God Given Targets
By Jarret Warner
Hunting gophers can be a great way to introduce someone to hunting. Whether you are trying to keep them under control or you like heading out one summer afternoon to brush up your marksmanship skills. Gophers can offer some great times and good shooting!
Here in Alberta Gophers live almost everywhere that short vegetation exists. From the boreal region to the north and the plains region to the south you should have no troubles getting permission to hunt.
Some hunters use a 22 center fire cartridge for long range shots well past 150 yards, using a bench rest or bi-pod. Yet the vast majority use a .22 LR rifle. Personally I have a Winchester Semi-Auto with a Simmons 3-9x32mm 22 Mag scope. I have had great success using this rifle, seeing that I have taken countless numbers of gophers with it.
When it comes to tactics, the best way is to lay down within range of a active bunch of gophers, and find a good solid rest. Then through good timing and patience you should be shooting in no time flat!!! When I go hunting I shoot at the head, and when they are fully out of the dens. If by chance you make poor shot, this method will help prevent them being be able to work there way down there hole, there fore losing your quarry.
For the serious gopher hunter a call is a good thing to have. By using a call you can bring gophers into view for a good shot, that otherwise may crouch down low to the point where a shot my be unwise. Some stubble field patterned camo is often necessary to get up close and personal, as is a good steady rest to give you stability when shooting past 50 yards.
Hunting gophers is a perfect way to spend those long afternoons with nothing to do. Not only does it require little equipment but it is also a great challenge for even the best of shooters! So good luck and safe shooting!
