People in Saskatchewan have a mixed relationship with gophers, oscillating between affection and frustration. Gainer, the beloved gopher mascot of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, originates from Parkbeg, a small town about 60 kilometers west of Moose Jaw. However, individuals dealing with gophers often find themselves in conflict with these furry creatures due to their extensive hole-digging activities.
Chuck Toney, a farmer near Gull Lake in southwest Saskatchewan, witnesses firsthand the devastation caused by gophers on cropland. With consecutive years of drought, gophers have flourished, particularly in his meadow brome pastures. Toney explained that the absence of forage in the pastures due to drought attracted gophers, leading to a substantial increase in their population, which he termed as a “gopher-pocalypse.”
The historical legacy of gopher-related issues in Saskatchewan dates back to 1917 when the province declared May 1 a working holiday to combat the gopher menace. Over 900 schools were closed for the day, allowing children to catch, shoot, or snare gophers that were damaging agricultural lands. Today, farmers like Toney view their land as a battleground, constantly battling gophers to protect their property from damage.
To address the gopher problem, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) and the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation are collaborating to reduce the gopher population. Darrell Crabbe, the executive director of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, emphasized the importance of connecting hunting enthusiasts with affected landowners to address the gopher infestation effectively.
The methods for controlling gophers have evolved over time, with traditional approaches like using strychnine being replaced by safer alternatives due to health concerns. Farmers like Toney resort to using poisons like Rozol and zinc phosphide rodenticide Borozeit in their ongoing battle against gophers. Additionally, alternative methods like using sulfur gas cartridges, such as Giant Destroyer, are employed to combat gophers in smaller areas like yards and properties.
While gophers play a role in the ecosystem, Toney acknowledges their importance while also recognizing the need to maintain a balanced population. Similarly, Shawn Sherwood of Poulin’s Pest Control acknowledges the benefits of gophers in the wild as a food source for various animals but emphasizes the necessity of managing their population to prevent overpopulation and associated problems.
In conclusion, the complex relationship between humans and gophers in Saskatchewan continues to evolve, with efforts being made to manage the gopher population effectively while acknowledging their ecological significance.