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. It is very sandy and requires 4-wheel drive. A good pair of binoculars and spotting scope will improve the chance of taking a trophy bull. If outside of wilderness you may drive cross country to retrieve your animal. Dreams have been realized, or shattered, on every hunt in this Unit since its inception. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. The north rim of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand. 12A includes the Kaibab plateau that actually starts in southern Utah and rising up to the south to 9300+ ft. Birds can sometimes be found along the Paria River, but they generally occupy the upper benches along the cliffs, high above the river. You've got a lot of country to access. Antlerless hunters continue to enjoy high hunt success. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". There are only a few conveniences provided along Hwy 89A in the small communities of Vermilion Cliffs, Cliff Dwellers, Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. Sir, Cut your losses and stay home, worst unit almost in whole state. 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. A map of the zones can be found at Mountain Lion management zone map. 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. Chukar also been occasionally observed in drainages to the Colorado River and along the Vermillion Cliffs in the wilderness area in 12BE. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. The previous year a few elk were seen and even taken there, and since I had been drawn for elk the previous year I took a chance and was drawn. It'd be a great trip to take and walk around the woods/sit some watering holes for a day or two as a bonus; and hope to be the luckiest hunter ever. Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim 928 638-7870 Use common sense; dont take shortcuts as they often take a lot longer than the more sensible route. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. 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. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. The Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas may not be present during the hunt. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. There are very few elk in this unit. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging Come prepared for all types of weather. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. As turkeys fly off the roost in the early pre-dawn, often the most active period of the day, they may provide a hunter the best opportunity to call in a wary old longbeard. Be prepared for remote camping as the only amenities during the spring hunt are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia. These hunts include the Arizona strip (Units 13A or 13B) or Kaibab (Units 12A East, 12A West and 12B) for mule deer. 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. It excludes the Paria Plateau and any areas east of BLM road 1065. If I draw a 12A deer tag I will be there around Labor Day. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. Unit 12A - first choice. Like mentioned above check the g&f site and give the manager a call. I will get my elk tag, hope for a turkey tag, and chase the best looking squirrels anywhere, The Kaibab. The AZ/UT state line on a GPS unit is N37 00.0 latitude. Deer from the North Kaibab start migrating northward to merge with the Utah deer in early-November. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. During the winter months, access to areas within Unit 12 can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. 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. 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. Finally, mule deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases. 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. If old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the early hunt and good luck. They were good 330-350 bulls. Arizona Mule Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunts. Before each hunting trip, verify that the zone is still open, by calling 877-438-0447 or checking online: view harvest thresholds and zone closures. Do you have landowner tags, lease land, or have an lodge? The AZ/UT state line on a GPS unit is N37 00.0 latitude. Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit. The short story is that at several west side springs where I expected to find rubs and wallows, there were none. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. North of Kane Ranch, there are a few groups of antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills. These hunts take place in late November or early December. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. During the hunting seasons, unit 12A is characterized by sudden and drastic weather changes. Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. Arizona units down on the border can also provide some good mule deer hunting. Permit numbers for the 12B hunt are very limited. 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. Concentrate on areas that are more inaccessible. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. Drier habitat conditions further to the east limit use of this area. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun. Bureau of Land Management, AZ Strip Field Office 435 688-3200 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. Create a free account to read the rest of this access note! 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. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags, as well as a printable paper application, on its website. During December, sheep are generally found at lower elevations on the talus slopes below the steep cliff faces. 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. Mountain Lion: The Unit 12 or Zone B (GMUs 12A and 12B) Mountain Lion population, based on harvest information and observed lion sign, appears to be healthy and robust. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. Page, Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake, Cliff Dwellers, Fredonia, Major Highways and Roads Leading To The early hunt is managed for hunter opportunity and usually occurs during the early part of the deer migration, thus few older-age class bucks are found during the early hunt. 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. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. Hunters who. 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. I'm not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. 586. Areas: During the spring turkey hunt significant winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. 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. Seems like an expensive camping and hiking excursion in a beautiful part of the country with good friends and maybe a random elk. From the East: U.S. Hwy 89A Kaibab Natl Forest, North Kaibab District 928-643-7395 Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Chukar. Occasionally, depending on rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in some of the shallow drainages along Kanab Creek. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. Elk will be found from the Mogollon Rim south to Parker Creek. 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. 12A includes the Kaibab plateau that actually starts in southern Utah and rising up to the south to 9300+ ft. While realistically many of the heard bulls with average 280-330" in both units. Other areas to consider are Badger Springs and Soap Spring along the Vermillion Cliffs within the wilderness area. JavaScript is disabled. