New Sask. Wildlife Federation program aims to reduce high gopher population

WATCH: Saskatchewan farmers have been dealing with a number of conditions this growing season, including gophers. Mick Favel reports.

The Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation (SWF) is now offering support to landowners dealing with a high number of gophers.

Every year, gophers are a significant cause of crop loss and land degradation. Damage is happening at a heightened level in 2025.

Darrell Crabbe is the executive director of the SWF. He said the foundation has received hundreds of calls from people being impacted, as well as from those looking to help.

“The amount of crop damaged due to gophers is in the millions of dollars every year,” said Crabbe.

The SWF has 122 branches across the province and plans to work with landowners who contact the federation.

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) will be playing a part by also offering practical assistance.

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Wade Probe is a landowner south of Regina. A section of his land is being overrun by gophers and is in need of a solution.

“They can cause destruction to property inside our buildings. They tear apart bags of seed. I’m scared to drive my vehicle over some of the property,” said Probe.

The SWF hopes landowners call to notify where their property is in case gophers are spotted nearby.

According to Crabbe, the new program will be free and will continue to be available for years to come.

All moves to get the gophers under control are planned to be done in a responsible and ethical manner.