Calgary Gophers?

[ATOM]

The squirrels are out - anybody seen any gophers as yet?

 

[Ormachek]

I seen a couple back in february right by the exit from 16th ave to barlow north. But none since then!

 

[ATOM]

Selfish critters...

 

[formerfarmer]

The older males should make a general appearance by the end of March. Females a couple weeks after that. Remember--- There might not be as many early in the season but every one you shoot could be counted as 25 because a dead gopher can't breed!

 

[carbonrod]

I saw a couple a little while back before that last snowfall, then a couple yesterday during my runs along deerfoot. They're out, but not in numbers.

 

[pharaoh2]

I shot a few this morning an hour south of calgary.

 

[Ormachek]

update:

I saw a 1/2 dozen around town today, as well as 1 coyote and 2 huns

 

[762Russian]

They're running about all over the place here in Medicine Hat.

Lock and load!

 

[Puma]

Saw lots west of Calgary today!

 

[ATOM]

It begins....

 

[s.crawford@me.com]

Anybody know of a place to go shooting gophers near Calgary? I've always wanted to go gopher shooting, but haven't had any idea of the laws surrounding it.

 

[762Russian]

Anybody know of a place to go shooting gophers near Calgary? I've always wanted to go gopher shooting, but haven't had any idea of the laws surrounding it.

General consensus is you take a drive out into the country and start knocking on farmer's doors. Be polite and friendly, and rarely will you get a 'no.'

No real laws surrounding it, just use your common sense; fire away from populated places and livestock, keep the dog in the truck.

 

[gopherxs]

finally found a couple yesterday to try out my newest purchase on,savage predator 10 in 204 calibre. Boy did they ever get some goooooood airtime.

 

[Suspect187]

A few pictures from yesterday.

 

[762Russian]

A few pictures from yesterday.

Good shooting! Your gophers seem to be fatter than ours over here in Medicine Hat this spring; I dropped about 40 of the buggers today, didn't have that kind of explosive disemboweling, though it was very common last year with the body shots.

 

[Suspect187]

Good shooting! Your gophers seem to be fatter than ours over here in Medicine Hat this spring; I dropped about 40 of the buggers today, didn't have that kind of explosive disemboweling, though it was very common last year with the body shots.

They were pretty fat but the explosiveness can be credited to CCI segmented HP's. I also used Federal .22lr HP, but they don't produce anywhere near the same result.

 

[Suputin]

Gawd Damnit all to hell!

I have been having the itch something awful now you fellers got to go and post picks of early spring gophers and I haven't even had the opportunity to get out yet and on top of that the weather is not looking so hot for next weekend.

I am totally out of 221 Fireball ammo cause the powder I was using got discontinued and I hadn't had any time or opportunity to do any load development.

I have some 223 ammo left over from last year but that also needs some load development. The only thing ready to go is the mighty 6BR and it is a gopher slayer extraordinaire so at least I am not high and dry.

I think I might just have to suck it up and go do some load development indoors at 50 yds or it is gonna conflict with the need to actually shoot gophers rather than spend the time in the field shooting groups.

Arghhhhhhh!

 

[AlbertaGunslinger]

Seeing them lots now, and hearing those damn squeaks. Have not shot any as of yet though.

 

[canucklehead]

Haven't checked the fields in two weeks - anyone know if they are up West of Calgary?

Planning on heading out this afternoon with my new 55gr VMAX loads for my .223!

 

[canucklehead]

To answer my own question - YES - They are out in full force. No mamas and babies yet, but the boys are out and fighting eachother.

Killed about 40... the last round of the day killed two with one shot... that'll teach em to fight!

25gr of AA2230 and 55gr VMAX is devastating!!!