Yotarunner
Custom Call Maker
Made this post for a Canadian forum a while ago but it just dawned on me that you guys would probably enjoy it.
Not many people are aware of the dangerous game here on our own continent! The Richardson's ground squirrel or (gopher) is not to be taken lightly!
These dangerous and underestimated critters have very little fear of humans and demand the use of proper firepower to dispatch them.
Our prefered caliber of choice is the 500/416 nitro express loaded with hard cast bullets. The flat meplat on the cast bullet ensures proper expansion on these hard to kill rodents. Seen here next to a gopher skull. Note the sharp pointed teeth.
image000004 by brad harder, on Flickr
In small areas of Alberta these creatures can be hunted and if caution is observed can be quite sporting. Preserving meat is not advised as recovery and meat preservation is tricky.
image000004 by brad harder, on Flickr
image000001_01 by brad harder, on Flickr
Stay on your toes as hard chargers are the norm. Here you can see a large male being launched back over the fence from whence he came.
image000000 by brad harder, on Flickr
A partner is advised as some pastures can be plentiful and the chance to shoot 2 at once can be quite the experience.
image000006 by brad harder, on Flickr
For those of you that are trophy hunters do not fret. After long hard hunting some impressive tuskers can be found. This trophy male was taken a few years back. To preserve the hide for taxidermy it is advised to shoot under the animal killing him with shock rather than the bullet itself.
image000003 by brad harder, on Flickr
Not many people are aware of the dangerous game here on our own continent! The Richardson's ground squirrel or (gopher) is not to be taken lightly!
These dangerous and underestimated critters have very little fear of humans and demand the use of proper firepower to dispatch them.
Our prefered caliber of choice is the 500/416 nitro express loaded with hard cast bullets. The flat meplat on the cast bullet ensures proper expansion on these hard to kill rodents. Seen here next to a gopher skull. Note the sharp pointed teeth.
image000004 by brad harder, on FlickrIn small areas of Alberta these creatures can be hunted and if caution is observed can be quite sporting. Preserving meat is not advised as recovery and meat preservation is tricky.
image000004 by brad harder, on Flickrimage000001_01 by brad harder, on FlickrStay on your toes as hard chargers are the norm. Here you can see a large male being launched back over the fence from whence he came.
image000000 by brad harder, on FlickrA partner is advised as some pastures can be plentiful and the chance to shoot 2 at once can be quite the experience.
image000006 by brad harder, on FlickrFor those of you that are trophy hunters do not fret. After long hard hunting some impressive tuskers can be found. This trophy male was taken a few years back. To preserve the hide for taxidermy it is advised to shoot under the animal killing him with shock rather than the bullet itself.
image000003 by brad harder, on Flickr
