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marsonite
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My first trip there, way back in the late 80's, I saw two on the same trip! One was just out of Leano...maybe Bunny lake, we saw a bull swim across the lake on the other side. Then on our return, on the south edge of the park (Paull if I remember right), we were skirting an island and we spooked a bull which jumped into the water and swam within about 20 feet of our canoe. It was about the coolest wildlife sighting I've had. Haven't seen one on subsequent trips.
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MackinawTrout
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Thanks for the help everyone! Looks like islands in remote areas with mature forest and lotsa lichens and moss is the place to look. Which is the same as I have been told around Lake Nipigon.
It always amazes me how for so long I ignored all the lichen growth in forests and now I see a lot of it on trips and think of how it is like grass is to cows for Caribou.It Looks like Lichens are the Boreal Forest’s own little pasture.
Thanks again.
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MackinawTrout
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What are the best areas/lakes to go to have a chance at seeing a Woodland Caribou in WCPP? I have never seen one in the wild. I was going to take my kids to the Slate Islands, but that population imploded.
I know from my experience on Nipigon that you don't want to disturb them certain times of the year and islands are kind of a refuge, but where and when is a good bet?
Thanks.
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HighnDry
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They are generally in the southwest corner of the park. The Leano entry is the most common access but you can also come in from the western side via Garner. I've seen them only once, on Carrol. They can be elusive! Get in touch with Harlan(RLO) and Que (Claire at the park office) for more precise information if it's available on the potential locations of the caribou herds in the park.
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deerfoot
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Don't know about the caribou in WCPP but it took me 10 years with annual trips each year to finally spot my first woodland caribou in the Wabakimi area. Uncle Phil Cotton told me in well over 35 years of traveling in the Wabakimi area he spotted a total of two. Very elusive animals.
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HangLoose
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You might as well just ask where the Morel mushroom patch is located or where the secret walleye hole is. Even the few people that truly know where the Woodland Caribou are located within WCPP wouldn't likely post the specific location of a threatened species on a public forum. I'd suggest traveling as deep into the WCPP as possible and paddling quietly near a series of islands. I've said too much already. Happy paddling.
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Marten
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Head for the areas with old growth timber. Royd is good habitat for them. Research their distinctive tracks and droppings and enjoy just spotting their signs. Last summer I had a friend along for his second trip in the area and on the third morning a nice bull wandered by and then laid down along the shore.
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Jaywalker
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Harlen made a video about where to spot wildlife in WCPP. Search his YouTube channel for it. Don't recall the name
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mastertangler
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Paddle quietly and you might catch one in the water. That's what happened to me. They are very good swimmers and I had to put the jets on to get close. I was shocked how big they are when it went ashore.
It also helps to have a praying wife. Before I left she prayed very distinctly that I would be safe from harm from any wild animals but I would get to see them. On that trip I seen a lynx at 10 yards as it snuck around my campsite. I also saw several moose, the aforementioned Caribou and a black bear. Plus the usual suspects of otters and loons.
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