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By Alice McFarlane

Gopher Control

Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation offers support to landowners facing gopher overpopulation

Jul 8, 2025 | 5:05 PM

With escalating gopher populations causing increasing concern for producers and other landowners across the province, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), with the support of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), is stepping up to offer assistance.

Gophers are a significant cause of crop loss and land degradation, impacting the livelihood of Saskatchewan producers and landowners. In response, the SWF is connecting landowners with SWF members who are ready to assist in controlling gopher numbers in a responsible and ethical manner.

SWF Executive Director Darrell Crabbe said gopher hunters provide an important service.

“We recognize the growing frustration gophers are causing in rural areas, particularly as they damage crops and create hazards for livestock,” said Crabbe. “We’re proud to encourage our members in being part of the solution—helping our landowners while maintaining ethical hunting practices.”

Landowners experiencing challenges with gophers are encouraged to contact the SWF office at 306.692.8812. The SWF will then work to identify available SWF members in that area to coordinate arrangements directly with the landowner.

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All SWF members carry $5 million in liability coverage and are expected to uphold the highest standards of safety, ethics and landowner respect.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com