Determining and demonstrating the importance of training and experience for managing pocket gophers

Abstract

ABSTRACT The pocket gopher (Thomomys spp.) is one of the most damaging wildlife species in California, as well as other locations throughout the United States. Several techniques are used to manage pocket gophers, including trapping and rodenticides. Improved protocols to increase the efficacy of rodenticide baiting programs, and quantifiable information on the time required to become a proficient pocket gopher trapper, would assist individuals interested in developing an Integrated Pest Management program for pocket gophers. Therefore, I initiated a study to address the following objectives: 1) determine the number of days required to become a proficient pocket gopher trapper; and 2) determine the impact of a thorough training program on efficacy of a rodenticide baiting program for managing pocket gophers. I determined that novice trappers became proficient with only 3 days experience (94% of the efficiency obtained by an expert trapper). Capture rates for novice trappers also exhibited a dramatic increase in just 3 days, although rates were not as proportionally high (77% of expert trapper). Clearly, the time required to set traps and detect active burrows should continue to decrease as trappers gain more experience. Baiting trials indicated that individuals who received a through training program on bait application were 3.6 times more likely to attain greater efficacy from baiting programs than were individuals who received only limited training. Proper training, particularly on identifying active tunnel systems, clearly increased the efficacy of baiting programs. These results should increase the applicability of both trapping and rodenticide baiting in pocket gopher management programs. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.

Keywords

• California
• pocket gopher
• rodenticide
• Thomomys spp.
• training
• trapping experience