Recreation
Wildlife
The region supports a well-diversified population which includes some species unique to the prairie environment. Suitable habitat is provided for small mammals such as mice and the Richardson ground squirrel as well as larger species including badgers, coyotes, white-tailed jack rabbits, red foxes and skunks.
A variety of big game animals are also found in the region: pronghorn antelope are found where the terrain is flat; white tailed deer where there is an abundance of shrubbery; and mule deer where there is hilly terrain. The lynx, bobcat and cougar are also present in the area. There is also suitable habitat for species of rare or uncertain status such as prairie long-tailed weasel, black-tailed prairie dog and the sagebrush vole.
There are approximately 175 different species of birds which are found in the Red Coat REDA area. Commonly found species are: sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, ring-necked pheasant and ruffed grouse. Waterfowl are somewhat rare in this region due to a lack of water supplies. They are most common in specific areas such as the Poplar Rivers and the Beaver Creek and often use the Big Muddy Lake during migration.
The region provides important breeding locations for several different species. The Old Wives Lake, a federal bird sanctuary which is a part of the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve, plays an important role with respect to several species of birds. It provides a breeding location for the endangered piping plover and has also been recognized as providing important support to ducks and geese during breeding and migration. Because of the location and landscape of the central part of the region, it has become an important breeding ground for the white pelican, double-crested cormorant and the great blue heron with respect to their migratory pattern.
Within the bird population, several rare or endangered species can be found in the REDA area. The most significant are the ferruginous hawk, burrowing owl, Baird's sparrow and the piping plover.
Big Game and Bird Hunting
The hunting season for game birds extends from mid-September to late December, depending on the species. Hunters are attracted to the Red Coat region from various regions of North America because of the abundant number of geese, Hungarian partridges and short tailed grouse. In the past years, geese populations have been excellent and the number of Hungarian partridges and short tailed grouse have been considered quite good.
Big game in the REDA area consists mainly of white tailed deer, antelope and mule deer. The hunting season occurs between early September and early December. Currently, populations of these game are fairly high and hunting conditions have been quite good. Hunting for mule deer, antelope, pheasant, elk and moose is limited to Saskatchewan residents only. These restrictions are enforced by Saskatchewan Wildlife. However because of federal regulations, non-residents may hunt these species on reserve land with the permission of the Band. Hunting for white tailed deer and other birds is permitted for both Saskatchewan and non-Saskatchewan residents.
For more information on Hunting...
The Red Coat Trail
The Red Coat Trail (Highway #13) follows the approximate route which the North West Mounted Police (NWMP-forerunners of today's Royal Canadian Mounted Police)-took in their epic March West in 1874 to bring law and order to the Canadian frontier.
Historic Parks and Museums
Historic parks and museums help put this destination area's history into perspective.
- Near St. Victor, Plains Indians carved mysterious petroglyphs on a sandstone cliff.
- Wood Mountain Post tells the stories of relations between the Mounted Police and Chief Sitting Bull's Sioux who sought refuge in Canada.
- The Willow Bunch Museum pays tribute to the town's famous "Giant".
- The Sukanen Pioneer Village and Museum south of Moose Jaw features the ocean-going vessel built by Tom Sukanen who dreamed of sailing back to Europe.
Recreation
For recreation you'll find everything from trail rides and hiking offered at country vacation places, challenging golf courses and beautiful campgrounds at regional parks, to bird-watching and water sports at Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.