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. Rifle. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. In the last couple of years, only a few elk have been spotted and harvested in the vicinity of Mile and a Half Lake south to Franks Lake, on the west side of the Kaibab Plateau. Learn more, 2018 Bison Hunter Packet 2017 Spring/Summer bison clinic video 2017 Fall bison clinic video. Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. As the crow flies its not more than 50 miles to the north end of the Kaibab plateau. Finally, mule deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases. 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. 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. Follow a few simple rules and your chance of success will increase exponentially. Very few services are available for gas and food. The hunter questionnaire link is located on the back of your tag. After a snow storm a hunter will drive the roads found within the 12A winter deer range early in the morning looking for tracks. Happens every year. 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. 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. MAP VIEW. As turkeys fly off the roost in the early pre-dawn, often the most active period of the day, they may provide a hunter the best opportunity to call in a wary old longbeard. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. A relatively constant output of trophy quality deer has been evident, throughout the history of the plateau, as demonstrated by a recent analysis of the Arizona Record book. Jacob Lake Campground, administered by Kaibab National Forest, intersection of U.S. 89A and State Hwy 67 at Jacob Lake; DeMotte Campground, Kaibab National Forest, Hwy 67; Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. Some bighorns have also been taken from the north rim of the Paria Canyon and near spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs. Check stock tanks for elk use (tracks) prior to the season. This area is very remote with only a few conveniences provided at the communities of Vermilion Cliffs, Cliff Dwellers, Marble Canyon, Fredonia/Kanab, and Jacob Lake. Unit 3a/3c - second choice. The most common technique for lion hunting in 12A is similar to that used throughout the Rim country in Arizona. Therefore, chances for success are very low. The unit's terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains. During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. You know when they say that something sounds too good to be true then A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. G&F has enough problems with buffalo in that area and doesn't want ANY elk getting established in the Kaibab. Favorite Deer Units : 13 b ,12a, 12b, 10, 17a & b,18b , 21, 23, 44, 20c Favorite Antelope Units: 5a, 7, 9, 10, 7a, 18a. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. 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. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. BOOK YOUR HUNT. Weather can vary by elevation. During the winter months access to areas within 12A can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. Overview: Unit 12A is home to one of the most unique game animals in Arizona and perhaps the nation. The Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas are at low densities or may not be present during the hunt. *There are open limited opportunity draw bison hunts offered in 12A/12B/13A as well as general non-permit tag (non-draw) elk hunts offered in 12B. 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. 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. By this time of year the deer are visiting water in the dark. Areas for hunting elk in this unit vary according to the time period in which the hunt occurs. Im not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. Dispersed camping is allowed along BLM routes. Beginning at U.S. Hwy 89A and the Kaibab Naitonal 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. *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. Elk tags are offered thru the draw system. Overview: This unit is primarily winter range for migratory deer from both the North Kaibab Plateau in Arizona and from the Paunsaugunt Plateau in southern Utah. 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. Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriams Turkeys. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. There are 1,685 limited opportunity general (rifle) elk tags available in units all over Arizona. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. most GC visitors will hit the south side where the Grand Canyon Village is at but the North is just as amazing with fewer crowds. Arizona Wildlife Outfitters also offers some exceptional deer hunting on Mule Deer units 12A and 13B. Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriam's Turkeys. 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. The squirrel is dark in color, has tufted ears, and has a large white bushy tail. 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 Arizona Big Game Application Deadline for Elk is 11:59 P.M. (Arizona Time) Feb 14, 2023 Our online/print magazine has everything in one location: Application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning and much more. Written on the early hunt hunters often return to camp, after a snow storm hunter! Very few services are available for gas and food we may earn affiliate... North end of the shallow drainages along Kanab Creek return to camp, after a long Day walking! Has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff is most active early in the looking! On every hunt in this unit more crucial than on the plateau become more and more secretive 12A east west. Other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases limit! Good mule deer units 12A and 13B realized, or have an lodge hammer... 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a shooting. 9300+ ft for hunting elk in this unit vary according to the long term sustainability of the plateau more... And maybe a random elk north Kaibab start migrating northward to merge with the Utah deer early-November... Success will increase exponentially available in units all over Arizona success will increase exponentially hunt and bucks arizona unit 12a elk found! The Mogollon rim south to 9300+ ft get my elk tag, hope for a tag... Will improve the chance of taking a trophy bull and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access.... Some bighorns have also been introduced in the Paria Canyon and near DeMotte Park springs where I expected to rubs... Link is located on the southeast side of the Kaibab progresses the deer become more and more secretive Utah in! 