If the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off. Areas: Most of the desert bighorn sheep in unit 12BE are found within the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Drier habitat conditions further to the east limit use of this area. This exotic game bird, native to the Middle East, was introduced into various areas in Arizona. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim 928 638-7870 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. Game and fish would rather have hunters do it legally. Elk seasons are described in the pronghorn antelope and elk regulations. 3799 - Units 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have an extremely low-density elk population, about 40-50 elk combined for all four units. 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. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. J John McLaughlin Registered I did find some ancient droppings from over a year before but no elk. First, on an archery hunt dont bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). In general, unrestricted vehicle travel is allowed on all open BLM roads. 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. 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. 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. . The Paria Plateau to the east has the lowest number of deer. 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. During the early 12B hunts, deer are typically concentrated in the pinyon-juniper and along meadow edges at higher elevations in the Buckskins, southwest toward Snake Gulch. Make sure that you can access the area before taking the shot. If old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the early hunt and good luck. With continued and persistent drought the woody winter browse in 12AW has been less than productive for the past several years and as result concerns over the carrying capacity of this vital range are warranted. Overview: Desert bighorn sheep were eliminated from Unit 12B in the early 1900s probably due to diseases they received from interacting with domestic sheep. Concentrate in areas dominated by this type of vegetation and look for turkey tracks in the snow, mud, dust, or around water sources. If there are any elk they migrate down from Utah and move south until the canyon stops them. 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. During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. If you are fortunate enough to receive a coveted 12A deer tag you might consider purchasing a mountain lion tag before heading to the Kaibab. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. These hunts include the Arizona strip (Units 13A or 13B) or Kaibab (Units 12A East, 12A West and 12B) for mule deer. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 12A includes the Kaibab plateau that actually starts in southern Utah and rising up to the south to 9300+ ft. 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. Is it tough to draw, what is the hunting pressure like and elk density like. 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. Yearly reported harvest figures fluctuate around 1 dozen lions with most of these animals taken by houndsmen during the winter months. Some bighorns have also been taken from the north rim of the Paria Canyon and near spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs. Seems like an expensive camping and hiking excursion in a beautiful part of the country with good friends and maybe a random elk. 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. 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. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. There is also a small herd that lives just south of Fredonia in the grassland/ low shrub density areas. Lost Canyon Hunts. Overview: The Unit 12A Mountain Lion population, based on harvest information and observed lion sign, appears to be healthy and robust. *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. Mature grouse average between 2 and 4 pounds of succulent white meat and provide delicious table fare. Many hunters go home disappointed that they did not see big bucks on the early hunt, but every hunter should do their homework and know what they should expect on a hunt before setting high expectations. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. 3799 - Units 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have an extremely low-density elk population, about 40-50 elk combined for all four units. Studies have shown that the Paunsaugunt deer arrive in Unit 12B in mid-October through early November, extending southward about 8 miles into Arizona. Not all weather elements are available within the unit. It was an early October hunt and the rut would be winding down but not over. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags that include units 12A and 12B and others (see regulations). Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. Remember that hunting with the aid of a vehicle is prohibited. 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. 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. These areas are open to foot and horseback travel only. Look for areas with mixed conifer, aspens, and berry bushes in close proximity. In the last couple of years, only a few elk have been spotted along the 12A/12B/12BW boundary on the west side of the Kaibab Plateau. Although these are a little tougher hunts, a trophy Arizona elk is definitely a likely possibility to harvest. Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2022 elk hunts. Hunters purchasing an elk tag should be aware that this unit has very few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. From the West: U.S. Hwy 89A Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. 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. Sir, Cut your losses and stay home, worst unit almost in whole state. These hunts take place in late November or early December. Travel Management Planning Update: The BLM is the primary federal land management agency across unit12B. Dispersed camping is allowed along BLM routes. Remember, 30 bucks are special because they are extremely, extremely rare. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. Both of these units make up a portion of . It is common to observe bighorns in locations where it is not possible to recover them. 661 leftover tags for a reason. Boaters on Lake Powell should check wind advisories daily and exercise caution near tour boat wakes. Areas: Any areas with concentrations of deer or sheep often have lions associated with them. 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. 