still bleeding and no serious damage and doesn't even stink too bad. Got it right in the freezer so hoping it's OK. It had been feeding on the carcass of a varied thrush in the road when it was killed; still has a mouthful of meat and feathers. I'm going to try this as my first small animal mount; any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
     
  3. Mar 24, 2012 #2
    Light Rail Coyote

    Light Rail Coyote Active Member

    1,303
    7
    Oregon
    From what I understand, picking up roadkill in the state of Oregon is illegal without a permit signed be law enforcement.
     

  5. Mar 24, 2012 #3
    fourrifles

    fourrifles Member

    130
    0
    Mack's Creek, Missouri
    Or by a licensed furtaker during the appropriate season; skunk is all year.

    My question is, are there any special considerations when working with a skunk? Or any tips?
     
  6. Mar 25, 2012 #4
    The Ojibwa

    The Ojibwa Member

    746
    1
    Ohio
    this may seem obvious but special consideration needs to be given to the scent glands at the base of the tail...I would wear latex gloves and skin it outside....I've heard of people skinning them under water in case you knick the glands

    never skinned a skunk but done a few mink and weasels....I'm fairly good at skinning but I've knicked the glands twice and it certainly isn't fun

    if you are not experienced at skinning I would suggest practicing on other critters to prevent a mishap
     
  7. Mar 25, 2012 #5
    fourrifles

    fourrifles Member

    130
    0
    Mack's Creek, Missouri
    Thanks, I've skinned a lot of animals but never a skunk and that is the advice I'm looking for. This little guy was really fresh so I just got it right to the freezer and want to know all I can before I start work on it. I'll absolutely skin it outside, but I think the underwater deal might make it more difficult.

    Besides the care with the scent glands it would appear pretty straightforward; it doesn't really stink now although there is certainly a skunky odor, but nothing that concerns me. Guess I just need to avoid the glands?
     
  8. Mar 26, 2012 #6
    Judysan

    Judysan The Roadkill Queen

    1,630
    1
    Camp Meeker, California
    I skin down around the top of the tail, until I find the rectal 'tube' . I tie it off twice and cut between the strings, before I go any further. Any pressure on the sacks can squeeze out the fluid. Have fun
     
  9. Mar 27, 2012 #7
    ClaraD

    ClaraD Woof

    473
    0
    Portland OR
    I'm in Oregon, too. You need a fur takers license to pick up roadkill. But they're pretty easy to get.

    Good luck, fellow scavenger!
     
  10. Mar 27, 2012 #8
    ANDY

    ANDY Well-Known Member

    1,328
    530
    Ohio
    Skin it while it's still about half froze ,that way the gland's will still be froze and not liquid.
     
  11. Mar 28, 2012 #9
    fourrifles

    fourrifles Member

    130
    0
    Mack's Creek, Missouri
    Thanks for the advice. And yes, I have a furtakers license; seems like a small cost for the possible benefits even for the average guy.

    I like the idea of skinning it part frozen. My wife wouldn't appreciate that stink in the yard!