Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation Offers Support to Landowners Facing Gopher Overpopulation

With escalating gopher populations causing increasing concern for landowners across Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF), with the support of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM), is stepping up to offer practical 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 trusted SWF members who are ready to assist in controlling gopher numbers in a responsible and ethical manner.

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.

All SWF members participating in this initiative carry an additional $5 million in liability coverage, and are expected to uphold the highest standards of safety, conduct, and landowner respect.

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

For more information or to request support, please contact the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation at 306.692.8812.

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Background: SARM is the independent association representing rural municipalities in Saskatchewan, serving as the primary advocate for its members before senior governments.

Since 1905, SARM has been working to address the concerns of rural municipalities and ensure that their voices are heard by senior levels of government. We provide support to our members in dealing with the provincial and federal governments. We advocate on behalf of our members and help ensure their compliance with legislation and regulations.

SARM also has been mandated and plays an important role in the advocacy of Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. SARM believes that Agriculture is more than just an industry — it is the very foundation of our rural communities.

In compliance with the Act of Incorporation, SARM directly and lawfully engages in activities that tend to advance the interests of agriculture, including the handling, transportation, processing, and marketing of grain and grain products. Furthermore, the Act instructs that SARM be an actively engaged participant and member of the Canada Grains Council, as well as other organizations, associations, councils, congresses, and bodies advancing the interests of those who produce agricultural products.