I can’t resist bringing you this article that appeared in the Maple Hill News Items from 1915.

“August 6, 1915 Area farmers and ranchers are well aware of the battle between H. G. Adams and gophers. H. G.s war against the pests is known nationally. He convinced Wabaunsee County
Commissioners to levy a five cent price on every scalp brought to the court house. He has often stated that one gopher will eat the same amount as a steer in 14 days and that they create holes in pastures which cause cows and horses to break their legs. Now Mr. Adams has enlisted the aid of Prentis Wallace of Maple Hill, a colored lad of about 15 years, who is making money in the gopher business. He is now on the H. G. Adams Ranch and H. G. is paying him ten cents each for every gopher he getsno questions ask! In addition to this, he gets five cents for each scalp from the county. He was in Alma, Saturday with 280 scalps. These made him a total of $42. He was up two weeks ago with nearly as many. This young entrepreneur may one day be able to buy out Mr. Adams if his good fortune continues and the gophers continue to have large litters of pups.”

I was recently told these little critters are still a problem for ranchers. While writers seems to use the terms prairie dog and gopher interchangeably, they are not the same animal. I’m guessing they’re talking about prairie dogs. Does anyone know?