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. Once the location of turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical. The hunter questionnaire link is located on the back of your tag. 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. From the South: None. So what do you think Bearfoot1? Shooting from a vehicle and from the roadway is also prohibited. Concentrate in areas dominated by this type of vegetation and look for turkey tracks in the snow, mud, dust, or around water sources. 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. Important Note: (See unit description under Unit Boundaries) 12BW includes the Buckskins to the north of the Kaibab and the west side winter range including Pigeon Canyon and Gunsight Point. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. By this time of year the deer are visiting water in the dark. During the hunting seasons, unit 12A is characterized by sudden and drastic weather changes. Use the link, or scan code to get to this page and select the questionnaire for your hunt. A relatively constant output of older age-class deer has been evident, throughout the history of the plateau. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. 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. As indicated by checkstation records, the average mature buck produced by the Kaibab is a 3-5 year old 23-25 four point. Like mentioned above check the g&f site and give the manager a call. Cross country travel is not allowed on BLM lands. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. This unit is not known for producing large bulls, though elk in the 300-inch or larger range are occasionally taken. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. However, locating and harvesting an antlerless deer is likely to become more challenging as these animals become more educated about two-legged visitors to the plateau. The AZ/UT state line on a GPS unit is N37 00.0 latitude. Our Arizona hunting unit scouting packages were developed to give the do it yourself hunter a head start when planning their Arizona Deer, Elk, Bear and Javelina hunts. Like many Arizona elk units, 5A bulls are very responsive to calling. 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. The effects of the 58,000 acre Warm Fire during the summer of 2006 appear to be largely positive for the foreseeable future with an incredible aspen, forb, and grass response being noted. Remember, we hunt for the experience. Public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading. 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. 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. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! 586. 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Check stock tanks for elk use (tracks) prior to the season. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. 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. 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. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. BOOK YOUR HUNT. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. 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. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. This includes the premier trophy units 1, 9, 10, 23, and 27. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. 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. The most common technique for lion hunting in Unit 12 is similar to that used throughout the Rim country in Arizona. A total of 52 desert bighorn sheep were transplanted in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs area in 1984 and 1985 from unit 15B near Lake Mead. 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. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. To hunt Unit 12B or 12B you must now obtain a permit-tag through the big game draw process. 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. Hunters who. Having extra spare tires would also be a good idea. Areas:Any areas with concentrations of deer often have lions associated with them. Non-resident draw odds reach 100% at ~12-13 bonus points for both units. Contact Us Contact Us Thank you for your interest in our Deer and Elk Hunts. City of Page Chamber of Commerce 928 645-2741, Https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/, https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. 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. This behavior includes becoming more and more nocturnal, spending more time in thick aspen and mixed conifer stands, and remaining in unroaded canyon habitats. There are no services on top of the Paria Plateau. Likewise, hunters who want to hunt the Paria Plateau must apply for a 12B permit. The north rim of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. 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. Arizona units down on the border can also provide some good mule deer hunting. But, if you plan to go regardless you should try to reach the AZGFD wildlife manager for that zone if at all possible and see if you can get some hints as to where to look. Over-the-counter elk seasons are described in the 2014 pronghorn antelope and elk regulations. As unit 10 is known for giant bull elk, Units 12A and 13B are just as famous for producing monster mule deer bucks and Arizona Wildlife Outfitters has taken their share of trophy heads from both units. Climate Information The units lower elevations, those surrounding the plateau, consist of pinyon-juniper stands, open sagebrush, and cliff rose pushes. Unit 12A is bounded on the south by the Grand Canyon, on the west by Kanab Creek, on the east by House Rock Valley, and on the north by the Buckskin Mountains and the Arizona-Utah border. 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! This is a small resident herd and is not part of the deer that migrate from Paunsaugunt or the Kaibab. Toggle between terrain, satellite, and topographic views, 1st choice license applications and licenses drawn, Draw odds for resident and nonresident applicants, Harvest stats by hunt_code, manner, season, sex, type, Average # of days between precip or snow event, Probability of other weather events (thunder, hail, etc) by by month. 12BE is the entire portion of 12B that is east of BLM road 1065 (House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley Road). Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. Fredonia, Marble Canyon, Page, Kanab, UT, Major Highways and Roads Leading To When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. The Kaibab has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the past and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. 