J John McLaughlin Registered Arizona is known for it's coveted and hard to acquire bull elk tags. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. Be prepared for extreme weather. Majority of the deer harvested on the early hunt are younger bucks around 2 years of age. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. The majority of the unit is public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip District, 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah 84770, phone (435) 688-3200. That was our initial thoughts on region. The Paria Plateau, which is surrounded by the Paria canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area, has few roads and can only be accessed from BLM road 1065 on the west side of the plateau. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. Data currently indicates that buck: doe ratios, a very important management statistic, have rebounded as of late and are significantly higher than the statewide average. Arizona Elk Hunting, Draw Odds Results and Harvest Data - Toprut.com. Concentrate in areas dominated by this type of vegetation and look for turkey tracks in the snow, mud, dust, or around water sources. If you are fortunate enough to draw one of the most sought after deer tags in the United States come to the Kaibab with realistic expectations. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. I've made far worse mistakes for sure. This includes the premier trophy units 1, 9, 10, 23, and 27. Although this herd is only estimated to have around 100 animals, the herd appears to be fairly stable. Several restaurants, store, fuel, dump stations available in several locations between Jacob and the rim. If you are fortunate enough to receive a coveted 12B deer or sheep tag, you might consider purchasing a mountain lion tag before heading to the Unit. Cross country travel is not allowed on BLM lands. From the West: State Hwy 389 These early hunts can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not easily located or glassed. Read about advertising on huntscore here. The vegetation in this area ranges from Great Basin desert scrub and desert grassland to pinyon-juniper and pine-oak woodlands. The highest densities of bighorn sheep are going to be in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area from above the community of Vermillion Cliffs to Bush head. Units 36A, B and C and unit 35A and 35B have good populations of mule deer (and whitetail deer). During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags that include units 12A and 12B and others (see regulations). Thus it is important to be prepared with suitable shelter, plenty of food, water and lots of extra fuel. From the South: U.S. Hwy 89A, Wahweap Marina Campground at Lake Powell, administered by the National Park Service; Page Lake Powell Campground, 849 S. Coppermine Rd. On the Kaibab Plateau the bird has a very restricted range occupying mixed conifer habitat types near the south end of the Kaibab National Forest and is also found in the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim. Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. As indicated by checkstation records, the average mature buck produced by the Kaibab is a 3-5 year old 23-25 four point. Finally, mule deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases. hunt in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. AS a reminder: Dont stand really close to edge, the sandstone/ granite crumbles with very little weight or movement, you dont want to see the bottom or top, depending on which way your falling on the way down. Most of House Rock Valley is fairly flat with low rolling hills, so it is important to be able to locate the antelope from a distance and plan your stalk according to the surrounding terrain and conditions. The Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip District, 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah, 84770, phone (435) 688-3200 manages the majority of unit 12B. Occasionally, depending on rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in some of the shallow drainages along Kanab Creek. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. Deer are can be found in the open sagebrush flats, but not until snow pushes them out of the trees. Does that sound confusing? Be prepared for extreme weather. The average age of a buck harvested on the late hunts has climbed from just over two years of age to over 4 years of age in the past several years, yearling buck weights have stabilized at an acceptable level in recent years and as a result antler development has been excellent. We hunt a variety of units in Arizona. Want to hunt as soon as 1-3 years? During big winter storms, unit experiences snowfalls that can make travel hazardous. Beginning at U.S. Hwy 89A and the Kaibab National Forest boundary near mp 566; southerly and easterly along the forest boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; southerly and westerly along the park boundary to Kanab Creek; northerly along Kanab Creek to Snake Gulch; northerly, easterly and southerly around the Kaibab National Forest boundary to U.S. Hwy 89A near mp 566. Some say the great days of the Kaibab are past, others maintain things are as good or better than ever, and still others claim things will be great in the future. Forest road 68G accesses Tule Mesa, and forest road 68 access the Pine Mountain Wilderness. Hunting in the bottom of the Paria Canyon requires hiking with wet feet in sandy terrain along the Paria River. Trumbull and or Grand Canyon Wilderness. