While we're still a few months away from hunting season, there's plenty of residents in Southern Saskatchewan ridding farmland of gophers.

President of the Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation, Todd Smith, was out with his son doing some work at a farm and was approached by the owner and asked if he wanted to hunt gophers. Smith's son denied and said he didn't want to shoot any of the pests because he didn't have a hunting licence.

While you don't need a licence to hunt gophers in Saskatchewan, Smith wanted to give his son peace of mind, so he created an 'Apprentice Licence'.

The Apprentice Licence created by Todd Smith

"It was just one that we made up that will encourage more kids to get out in the field and take part in shooting in a safe, responsible way. Obviously the parent will have to have their PAL and be within arms reach as stated by the law, and get permission from the landowners."

"It's by no means a legal licence, it's strictly something we made up to encourage our son to get out, network, and meet people."

Smith has made the faux licence available as well for parents or guardians to print off for their kids.

"They can visit our Facebook page and they're free to print it off at their leisure. There's a spot there for the apprentice hunter, or your child to sign, their age, and the parent or guardians signature underneath. We just want kids to get out, enjoy the summer, the sunshine, and hopefully, help out a few landowners."

The Moose Jaw Wildlife Federation is a non-profit, non-government organization and serves as the local branch of the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation. They work to improve habitat, access to fisheries opportunities, support hunting and sport shooting communities, and contribute to the habitat trust fund.