Back in the mid '60's, I made good money trapping gophers on my Grandparents ranch in the summer. My Grandmother paid .25 per tail. Then the County ditch rider would pay the same. I had about 30-40 traps running each day all summer long. I had 2 types of traps that I used. The normal bear type. Then I also had some traps that I called "The Gutter". It was about 6-8 inches long. It had some sharpened tines on the end that you would cross as you set the spring. When the gopher would go over the trap and trip it the tines would shoot up and cross each other and well you get the idea why it was called The Gutter".

When you plant the trap make sure you leave the hole open. That attracts the gopher back to the opening where your trap is. They are smart and some will get around your trap. But be patient, get creative if you need to. I actually liked to set the traps about 1 foot back from the opening in the tunnel. Then leave. The gopher would have to go over the trap to get to the opening. If you do set the traps close to a split make sure its far enough away that the gopher can not squeeze around the trap.