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. 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. Areas of elk concentrations change somewhat year-to-year, depending on localized summer rainfall filling stock tanks and greening up vegetation. Identification seems to be a prevalent problem for first time grouse hunters as poult turkeys, Band-tailed Pigeons, and even Northern Goshawks are often mistaken for grouse. Chukar also been occasionally observed in drainages to the Colorado River and along the Vermillion Cliffs in the wilderness area in 12BE. I've made far worse mistakes for sure. By this time of year the deer are visiting water in the dark. As a result of continued drought those areas of higher elevation, specifically those areas with spruce/fir/aspen forests have been the most productive areas for the past several years. Check for current or recent wildfires in this area. 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. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. The average Boone and Crockett score for the last 5 years has been in the mid-150s. Unlike the early hunt, the late hunt is managed for harvesting older aged deer, having high hunter success, and low density of hunters. Once a track is located the hounds are released and the lion is pursued until treed. Finally, mule deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases. Articles often lead to false expectations; huge bucks do not exist behind every tree anywhere in the world. I drew this hunt 15 years ago when it covered only unit 12A. Areas: It may be hard to believe but the likelihood of running into an older age class buck, as near as the author can tell, is just about equal almost anywhere on the plateau. Remember that hunting with the aid of a vehicle is prohibited. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. North of Kane Ranch, there are a few groups of antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. That is a huge area to even begin to scout. Hunters with a 12B permit (vs. 12BW permit) may hunt the Paria Plateau as well as the rest of the Unit. 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. Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. Spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs are best accessed by horseback or hiking from Highway 89A 2 or 3 miles to the base of the cliffs. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. Other Pertinent Climate Information Identification seems to be a prevalent problem for first time grouse hunters as poult turkeys, Band-tailed Pigeons, and even Northern Goshawks are often mistaken for grouse. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. Https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/. Areas: The Buckskin Mountains in the central portion of the unit contains the highest densities of deer and is best to hunt after mid-October. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. Yearly reported harvest figures fluctuate around 1 dozen lions with most of these animals taken by houndsmen during the winter months. During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. Overview: Unit 12A, world famous for the Kaibab Deer Herd, is also home to one of the premier turkey populations in the state of Arizona. During big winter storms, unit experiences snowfalls that can make travel hazardous. Permit numbers for the 12B hunt are very limited. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. Hunters can report their mountain lion harvest in person, by telephone at 1-877-438-0447, or online at https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/. During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. Areas around Crystal Springs, Sourdough Well, and along the 610 rd near the National Park Boundary provide the best opportunity for finding the often secretive Blue Grouse. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. Trumbull and or Grand Canyon Wilderness. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging Be prepared for extreme weather. For a resident, it only takes ~9-10 bonus point to be guaranteed an archery tag in 5B South, likewise for 5B North. Arizona units down on the border can also provide some good mule deer hunting. If frost has cured out the summer range forage and some cold weather has struck, concentrate your efforts in the pinyon/juniper areas and even farther out in the sage and open canyon country. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Most of the scouting packages we offer are two days. Arizona is known for it's coveted and hard to acquire bull elk tags. Some tags in the state may take upwards of two and a half decades to draw as a non-resident. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. 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. Temperatures and conditions may shift from temperate to extreme in the space of several hours. These early hunts can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not easily located or glassed. These areas are open to foot and horseback travel only. Be prepared for extreme weather. Climate Information The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are likely areas to locate lion sign. The Vermillion Cliffs and Paria Plateau in 12BE, the western side of Buckskin Mountain, and the Gunsight peninsula including Kanab Creek and Snake Gulch have seen harvests in recent years, and are good starting points. The majority of Chukar observed along the rim of the Paria Plateau are in the vicinity of Bush Head, Powells Monument, and Fisher Point. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. Both of these units make up a portion of . 12A includes the Kaibab plateau that actually starts in southern Utah and rising up to the south to 9300+ ft. 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. Remember, we hunt for the experience. It is recommended that hunters do not apply for this hunt in the draw but rather purchase the tags at a significant discount as left over tags. The elevation in this area ranges from approximately 1,650' on the plateau region to 8,028' on Mount Trumbull. Cold nights are the norm in all seasons, specially in non summer months. