Farmers face a challenge with gophers, also known as Richardson’s ground squirrels, due to their destructive impact on crops and equipment. The use of strychnine to control gopher populations was banned in 2024 due to risks to wildlife and inhumane practices. To address this issue, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) initiated a free gopher control program last year.
Todd Smith, the executive director of SWF, highlighted the importance of targeting gophers early after hibernation for effective control. Farmers can reach out to SWF to participate in the program, which involves volunteer hunters who are covered by liability insurance. While the program is beneficial, some, like James Husband, reeve of the Rural Municipality of Hazelwood, believe it does not fully address the larger problem of gopher overpopulation.
Edmond Sanganyado, an associate professor at the University of Saskatchewan, suggested shooting as a more humane method compared to poison. He explained that shooting results in a quicker death for the animals. The article also mentions alternative methods like zinc phosphide being used by some farmers in the absence of strychnine, although it is less effective and more labor-intensive. It is crucial to target gophers before they reproduce to minimize crop damage.