Determine the general area where a skunk is residing by sighting it. Note which areas are high traffic regions of the area for the animal, including paths and its dwelling. You can generally obtain nformation on areas with a high percentage of skunks through a local wildlife official.
Place the trap in a high traffic area where you have seen the skunk walking often, generally in a bush or beside a large object rather than out in the open. This will increase the likelihood of catching the skunk, as it will feel safer in these zones.
Insert the raw chicken, which acts as the bait, into the middle of the cage, ensuring it cannot be reached from the sides or from the front if the animal goes only halfway through. Allow it to sit overnight.
Examine the cage, the next day, for the animal from a safe distance. Hold the blanket in front of you as you cautiously approach, ensuring the animal is not agitated.
Throw the blanket over the cage and step back for several minutes to ensure the skunk does not spray.
Open the plastic bag so it is flat. Drape it over the top of the cage. This will ensure that, if the animal sprays, it will not get on your clothes or hands if it penetrates through the blanket.
Take the animal to a wooded area far away from your home using the back of a vehicle, preferably a truck. Remove the cage and open its door after placing it on the ground facing low brush. Allow the animal to leave and place the cage back in the vehicle.