Gopher eradication.

[Mr.H]

Anybody that lives in the upper midwest probably knows about pocket gophers, and what a PITA they are. They seem to continually dig and leave large mounds of dirt spring thru fall. I've had one ruining my yard for the last few weeks. They are mostly nocturnal and very hard to see doing their tunneling. So I had resorted to digging into the tunnels and dumping poison and Juicy Fruit (old wives tale says Juicy Fruit will kill gophers). But this gopher acts like the poison is caviar or viagra.

So today Sunday, finally had the time to take my .25 Compact Vet into the garage and set it in a tripod, over looking the yard. I had a couple shots throughout the day, but missed. Gophers don't appear above ground very often. But I finally got a good shot @ 50 yds. Left him in his hole for Mr.Fox later this evening. Good riddance.

*Can't post pictures right now*. will update when the attachment function resumes to normal

 

[Ranchibi]

Great patience and shooting! 

 

[crazyhorse]

Four years ago backed my 78 Covette into the yard and ran a hose from the exhaust to the gopher entrance holes and killed them that way. I had tried everything. Have not had any since.. just put an 8 track in and listen to your favorite songs.

 

[boscoebrea]

8 Track,get on back with your bad self. James Brown laying it down." Night Train".

Gophers are a real problem on Hiway 1.

 

[beerthief]

i have an old gas edger i roll out , works great.. un screw the muffler and put a "straight pipe on " , suppose you can use a lawn mower also .

 

[Ezana4CE]

8 Track,get on back with your bad self. James Brown laying it down." Night Train".

Gophers are a real problem on Hiway 1.

 

[lbc_PSI]

I’ve had good luck with Gopher Hawk traps. No digging required. Just use the supplied probe to locate a their tunnel..expand the pilot hole..insert GH. I’ve found that a tiny bit of peanut butter on the GH trigger mechanism ups the success rate.


Last week I was lucky and caught one during the day above ground..which ended badly for the gopher

 

[Arrowhead1951]

Mr.H

I understand your gopher situation fully and offer my sympathy. 

My yard bears the ravages of the resident Pocket Gophers, however, I do manage to eliminate some of the careless ones. My front and back porches give me a 2 foot elevated advantage for spotting their activity. I usually begin around 5:30 am, with an insulated mug of coffee and the "gopher getter" (Gamo Urban) I play cat and mouse games with them. It may take a while to see the tell tale flick of soil or twitching stem, patience is key for my success. I practice often with empty pill bottles, placed at likely distances, as you know all to well, a quick head shot is all you get.

Being older and retired allows me the time to sit in my comfortable shooting chair along with my tripod and rifle at the ready. I usually get one a day, but have got 3 one morning. Have had minimal success trapping and don't use poisons due to all the predators that might be sickened.

Good luck with your pesting, stay healthy and safe,

Arrowhead1951 

 

[Arrowhead1951]

Mr.H

I understand your gopher situation fully and offer my sympathy. 

My yard bears the ravages of the resident Pocket Gophers, however, I do manage to eliminate some of the careless ones. My front and back porches give me a 2 foot elevated advantage for spotting their activity. I usually begin around 5:30 am, with an insulated mug of coffee and the "gopher getter" (Gamo Urban) I play cat and mouse games with them. It may take a while to see the tell tale flick of soil or twitching stem, patience is key for my success. 

Being older and retired allows me the time to sit in my comfortable shooting chair along with my tripod and rifle at the ready. I usually get one a day, but have got 3 one morning. Have had minimal success trapping and don't use poisons due to all the predators that might be sickened.

Good luck with your pesting, stay healthy and safe,

Arrowhead1951 

 

[boscoebrea]

Walter Brennan with his attack Roster waiting for the next gopher to show up.

 

[Mr.H]

System finally let me post a pic of the offending critter:

 

[Arrowhead1951]

Mr. H

My luck held this morning and I was able to eliminate another careless gopher!!

It did take 2 cups of coffee though, @ 6:15 am I noticed dirt mounding up and in my caffinated state was able to sight in (15 yards) and take the shot.

My camera skills are weak, but I try my best.



Mr. boscoebrea

OK, you identified me and my trusty companion.

Good luck with your pesting, stay healthy and safe,

Arrowhead1951