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The premium late season rut hunts in Unit 12A-East have the highest success rates on big mule deer, but lots of huge bucks have been taken in the early rifle and archery hunts. Proactive management steps in the form of an Alternative Management Plan and a large scale habitat improvement project in cooperation with the USFS have been taken by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in order to maintain a favorable buck:doe ratio, increase the representation of older age bucks in the population, ensure long term high quality habitat, and provide for greater hunt success. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. The north rim of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. The bulls I saw near Bryce were while mule deer hunting. There's nothing like autumn on the North Kaibab and Arizona Strip. This is my first year being drawn for elk and got a tag for all 12 and 13 units for any elk and this tag is good until April of 19. Weather can vary by elevation. Once a track is located the hounds are released and the lion is pursued until treed. If you have a 12B tag and are trying to decide whether to hunt 12BW or the Paria Plateau, there are a few additional things that you should consider. On the Kaibab Plateau the bird has a very restricted range occupying mixed conifer habitat types near the south end of the Kaibab National Forest and is also found in the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim. 661 leftover tags for a reason. Large numbers of domestic sheep grazed on the Paria Plateau, Vermilion Cliffs, and Paria Canyon until the 1960s when the Bureau of Land Management converted all grazing permits to cattle only. Finally, remember that you could be sitting in the office and enjoy the opportunity to get away and take part in the oldest most admirable sport there is. Also, before the hunt begins, study topo maps and enlist the aid of others who have hunted the area before. The Paria Plateau has no services and is accessed from Coyote Valley Road (BLM Road 1065). A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. Other Pertinent Climate Information The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000 to 9,200; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. One of the few spots in the country to see Buffalo as well. Note: 12BW is the entire portion of 12B that is west of BLM road 1065 (House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley Road), excluding the Paria Plateau. in Page; Lees Ferry Campground, 4 miles north of Marble Canyon, administered by the National Park Service. The lion population in Unit 12 is a migratory population of rought 60-80 animals with the lions essentially following the deer herd as it migrates from summer to winter ranges. Arizona units down on the border can also provide some good mule deer hunting. New Harvest Thresholds When the number of harvested mountain lions reaches the threshold, that zone closes to the additional harvest of mountain lions at sundown the Wednesday immediately following. Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. Hunters obtaining an elk tag should be aware that this unit has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. Create a free account to read the rest of this access note! These areas are open to foot and horseback travel only. You will find the majority of antelope south and east of the ranch and all the way out to the rim of Marble Canyon. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. Overview: Antelope in Hunt Units 12A/12B are found primarily in House Rock Valley on the east side of the Kaibab Plateau in the grassland/desert scrub. Hunt success figures have fluctuated around the 40-50% range for the last decade, some of the highest hunt success for mule deer in the state. A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. It was an early October hunt and the rut would be winding down but not over. If you are considering hunting mountain lions in Unit 12 for the first time, consider hiring a good houndsman/guide to increase you likelihood of success. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. I don't know if there is a worse hunt to be drawn for to be honest. Listen, debate, learn, evolve and respect. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. Come prepared for all types of weather. These hunts take place in late November or early December. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 928 608-6200 Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriam's Turkeys. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. I'm not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. Create a free account to read the rest of this elk hunting note! Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Yearly reported harvest figures fluctuate around 1 dozen lions with most of these animals taken by houndsmen during the winter months. Several roads lead along the edge to the west on west side, some Excellent views all the way to the bottom, see the Colorado river and all. Hunters who have no desire to hunt the Paria Plateau and want to hunt the Buckskins or the west side winter range should apply for a 12BW permit. The current yearly limit on lions harvested in Unit 12 stands at 14. So what do you think Bearfoot1? Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. Overview: Desert bighorn sheep were eliminated from Unit 12B in the early 1900s probably due to diseases they received from interacting with domestic sheep. