Actually it really isn't an old wives tale at all. I have caught quite a few skunks. Now... as is true with a gun..I never look down the barrel. LOL
BUT it is also true ya can't let 'em get their front feet on anything. That's like cockin the gun with a bad sear on it. It WILL go off
As far as letting 'em eat outta your hand it was years ago and when you are a young kid..ain't no such thing as dying. Remember? I didn't learn you could die till I was about 18..... with all them people shootin at me. That really did get my attention