I haven't seen any porcupines in the river valley, but I have seen them elsewhere around Edmonton, so it could be. I hadn't considered that.
As far as hunting goes, this would be a great area, if it wasn't in the middle of the city. Edmonton's river valley is the largest urban park system in North America, much of it wooded like in these pics. It is a great place to 'disappear' into when I need some time alone in the woods, but there are a lot of developed trails and parks as well. This particular trail, for example, leads to a large open space that is used as an off-leash dog park, just before it reaches the river.
There is, however, excellent hunting in the bow zone just outside the city. We have Whitetail, Moose, Coyote, Grouse, Rabbits...
