Sask. Wildlife Federation offers support for landowners facing gopher overpopulation

(Photo courtesy: Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation)

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is now offering support for landowners dealing with gophers, by connecting them with members who can assist with population control in a safe and ethical manner.

Through a partnership with the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities, landowners who are having challenges with gophers are asked to call the SWF office. The office will then find SWF members in the area to coordinate arrangements directly with the landowner.

“We recognize the growing frustration gophers are causing in rural areas, particularly as they damage crops and create hazards for livestock. This program is a way to work collaboratively with producers, to help address their concerns,” Todd Smith, SWF executive director, said in an update from the SWF on Tuesday.

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“We’re proud to support our members in being part of the solution, while helping our landowners and maintaining ethical hunting practices.”

Strychnine has commonly been used in the past to help deal with gophers – a practice that has faced its fair share of criticism.

Earlier in March, a letter signed by over a dozen advocacy groups was sent to the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in response to the government’s request to temporarily allow the use of strychnine to kill gophers.

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The letter claimed that strychnine causes extreme suffering to target and non-target animals, and poses serious risks to humans who accidentally swallow, inhale, or touch the substance. It asked the PMRA to stand by its original science-based decision.

Strychnine was outlawed by the province in 2023 after a two-year phase-out, followed by a federal ban the following year.

For more information on the SWF’s support for gopher overpopulation, Saskatchewan residents can visit their website.

-With files from Cole Davenport