CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

From 2020 onwards, I’ve had the pleasure of booking six hunts with the Saddle Axe team, including four pack-in horseback elk hunts (both September archery and rifle), a cougar hunt, and a black bear hunt. The elk hunting speaks for itself—absolutely epic backcountry adventures in pristine, rugged, and remote country teeming with wildlife. Seldom does a day go by without hiking or riding up and down big mountain faces in hot pursuit of or calling in screaming elk. The days are long and strenuous, and the terrain is challenging, but your efforts are rewarded with amazing homestyle meals cooked back at the top-notch backcountry camps managed by Shane’s wonderful wife and daughters.

The aspect I’d like to emphasize most is the people that make up the whole Saddle Axe Outfitting team. I can honestly say that I’ve never met a more hardworking and solid group of individuals in my life. The group operates like a well-oiled machine, from pre-hunt logistical meal planning to training and managing horses throughout the year, scouting, and clearing endless miles of horse trails all summer. Everything comes together cohesively every year on September 1st to ensure clients have the best possible experience and the opportunity for success. From the moment you set foot in the Palmer house to the moment you ride back out of camp on your way home, you’re treated like family and with the utmost respect. It’s easy for me to say that many of my most cherished memories over the past five years have been alongside the Palmer family and the Saddle Axe team as a whole. I’ve had the opportunity to be guided by both Shane and one of his sons, Levi, and it’s truly amazing to watch them call in and play chess with elk in the mountains. They are true masters of their craft, and their dedication and passion for the sport are unmatched. Their drive and determination to succeed do not waver for a minute over the course of a hunt, which is evident given the animals harvested and the success stories shared every year.

I will continue to be a client of Saddle Axe Outfitters for likely the rest of my life, and I look forward to the day I can bring my son to experience the same incredible adventures with Shane and his family in the Kootenays.

It's fair to say this will be the easiest testimonial I've ever written.

A trip with Shane and his family at Saddle Axe Outfitters is always far more than a hunting trip. The moment you take the reins and throw your leg over the back of one of his big Fjords the adventure begins. Grizzlies and goats, horseshoes and high alpine basins.  Screaming bulls. You will see it all.   Deep into the heart of the Purcell Wilderness  you will travel. It's like going back in time.        

No people.      

No service.      

Ancient Fir and Cedar forests fill the valleys. Marmots whistle in the basins, owls hoot as darkness falls.

Shane's outfit is a throwback.  A tribute to Yesteryear.  An elk hunt for Elk hunters. 

You will ride out in the dark , and ride back in the same way.  A big fire waiting for you.  Stories around the fire of screaming bulls, close calls,  and the rare Sasquatch will keep everyone entertained.  This is a pure class outfit that Shane, Chrome, their wives, and the kids should be very proud of. 

Did we kill a big bull? Of course we did.  Nobody does it better than Shane.

If you want a 10,000 sq foot timber frame lodge and an opportunity to sit over a man-made watering hole ........... this aint for you. Go to New Mexico.

If you want to create a memory, a story to tell your kids,  book it.  Don't wait.

I went looking for a hunt with some real adventure, one that would test my skills and fortitude. Saddle Axe Outfitters provided that and much more! Riding in on horse back to a base camp was a highlight but the work is just getting started. The accommodations are first class considering how far out in the backcountry you really are. This family run outfit has all the skills and knowledge to get the job done. We got on elk frequently and had one of the closest encounters I’ve ever had in the elk woods! I left there with a new appreciation for what a real backcountry archery elk hunt is, some new life long friends, and an immediate desire to come back! Thank you Saddle Axe friends and family! 

Anyone who is looking for a once in a lifetime experience and adventure...this is for you! Shane and his family/team run a top notch ouftit and proper free range real world hunting. I had an absolute blast, the country we hunted, the scenery and the awesome horses make this a true adventure for any outdoors man. The cabins and the cooking and the general service they run is top notch. I will be back for sure!

I would like to share my experience with Shane Palmer and Saddle Axe outfitters. I have hunted with Saddle Axe outfitters four times and found that Shane his family and his guides have gone out of the way to make my experience, enjoyable and positive. Their camps food, horses and guides are top notch. I would highly recommend Saddle Axe outfitters for a once in a lifetime experience.

Last light bugles, howling wolves and some of the most scenic country in North America. Hunting with Saddle Axe was an unreal experience. I was lucky enough to harvest a bull with Levi on the 4th day our hunt. Hard hikes, long days and quiet elk made it a slow go the first few days but some last light bugles presented us with a nice 6x6 bull. Won't be long before I'm back for another round!

I’ve been fortunate enough to hunt with Saddle Axe Outfitters on two occasions.
This is an absolute first class operation run by a fantastic family.
The guides are hard working professionals. The camps are very comfortable complete with cabins and wood heat, horses are top notch and the food is absolutely first rate.
Both hunts were successful with beautiful bull elk taken each time.
Just looking back on the hunts I’ve been on with Saddle Axe Outfitters makes me smile.