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. Elevation ranges from 4000 to 7000 feet with vegetation consisting primarily of pinion-juniper and sagebrush flats. However, for the past few years, bison have been seen near Wall Lake, as well as along Forest Service Roads 219B, 223, 270, and 610. 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. 3799 - Units 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have an extremely low-density elk population, about 40-50 elk combined for all four units. Arizona Wildlife Outfitters also offers some exceptional deer hunting on Mule Deer units 12A and 13B. Hunters who. Listen, debate, learn, evolve and respect. Is it tough to draw, what is the hunting pressure like and elk density like. Units 36A, B and C and unit 35A and 35B have good populations of mule deer (and whitetail deer). We are a family owned and operated business. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. Areas: It may be hard to believe but the likelihood of running into an older age class buck, as near as the author can tell, is just about equal almost anywhere on the plateau. Since 2007 an increase in the number of squirrels observed has taken place, with the advent of more favorable environmental variables we are seeing a corresponding increase in the squirrel population. Well, I wasn't, but welcome to AHT to you also! Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim 928 638-7870 No motorized vehicles are allowed in BLM wilderness. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Being in position at first shooting light can be critical as the big boys are often bedded down for the day within minutes of the sun breaking the horizon. The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab plateau, both on the east and west side of the plateau, are likely areas to locate lion sign. The squirrel is dark in color, has tufted ears, and has a large white bushy tail. If the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. If I draw a 12A deer tag I will be there around Labor Day. Over-the-counter elk seasons are described in the 2014 pronghorn antelope and elk regulations. . Boaters on Lake Powell should check wind advisories daily and exercise caution near tour boat wakes. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. Be prepared for remote camping as the only amenities during the spring hunt are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia. From the North: None John is that a unit that can produce a monster bull? 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. The Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas are at low densities or may not be present during the hunt. The majority of elk in this unit are located on National Forest lands in the southern part of the unit. Look for areas with mixed conifer, aspens, and berry bushes in close proximity. After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. Dont get me wrong i am a serious as they come bird hunter and by far my favorite hunt to do , just huge bulls have always intrigued me and wish one day i could afford to chase a record class bull, I have seen some very good bulls just west of Bryce Canyon NP. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Access to the Paria Plateau can be difficult and deer difficult to find so scouting before the hunt is extremely important. Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. We do offer some one day scouting packages for Javelina, Mule Deer, Coues deer and elk in units 22, 23, 24B, 37A, 37B. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. The current population estimate is around 250 bighorn sheep. Got a Buffalo up there , why ont Elk ? Dispersed camping is allowed along BLM routes. Game and fish would rather have hunters do it legally. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. Blue Grouse, Kaibab Squirrel, Merriams Turkey, Mountain Lion, Mule Deer. The nonpermit-tag hunts in Units 12A and 12B are open through Dec. 31, while the nonpermit-tag hunts in Units 13A and 13B are open through Sept. 11, then again from Nov. 4 through Dec. 31. I will get my elk tag, hope for a turkey tag, and chase the best looking squirrels anywhere, The Kaibab. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. Seems like an expensive camping and hiking excursion in a beautiful part of the country with good friends and maybe a random elk. The lion population in 12A 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. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. Enjoy the natural splendor of the Kaibab Plateau, revel in your good fortune at having a tag, relish the fact that a huge deer is a possibility, but most of all be a responsible sportsman and represent our sport in the best manner possible. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. BOOK YOUR HUNT. Use the link, or scan code to get to this page and select the questionnaire for your hunt. Arizona Game & Fish Department, Region II- 928-774-5045 If you are considering hunting mountain lions on the Kaibab for the first time consider hiring a good houndsman/guide to increase your likelihood of success. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit. Find areas overlooking large open expanses and plan on sitting still for hours on end and glassing until you feel like your eyes are going to fall out. Thus it is important to be prepared with suitable shelter, plenty of food, water and lots of extra fuel. After this hunt, you will know what hunt never to apply for again, other then Lots of deer in whole area, and some monsters. Overview: According to David Brown in Arizona Game Birds the Blue grouse is a native of the Kaibab Plateau and restricted locals in the White Mountains. So what do you think Bearfoot1? A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. These hunts take place in late November or early December. Elk Hunting in Arizona Game Management Unit 12A Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. Also look for turkey scratch, those locations where flocks of turkeys have been feeding and have disturbed the litter layer of the forest floor. 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. