Summer is the perfect time to hone your hunting skills on gophers. Here’s how

With hunting for big game and birds off-limits until fall, summer is the ideal time to hone your marksmanship skills by heading afield for gophers. Officially, they’re called Richardson’s ground squirrels, but every kid with a .22 knows these little rodents as gophers. And hunting them is more exciting, challenging and downright fun than the uninitiated might expect. You also get to do your landowner friends a favour in the process by clearing their land of these pesky burrowers.

Given the destructive nature of gophers, most landowners welcome hunters—just be sure to get permission before stepping onto private land. Often, you’ll be hunting within range of houses, farm buildings and livestock, so be very safety conscious, especially if you’re with youngsters who can get easily caught up in the excitement. Also be aware of the local regulations. For example, many municipalities on the outskirts of major centres don’t allow the discharge of firearms.

As with all hunting, scouting pays big dividends—a little windshield time and a pair of binoculars will help identify fields with plentiful gopher numbers. Just be sure to take your time when scanning the countryside, as gophers spend much of their time below ground; watch for their heads popping up from their burrows.

When it comes to gear, all you really need is a pair of binos, a rifle and perhaps a bipod, which is definitely optional. For most gopher hunting, a .22LR is more than powerful enough, and the ammunition is affordable. Those planning to make longer shots often select a .17HMR, though almost any small rimfire is up to the task. A semi-auto is perfect for shooting multiple gophers in succession.

Find yourself a good shooting location, usually on high ground, then wait patiently for gophers to emerge. And if you happen to miss, be ready to quickly shoot again, as a missed gopher will often sit still for a moment before retreating into its hole.