Agricultural History Review, Volume 36 Part 2 (1988), pp. 188–198

The flickertail gopher was considered one of western Canada's worst agricultural pests. Its ravages were particularly severe when agricultural circumstances provided it with favourable conditions - during the early stages of settlement, or during periods of drought and field abandonment. Local and provincial governments mountedprograms - including bounties, contests, and poison distribution - to combat the pest. The populace respondedwith enthusiasm, trappi,lg, shooting, clubbing, snaring, and poisoning the gophers. Governmental officials and private citizens considered the pest control programs proper and effective; they also welcomed the economic relief conveyed through bounties 

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