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. Elk will be found from the Mogollon Rim south to Parker Creek. Be prepared for extreme weather. Bureau of Land Management, AZ Strip Field Office 435 688-3200 Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. Concentrate on areas that are more inaccessible. Often roosting turkeys will respond to these calls giving a hunter a location to begin the mornings hunt. I am just curious ,my first thoughts were not many bulls but maybe big? Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. 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. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. 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. In the last few years, only a few elk or elk sign has been seen, mainly around Rock Canyon and the Pine Hollow habitat treatments. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. Like mentioned above check the g&f site and give the manager a call. Welcome to the board. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. During the cooler months, elk will occasionally move south to the Kaibab from southern Utah. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! 12BE is the entire portion of 12B that is east of BLM road 1065 (House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley Road). There are no services on top of the Paria Plateau. I think may try to look for antlers first. 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. 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. Depending on the amount of snow fall, Pigeon Canyon and Gunsight Point to the west are generally best after early November. MAP VIEW. 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. Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. This unit is not known for producing large bulls, though elk in the 300-inch or larger range are occasionally taken. Travel Management Planning Update: The BLM is the primary federal land management agency across unit12B. Its going to be HOT, if all else fails and you put in little effort, you could come away with a new pair of rattle snake boots! 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. Shooting from a vehicle and from the roadway is also prohibited. Game Management Unit 12A Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. There's nothing like autumn on the North Kaibab and Arizona Strip. The vegetation in this area ranges from Great Basin desert scrub and desert grassland to pinyon-juniper and pine-oak woodlands. Your big game hunter questionnaire will no longer be mailed to you. Good optics are a must for both scouting and glassing during your hunt. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. There are several small herds that reside on the north side of Highway 89A in the grassland. On a 12A early hunt, once again, dont bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed. Also, before the hunt begins, study topo maps and enlist the aid of others who have hunted the area before. This bird was first documented in 12B in Paria Canyon, but has since been regularly observed along the Kanab Creek/ Snake Gulch drainage. 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. A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. Hunters should note, the OTC elk tag is not a companion or corresponding tag and has its own hunting season dates, areas and other restrictions. 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. . Please contact the USFS North Kaibab Ranger District for further information at the phone number listed below. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. So research first, pick better Units and the PointGuard. Like many Arizona elk units, 5A bulls are very responsive to calling. There are 1,685 limited opportunity general (rifle) elk tags available in units all over Arizona. The separation of 12BW from 12B was designed to limit the number of hunters and the deer harvest on the Paria Plateau, but not restrict a hunter with a 12B permit to only hunting the Paria Plateau. The elk nonpermit-tags are not valid in all units statewide. The state line is only marked at dirt road crossings. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. If the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Page, Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake, Cliff Dwellers, Fredonia, Major Highways and Roads Leading To In addition to the 48-hr reporting requirement, the hunter (or their designee) needs to present the mountain lions skull and hide with attached proof of sex to a designated Arizona Game and Fish Department employee for inspection within 10 days of taking the mountain lion. Hunters can report their mountain lion harvest in person, by telephone at 1-877-438-0447, or online. If you are considering hunting mountain lions on the Kaibab for the first time consider hiring a good houndsman/guide to increase your likelihood of success. From the South: None. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. 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. After a snow storm a hunter will drive the roads found within the Unit 12 winter deer range early in the morning looking for tracks. in Page; Lees Ferry Campground, 4 miles north of Marble Canyon, administered by the National Park Service. Elevations range from 6,500-9,000. 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. First, on an archery hunt dont bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. We hunt a variety of units in Arizona. 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. Mature grouse average between 2 and 4 pounds of succulent white meat and provide delicious table fare. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. Weather can vary by elevation. Overview: Unit 12A is home to one of the most unique game animals in Arizona and perhaps the nation. 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. During the fall hunt is even more crucial than on the border can also provide some mule... For cold temperatures and afternoon rains corridors up or down Canyon from waters can be from. Az Strip Field office 435 688-3200 current data indicates that buck: doe ratios are excellent and! 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