Gopher Control
Richardson's ground squirrel (RGS) range covers much of the North American Great Plains and includes portions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
These pests are herbivores. They eat forage grasses, forage legumes, cereal crops, pulse crops, canola and native grasses. When they occur in great numbers, agricultural producers can accrue significant financial losses.
Emergency use of Strychnine (2026 - 2027)
The Governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta received approval for a revised joint Emergency Use Request for the use of two per cent liquid strychnine to support integrated pest management of Richardson's ground squirrels (RGS). Under the Emergency Use Registration authorized through the Pest Control Products Act, areas in approximately seven crop districts in southwest, southeast, south central and northwest Saskatchewan will be eligible to access strychnine. Map of Strychnine Emergency Use Area These areas were identified using Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation claims data and information related to species at risk presence. The revised Emergency Use Registration includes measures to protect species at risk, including a refined geographic scope, increased monitoring and carcass collection and disposal requirements and enhanced mandatory training.
All pesticide regulatory decisions, including emergency use registrations, rest with Health Canada’s PMRA. Saskatchewan and SARM are hopeful that the information gathered through this Emergency Use Registration will demonstrate that strychnine can be used in a way that mitigates risks to non‑target species and may support long‑term access to this pest control tool.
At this time, there are no stocks of strychnine available for distribution in Canada. The registrant is expected to require approximately six to eight weeks to import the active ingredient, manufacture the 2% liquid strychnine concentrate, and distribute product across Saskatchewan and Alberta.
Once logistics are finalized with the distributor, details on the provincial stewardship program and the required user training will be shared through SARM and your local RM.
Strychnine will only be available through this stewardship program, and all users will be required to complete mandatory training on species‑at‑risk protection, strychnine use restrictions, and pesticide safety. The program includes:
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In‑burrow application with mandatory covering of treated burrows to reduce access by non‑target species
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Carcass monitoring and collection (daily for the first week, then weekly for three additional weeks), with carcasses disposed of by burial or incineration
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Screening for species at risk, with high‑risk areas avoided unless appropriate mitigation measures can be demonstrated
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Comprehensive record‑keeping, including sales, use, and monitoring, along with field and records audits to ensure compliance
Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food on Strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan (March 30, 2026)
Saskatchewan Welcomes Pest Management Regulatory Agency Approval of Emergency Strychnine Use (March 31, 2026)
Gopher Control Program
Ratepayers are eligible for up to 50% cost-shared funding towards the purchase of registered gopher control products, and up to $125 per raptor platform. For more details, please see the Program Guidelines.
Applications and receipts must be submitted to the RM Office by July 31st. Any product purchased after July 31st will be an eligible expense for next years program.
The Government of Saskatchewan has information on the Control of Richardson's Ground Squirrels. Here they say results indicated that the zinc phosphide products, ZP Rodent Oat Bait and Burrow oat bait were as effective as strychnine and less expensive. They also present a reduced risk of secondary poisoning and are not environmentally persistent.
Burrow Oat Bait is available in 20kg bags from Elevation Ag Services near Fielding, SK. Tel: (306) 827-4708 Email: agronomy@elevationag.ca