I used to be more lenient towards skunks until we got overloaded with them and they started raiding guinea nests (along with the foxes and 'possums and 'coons).
This pretty boy, BTW, foiled my raccoon removal project one night:
fox.jpg
I've caught a LOT of skunks over the years while trying to remove raccoons and at one time I "simply" released them where I caught them. This requires some care. So far I've never been sprayed.
The five I caught in the two traps experienced my new policy. With the trap positioned so they can't see me I maneuver it with pole/hook/rope onto a sled made from plywood and drag it 1/4 mile to where I dug a small pond behind the barn. There, I give them scuba diving lessons. Unfortunately since I don't have gear that fits them properly so far none have graduated from the class to earn the certificate. I'll keep trying.
JKJ