Strychnine use against gophers delayed until mid-July

By Your Southwest Media Group

Farmers shouldn't use strychnine against gophers, formally known as Richardson's ground squirrels, until mid-July, authorities advise. The poison began arriving last week.

"The next recommended application window is from July 15 to Sept. 1, once vegetation starts to dry down," an Agriculture Department statement said. "At this time of year, strychnine application is not recommended as abundant green vegetation makes the bait less effective."

Agriculture Minister David Marit called the two-per-cent strychnine "an important tool" that farmers and ranchers "can use to protect crops and pastures from continued gopher damage."

Producers may use it in a region that includes the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews, which surrounds Rosetown, west to the Alberta border and north to the boreal forest zone.

Authorities added this area about a week after an initial approved zone that ranged south and east of Rosetown, including Monet, King George and Coteau, to the United States border and east to the Assiniboia area.

Producers in eligible regions who've completed mandatory online training and met the stewardship program requirements may buy the poison at participating rural municipality offices.

"Supplies are limited, so producers should contact their RM regarding access, as delivery timing and available inventory may vary by location," the statement said. Department staff expect more strychnine to arrive later, it added.

People should use "alternative registered rodenticides" plus biological and cultural controls to deal with gophers if they farm or ranch in areas where strychnine is unavailable or not registered, the statement said.

Users must assess and document whether species at risk live near where they plan to use the poison and decide "whether additional risk mitigation measures are required to protect" them, it said. They must also monitor poison locations for at least four weeks after deploying the strychnine, including daily during the first week.

"If species at risk cannot be managed through additional measures, including delayed application and enhanced monitoring, application will be prohibited," the statement said.