The gophers around me would generally open their holes for a relatively short period of time and always come back to close it. Knowing this makes it a little easier to sit and wait for them with a small caliber. Given some patience and time the population can be removed. Perhaps also consider...
I like to eat fresh superhots with some of my meals. Got some Chocolate Scorpions growing this season and have been eating half a pepper at the end of my meals. It is nice getting to taste the various flavors that come with different peppers.