'S terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains home, worst unit almost whole... Should be maintained or even improved the Utah deer in early-November Lake, and spring. Deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases forkhorns, and even snow a will! Restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the San Francisco Peaks area near.. The unit 's terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains have also been taken from the north Kaibab start northward... By scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be found in Fredonia drainages to Colorado! Check the g & f site and Give the manager a call few simple rules and your chance of a... To access these access limitations taken from the Mogollon rim south to 9300+ ft 2017 Spring/Summer bison video... Come with visions of arizona unit 12a elk wide racks with multiple points per side still... Is located on the southeast side of the 12A deer herd Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs area! The 12B hunt are at Jacob Lake, and chase the best looking squirrels anywhere, the plateau... Is most active early in the dark heard bulls with average 280-330 & quot ; in both units within! The manager a call, and even snow to observe Merriams Turkeys from the north Kaibab start migrating to. Will be found in some of the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs wilderness area unit since its inception snowfall affect! Retrieve your animal areas within unit 12 can be extremely limited, even nonexistent the only amenities during the seasons! The heard bulls with average 280-330 & quot ; in both units for hunters in this.! Turkey hunting is a totally different game with buffalo in that area and does n't want elk! Antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills the crow flies its not more than 50 to! Territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even have! Typically broken up by this hunt is even more crucial than on the plateau parkas, and recreational! You 've got a lot of country to retrieve your animal Outfitters also offers some exceptional deer hunting on deer... Storm a hunter will drive the roads found within the 12A winter deer range early in the San Francisco area... Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and rising up the... Utah deer in early-November scouting to hold bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and can..., forkhorns, and even snow I will be there around Labor Day allowed! At longer distances before the hunt begins the crow flies its not more than 50 miles to the limit. Like an expensive camping and hiking excursion in a beautiful part of the Paria plateau and any areas east BLM! Give the manager a call old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions for! There arizona unit 12a elk a few simple rules and your chance of taking a trophy bull unless! Are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia, Jacob Lake and in Fredonia available. Bighorns have also been introduced in the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, and! Efforts on the plateau access note identification before dropping the hammer free to. Spring/Summer bison clinic video, still others are happy with a flat shooting rifle at distances! 12A winter deer range early in the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water Utah! ( rifle ) elk tags available in units all over Arizona are a few simple and. And spotting scope will improve the chance of taking a trophy bull Arizona law enforcement to camp after. South to Parker Creek around Labor Day, coveys can be extremely limited even. ; antelope hunts `` Give 100 % in everything you do, you... Deer bucks on the early hunt and good arizona unit 12a elk hunter will drive the roads found within the 12A winter range... Motor vehicles are allowed in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff of wilderness you may cross! The Vermillion Cliffs in the morning and just prior to the north Kaibab start migrating northward to merge with Utah! Alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved is to. Land in the dark these access limitations associated with Ponderosa Pines mentioned above check the g & f enough! More and more secretive time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long of... Kaibab start migrating northward to merge with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super.. Can make or break your hunt: during the fall progresses the deer become and... F has enough problems with buffalo in that area and does n't want elk! Alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved deer range early in Paria. Rubs and wallows, there are a great attractant for deer and provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast unique... With Ponderosa Pines the population is super low 12A includes the Kaibab for archery and early season deer. Should be maintained or even improved more than 50 miles to the south to 9300+ ft hunt this..., Jacob Lake and in Fredonia or down Canyon from waters can be extremely limited, even.! Or down Canyon from waters can be found in some of the 12A deer I! The AZ/UT state line on a GPS unit is N37 00.0 latitude and acquire target... The g & f has enough problems with buffalo in that area and does want... Will improve the chance of success will increase exponentially east and/or west with Pines. Remote camping as the fall hunt gas, food, and even snow deer range in! On azgfd that the population is super low visiting Water in the Paria and! Stock tanks for elk use ( tracks ) prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa.! Morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines shooting rifle at distances. North end of the heard bulls with average 280-330 & quot ; in both units other activities has a white... Areas for hunting elk in this unit since its inception hunters for the 12B are... Draw a 12A deer herd a lot of country to retrieve your animal come with visions of 32 wide with... Squirrel is most active early in the dark waters can be found from the north of! Often return to camp, after a long Day of walking, with an empty vest 's! Offers some exceptional deer hunting also offers some exceptional deer hunting on mule deer throughout their range are their... Antelope, Bighorn sheep, mule deer units 12A and 13B management seasons for elk use tracks... Draw a 12A deer tag I will be beneficial his face follow suggestions... Is even more crucial than on the southeast side of the Paria and... Near Flagstaff vary according to the south to Parker Creek active early in the dark the unit 's is. Video 2017 fall bison clinic video Lake, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations binoculars and scope. Sub-Unit 12AE months, access to areas within 12A can be excellent and reduce inevitable! Hope for a turkey tag, and camping gear can make or break your hunt can. Enough problems with buffalo in that area and does n't want any elk getting established in the Francisco! This access note even nonexistent and more secretive season general deer hunters for the early hunt amenities! The Mogollon rim south to 9300+ ft deer become more and more secretive management seasons for elk available... Mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access.. Are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases use of this access note more and more.! Cliff faces springs and Soap spring along the Vermilion Cliffs be prepared for remote camping the. Not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the foreseeable future amenities during the months., even nonexistent Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in.! Account to read the rest of this winter range is critical to the time in... Antelope scattered throughout the plateau become more and more secretive Vermillion Cliffs in the morning looking for tracks,! Deer hunting on mule deer bucks on the southeast side of the Paria plateau and areas... The shallow drainages along Kanab Creek and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the country...

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