Palmer Ranch Alberta

Hunting

The Palmer Ranch is located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in southwest Alberta just outside of Waterton National Park. Arguably the most scenic topography in western Canada. The landscape is a mix of river valley, ridges, and grasslands with bordering grain fields surrounded by mountains. The ranch is home to a large herd of whitetail and mule deer which travel between cover along the valley bottom and adjacent fields where they graze. The Ranch lands close proximity to forested terrain, and the strength of the local herds, is certain to attract dominant bucks to the private property during the fall rut.

All of our hunts are "fair chase", utilizing a combination of four wheel transport, spot and stalk, plus sit and wait hunting in strategic locations. At the Palmer Ranch we are focussed on quality rather quantity and only sell a few hunts each season. Hunts are generally one on one but we will perform two to one guide hunts as well. We have had 100 percent success on our deer hunts. Your guide will have a very good idea of the best deer in the region and will direct you to the best situation possible in any given year. 

Our six day hunts go for $3500USD for either a whitetail or mule deer. A great hunt is a combination muley and whitetail. The rifle deer season starts October 25th and continues to November 30th. Peak rut in our area is generally anytime after November 10th.  The elk hunts are performed in British Columbia through an alliance with a BC Guide/Outfitter. The elk hunt runs from September 10th to October 20th. This is a very popular hunt in rugged mountain terrain with a high success ratio. Advanced booking is necessary. 
 
The Ranch is located near several large water bodies that attract migrating waterfowl late in the fall. A combination deer hunt and waterfowl shoot is a real possibility. We excel at customizing trips to optimize on every opportunity available for the hunter. Let's do a day of upland as well.
 
We look forward to discussing your hunting expectations and booking you into the Palmer Ranch in the future.

Trail Riding Program

The Palmer Ranch offers a summer mountain trail riding program in a spectacular remote region of southeast British Columbia. This area is designated non-motorized to protect wildlife values. Our wilderness adventures are perfect for groups seeking horseback travel and camping in a very unique area of North America. Tours will stretch riders from the Flathead River to Continental Divide. We look forward to customizing trips for groups wanting to experience the Crown of the Continent with a western flavor.

Extraordinary Front Range Flyfishing in Alberta

Big Fish Habitat

Some 50 kilometers downstream of Waterton Lakes, spring water emerges from an aquifer to form the ponds of the Palmer Ranch. Waterton Lakes may be considered as the head of pressure, pushing underground water through many kilometers of sandstone and glacially deposited gravel. This process removes sediment and other impurities from the water; crystal clear and clean water flows into the ponds, forming great habitat for large rainbow trout. The habitat is also excellent for the flyfisher: these big trout are easily spotted as they cruise the transparent water of the ponds.

Fishing by sight

Nothing beats preparing your tackle and sneaking silently through the grasses and brush to the edge of a clear pond where a big rainbow trout can be seen cruising the shallows. In the spring you might try dropping a size 20 nymph pattern nearby; in late August you may slap a grasshopper pattern just ahead. And sometimes, for some flyfishers more than others, the fish will take a gulp at the nymph, or viciously attack the hopper. Sight fishing: this is the rare thrill of fishing the spring fed ponds of the Palmer Ranch.

The Ranch provides flyfishers with exclusive access to these ponds and the opportunity to match wits with trophy rainbows in a peaceful setting. A whole day can easily pass while stealthily fishing here.

Fishing the nearby streams in May and June can be frustrating due to the turbidity of spring run-off. During this time, the springs fish well. However, after runoff the Waterton River – which runs alongside the Ranch – has great fishing for brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout. Walk and wade is the preferred method of fishing, although the river can be navigated by driftboat early in the summer.

Your biggest problem will be deciding where to cast your first fly.

Other Waters

Beyond the local opportunities, Palmer ranch is in easy reach of the best trout streams in southern Alberta and southeastern BC. These include the Crowsnest, Oldman, Bow, Elk and many other great flyfishing destinations.

Release your catch

The Palmer Ranch practices and encourages a sustainable recreational fishery. The Ranch also encourages guided fly fishing to optimize the specialized nature of fishing the waters described. With so many nearby waterways, a guide has the knowledge and experience to take you to the waters that are fishing best.

Adventure Headquarters

At one time, the bunkhouse on the Palmer Ranch was the busy centre of an active cattle trade. Now the bunkhouse serves as your fishing, hunting and adventuring headquarters. Two rooms with double beds and six rooms with two single beds in each will very comfortably accommodate up to fourteen guests.

Your group of friends will convene in the Grand Room of the bunkhouse. This is where all your reflecting, planning, eating, drinking, and maybe even a little bragging will take place. The Grand Room has a spacious seating area where guests can bask in the heat of a large river rock fireplace. The Grand Room is connected to our spacious kitchen, well appointed with a modern gas range, sinks, fridge, and all the tools a good cook needs.

The bunkhouse serves as excellent headquarters for a multitude of outdoor activities.

Our cooking arrangements are flexible. You may wish to bring provisions and prepare your own meals. We also have guides who do the cooking for you. Alternately, we can arrange for a cook to prepare meals and clean up. Some people like to cook and some people like to have their cooking done for them. Whatever the case, we can make arrangements to suit your needs.

Our rates will vary according to the level of service requested. Contact us to book a trip to the Palmer Ranch that is customized to suit your needs.