the SADDLEAXE FAMILY

I started guiding in 2004 for my good friend Tim Faires at Shadow Mountain Outfitters. Right away I knew this was what I wanted to do and that one day we would own a guide outfit.  About 10 years later in 2014 we did our first hunt as Saddle Axe Outfitters. From family overnight trail rides, roping, and barrel racing with the kids it was only fitting that we were all part of the guiding and outfitting as well. Summer trips went from casual trail rides to packing hay, supplies, and cutting 100s of kilometres of trail yearly. With the help of our wives and children, my brother and I, have built the outfit up to the world class operation it is today. A few years ago we had an article written about us called  “ Its in our Blood “ which explains exactly why we are so passionate about Elk hunting and guiding. It’s a way of life. We are a family run and operated Guide Outfit and that’s what makes us what we are today.

I started guiding a year after my brother Shane in 2005 for our friend Tim Faires of Shadow Mountain Outfitters. I had a passion for horses and getting to do guided horse hunts was on my bucket list. My kids, wife and I were barrel racing, packing horses into the mountains, camping, and hunting with our families. I knew that someday I wanted to become partners with my brother and start our own guide outfitters company. In 2014 we did our first hunt as Saddle Axe Outfitters. With a lot of hard work with our families we have built it up to what it is today. It’s a family run business our kids and family cut the trails, pack the supplies into the camps, do the guiding, wrangling and are the camp cooks, that’s what makes it work.

I’m Shane’s oldest son, I killed my first bull at 11 years old and to say I have been hooked ever since is an understatement. Ive been fortunate enough to harvest multiple majestic bull elk. This includes one that will live in the big game record book of British Columbia forever. When Saddle Axe first got started I was still in high school, I would ride in on the weekends to help wrangle. Tagging along to learn the trade whenever possible. As soon as I turned 18 in 2017 I officially started guiding. Being only 25years old now, Ive helped more people live out their elk hunting dreams with successful hunts than I ever thought possible. 

 Im Shanes youngest son. I killed my first bull at 11yrs old , since then I've had the chance to harvest many beautiful bulls including one that will live on in the BC records. Hunting and helping the guiding outfit is all I've known. I grew up riding horses, cutting trails, hauling supplies, and wrangling long before I could guide in 2024. After back to back success stories I was able to show just what I've learned in the last 11years of hunting and put it to the test. I cant wait to hear the countless success stories to come. 

My name is Texas, and I’m Jayson’s youngest child. I got my hunting license at 10 years old and didn’t waste any time, taking down my first bull that same year. Some of my best memories come from hunting with my father and my uncle Shane. Growing up around the guiding outfit, I spent my time riding horses, cutting trails, hauling supplies, and wrangling. In 2024, I became a guide and had an incredible first season, going 3 for 3 with my clients. After helping others drop bulls over the years, guiding my first client to success was an unreal moment. I’m excited to see what the future holds and look forward to many more great hunts and stories to tell.

I was born into the industry. My dad, Shane and Chromes Uncle, was the guide outfitter for this area back in the day and I was quite literally raised in these mountains. I spent my childhood doing just what I am now, cutting trail, hauling supplies and guiding all on horseback. Having a lifetime of experience when it comes to guiding and hunting is a huge advantage. I started guiding with SaddleAxe back in 2018 and I hope to stick around…well forever. 

My name is Den, and I started guiding for Saddle Axe back in 2019 but I grew up with the Palmers. Horses and hunting have been in my blood for as long as I can remember. I've spent countless hours in the saddle and up in the mountains, along the way harvesting a few bulls of my own. I plan to stick around for many years to come, aiming to harvest a few more bulls from the valley and create even more unforgettable memories with saddle axe along the way.

I started hunting at a young age and formed a huge passion for hound hunting. I grew up following hounds through the mountains after predators and now I trudge through the thicket with my two children and my dogs. In 2018 I started guiding for Saddle Axe Outfitters. Every year I look forward to what adventures the new season will bring. Nothing brings a predator hunt to life like a pack of hounds.

I have been hunting since I was about 10 years old. Tagging along with my grandpa, dad and younger brother. I am lucky enough to have married into the saddle axe family. Ironically enough, the territory used to be a part of my grandfathers back in the 1970s. So I guess you can say outfitting runs in the family. I cut my teeth guiding in 2023 on a mountain goat hunt. I was able to start my career off with success.  I look forward to honing my skills and learning on future adventures with saddle axe. 

My name is Dawson Blais. At the young age of six I was learning the trade of hunting and being an outdoorsman from my grandfather & father, chasing all the animals that call British Columbia home. Through my relationship with Shane’s beautiful daughter Trulie, I was fortunate enough to share my love and passion for the outdoors with the Saddle Axe team. I am looking forward to making memories and new friendships that will last a lifetime. 

My name is Trulie. I’ve been hunting ever since I was old enough to get my license, following in the footsteps of my dad, Shane. I took down my first elk at 12 years old and have never looked back. For the past five years, I’ve dedicated and spent the month of September in the main camp with the role of camp cook, keeping everyone fueled and ready for the hunt. When your elk hits the ground, I’m the first person you radio. I’ll be there with the pack horses, ready to help you pack it out and make some great memories.

Im Shane's oldest child, for as long as I can remember our family has been hunting and harvesting big bulls. Before I could hunt for myself I would trail behind my dad from one mountain top to the other. I shot my first bull at 13 and have been lucky enough to harvest a few afterwards. When we first started guiding I was able to take a month off work and help wrangle and cook in camps. Now I'm limited to summer trips cutting trails, hay/supply runs and helping guide on the weekends. This way of life is nothing short of spectacular and I cant wait to raise my own children in these mountains the way we were raised. Saddle Axe holds some of my fondest memories and being able to run it with our family makes it that much sweeter.

I am Shane’s 2nd youngest daughter. I got my first bull when I was 12 with my crossbow. Since then I have spent every summer and fall in hunting camp helping cut trail, pack supplies and cook. Although I love hunting, horses are my first passion. Each year I spend countless hours in the saddle, ride hundreds of miles and work with many young horses. I've helped train many of the horses in our pack string and I'm sure I'll help train many more in the future.

I was born and raised in Creston, BC, where my dad, Shane Palmer, instilled in me a deep love and passion for hunting from an early age. I got my hunting license as soon as I could and harvested my first elk at just 11 years old.

Thanks to the guiding business my father and uncle built, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute as a camp cook and wrangler. During the summer, I focus on preparing the camp so everything runs smoothly during hunting season. My ultimate goal is to follow in my dad’s footsteps and one day become a guide, just like him, continuing the legacy of SaddleAxe Outfitters