I can tell you all from experience being around a captive skunk, that they do have a distinct odor, but it's not bad at all. This particular one has been descented, and gets a little musky after a couple weeks. If any of you have been around a ferret that some people keep as pets, you know exactly what I'm talking about. This makes me believe that they really wouldn't smell if you could dispatch it without it spraying, and then remove the scent glands. I would personally eat one if I needed to, but cant say it would be my first choice due to the chance of getting sprayed.
Another way to prevent getting sprayed, is if you can tuck its tail down between its legs as they will not spray themselves. Having said that, I'm not sure I'd want to attempt to hold a live WILD skunk in this manner as it would put you too close to their teeth. And I can tell you all from personal experience that they have a bite and dont like letting go once they grab a hold of you. (I'm just glad this one has all it's shots and I know is very healthy.)