ABSTRACT 
Improvement of methods of controlling pocket gophers has 
long been needed by farmers, ranchers, and others engaged in agri- 
culture. A new approach, one using a machine called a "burrow- 
builder" has been developed. This equipment, attached to a tractor, 
constructs artificial gopher runways at controlled depths below the 
surface of the ground and mechanically places bait in the runways. 
Tests in Colorado have shown the high potential this approach and 
equipment have in controlling both the plains pocket gopher (Geomys 
bursarius) and the mountain pocket gopher (Thomomys talpoides). 
The method and machine may also have application in the control of 
other rodents. 
CONTENTS 
Page 
Abstract..-~.-..------+-~--------+------ 5-5 oe oe ee eee ii 
CON ben ts. -2etwi Sie we ee ech eee pee eee oo eer Bie eden eS mete & ii 
Introductions2 .552c¢6.2055- po eat ete 5 eects ose goad 1ii 
Acknowledgments.--..-.---.-.------~-----------------------.------ iii 
The "burrow-builder" and its use for control of pocket gophers- 1 
Construction. -... ue sone oo Skee cine ee eee eee dees aden es 1 
Torpedo. f.ta ne Wee ee ee eh eek ee eee ame 1 
Bait-feeding mechanism. _._..~-- PE Ba Pe a See ea a ee Pe a PEE ea 1 
GCOStS 25 Seo Se eee ee ee ee tae eee eee eee eee ee 2 
Oper ation. sce ele ek ieee tebe tes culese eneee see ee ed el eons 2 
What has been doné.t2-2 2. cope lec cet ee eee cone eee dened 3 
Possible applications... -....-....~..---~.+--- +e eee 4 
Illustrations (figures 1 through 5)..-.----.-.....-....-.--.-.- 5 
it 