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. From the East: U.S. Hwy 89A The grouse season in the fall provides a beautiful time to camp on the Kaibab and an inability to locate grouse is a great excuse for enjoying some of the finest scenery and weather Arizona has to offer. Chukars are generally found within the lower 8 or 9 miles of Paria Canyon, along the rim of the Paria Plateau, and at spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, sitting at 12,637 feet in elevation, and it is a dormant volcano. I am just curious ,my first thoughts were not many bulls but maybe big? The most common technique for lion hunting in Unit 12 is similar to that used throughout the Rim country in Arizona. Use common sense; dont take shortcuts as they often take a lot longer than the more sensible route. Enjoy the natural splendor of the Kaibab Plateau, revel in your good fortune at having a tag, but most of all be a responsible sportsman and represent our sport in the best manner possible. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. Travel Management Plans have been completed for the entire Paria Plateau/Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and are in the process for the western half of 12B including the buckskin mountains. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. Watching waterholes that have turkey sign around them provide the turkey hunter with the best opportunity to bag a bearded turkey during this often dry time of the year. With conditions slowly improving in the burned area of 12AW, and with the initiation of a landscape scale habitat restoration effort, the outlook for the Kaibab deer herd is indeed very optimistic. With continued and persistent drought the woody winter browse in 12AW has been less productive for the past several years and as result concerns over the carrying capacity of this vital range are warranted. JavaScript is disabled. The Paria Plateau in eastern 12B has the lowest density of deer and is not part of the migratory herds from the Kaibab Plateau or the Paunsaugunt. Very few deer reside in 12BW year round, making it difficult to hunt during the archery season in August and September. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. In the recent past several bucks taken on the Kaibab have been entered into the record books. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Birds are usually found in isolated coveys, and can (usually do) descend thousands of feet into inaccessible canyons after being flushed. During the winter months access to areas within Unit 12 can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. Often roosting turkeys will respond to these calls giving a hunter a location to begin the mornings hunt. Although 12A/12B is not known for its record breaking antelope bucks, hunt success has typically been around 40% for archery and 100% for rifle. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. Seems like an expensive camping and hiking excursion in a beautiful part of the country with good friends and maybe a random elk. Studies have shown that the Paunsaugunt deer arrive in Unit 12B in mid-October through early November, extending southward about 8 miles into Arizona. From the North: U.S. Hwy 89 During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. The Alternative Deer Management Plan provides the guidelines for which decisions on hunt recommendations are made. If you plan on hunting in higher elevation, as a rule of thumb, expect the tempture to decrease roughly 5 for every 1000' in elevation gain. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. Sir, Cut your losses and stay home, worst unit almost in whole state. Non-resident draw odds reach 100% at ~12-13 bonus points for both units. See all stats but the last 2 years with a free account! Finally, remember that you could be sitting in the office and enjoy the opportunity to get away and take part in the oldest most admirable sport there is. Like mentioned above check the g&f site and give the manager a call. Data currently indicates that buck: doe ratios, a very important management statistic, have rebounded as of late and are significantly higher than the statewide average. Make sure that you can access the area before taking the shot. To hunt Unit 12B or 12B you must now obtain a permit-tag through the big game draw process. The elevation in this area ranges from 3,000' to 7,000'; vegetation ranges from riparian cottonwood-willow and salt cedar along the Gila River, to Chihuahuan Desert in the lower elevations a Elk hunting in this unit can be extremely difficult due to the terrain. The lion population in Unit 12 is a migratory population of roughly 60-80 animals with the lions essentially following the deer herd as it migrates from summer to winter ranges. Beginning at U.S. Hwy 89A and the Kaibab National Forest boundary near mp 566; southerly and easterly along the forest boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; northeasterly along the park boundary to Glen Canyon National Recreation area; easterly along the recreation area boundary to the Colorado River; northeasterly along the Colorado River to the Arizona-Utah state line; westerly along the state line to Kanab Creek; southerly along Kanab Creek to the Kaibab National Forest boundary; northerly, easterly, and southerly along this boundary to U.S. Hwy 89A near mp 566; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians. And is always associated with Ponderosa Pines contact any department office for Information. Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand is the highest point in Arizona, sitting 12,637. The deer to the long term sustainability of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Valley. 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