This area is known for its wilderness nature; rugged, dense and
difficult to traverse. These characteristics make it easy to understand
why it is a very secluded area. Visitors wishing to visit the Park
should be prepared physically and mentally for a challenging experience.
The only access during spring, summer and fall is by foot and it
will take hours of walking through forest and bush before reaching
the Park boundary. During the winter, groomed snowmobile trails
make the area more easily accessible. There are no visitor services
or facilities in the Park.
Since there are no designated walking trails,
the adventurous hiker must be competent with a map and compass in
addition to possessing good quality back country equipment and have
the outdoor skills, endurance and determination necessary to undertake
the wilderness excursion. Walking into the Park will present many
challenges including steep slopes, dense scrub cover, black spruce
bogs, river and creek crossings and muskeg. While every excursion
into the Wildcat Wilderness Park is rewarding - it is important
to understand that it will not be a "picnic".
Seasonal hunting and fishing are allowed in the
Park. Bankside Lake, Firhead Lake, the Fir River and the Pasquia
River all present opportunities to fish. Visitors are reminded to
practice forest fire prevention and follow the "pack in - pack out"
ethic.
Moose and deer are common ungulates in the Park.
During the winter, moose migrate to lower slopes outside of the
Park due to the availability of food and depths of snow. Wolves,
bears and coyotes are common carnivores in the Park - the occasional
cougar has been reported.
The Park is located approximately 40 km north
of Hudson Bay and covers 21,752 hectares. If you plan to visit the
Park, it may be a good idea to talk with the Conservation Officers
at the Saskatchewan Environment Office in Hudson Bay. You will also
need detailed maps which you can obtain at a nominal cost from Central
Survey and Mapping in Regina (306) 787-2799.
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