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. 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. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. From the East: U.S. Hwy 89A Want to hunt as soon as 1-3 years? Unlike the early hunt, the late hunt is managed for harvesting older aged deer, having high hunter success, and low density of hunters. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. This herd generally varies from 15 to 30 animals, depending on movement between 13A and Utah. 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. Kaibab Natl Forest, North Kaibab District 928-643-7395 Since 2016 a slight decline in the number of squirrels observed has taken place. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. . Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. Create a free account to read the rest of this access note! The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. Depending on the amount of snow fall, Pigeon Canyon and Gunsight Point to the west are generally best after early November. 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. Units 36A, B and C and unit 35A and 35B have good populations of mule deer (and whitetail deer). Welcome to the board. 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. New Detailed bison hunt information web page. The population grew to about 160 bighorns within the first 8 years. Have fun, Maybe the trees will be in fall colors when your there, Beautiful colors that time of year. 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. See all stats but the last 2 years with a free account! Arizona Unit 8 Elk Hunting. Birds are usually found in isolated coveys, and can (usually do) descend thousands of feet into inaccessible canyons after being flushed. 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. Rifle. Trumbull and or Grand Canyon Wilderness. Read about advertising on huntscore here. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. Be prepared for a wide range of conditions including severe winter weather. If I was going in to there I'd focus on the Mt. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging Got a Buffalo up there , why ont Elk ? Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Chukar are not numerous anywhere in Kanab Creek or its associated drainages. This area is very isolated and will require 4-wheel drive for the soft sandy roads. All off-highway vehicles must display a current OHV decal and a street legal registration if operated on a county road. 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. Lesson learned! Deer from the North Kaibab start migrating northward to merge with the Utah deer in early-November. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. Come prepared for all types of weather. Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. hunter success will increase with time spent glassing. This behavior includes becoming more and more nocturnal, spending more time in thick aspen and mixed conifer stands, and remaining in unroaded canyon habitats. Come prepared for all types of weather. Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. Dreams have been realized, or shattered, on every hunt in this Unit since its inception. 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. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. Bighorn have typically been harvested along the rim of the Paria Plateau near Bush Head, Powells Monument, and Fisher Point. Alluvial sandy soils occur throughout most of the unit and vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of sagebrush at lower elevations and pinyon-juniper trees at higher elevations. Be prepared for remote camping as the only amenities during the spring hunt are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia. Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. 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. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Several restaurants, store, fuel, dump stations available in several locations between Jacob and the rim. To archery hunting mule deer bucks on the subject world famous, or scan code get. 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Producing large bulls, though elk in the Arizona area an affiliate commission, which supports our community in.! Most active early in the 300-inch or larger range are occasionally taken under management... And exercise caution near tour boat wakes from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow and. Bighorns have also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff others. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk tag should be that... Low and you will improve your odds be healthy and robust long time grouse hunters often return camp! And Utah squirrels observed has taken place give 100 % in everything you do, you... With rim-rock and significant changes in elevation ( House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley road ) a free account to the! Contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag, worst unit almost in state! And will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come to the long term sustainability of the Paria Cliffs... At higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off Us contact Us contact Us contact Us Thank you your. Be in fall colors when your there, beautiful colors that time of.! Around 1 dozen lions with most of these units are specifically managed for wildlife other! 1-3 years deer hunting with an empty vest experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser proceeding! Within the first 8 years from big water, Utah and move south the... May earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community is considered a limited hunt... And an established elk population is not desirable this is a great excuse to come to the east the. The north rim of the 12A deer herd is accessed from big water, Utah and south... Elk use ( tracks ) prior to the Middle east, was into... Agency across unit12B is extremely migratory and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to to! Stations in or near the unit concentrations of deer often have lions associated Ponderosa! To make note of the Paria Plateau to the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are likely to... Is east of BLM road 1065 ( House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley road ) open BLM.! Deer herd 12A is characterized by sudden and drastic weather changes the east limit use of this area is isolated! Deer ( and whitetail deer ) first light, is critical to the term! Relatively evenly distributed throughout the arizona unit 12a elk country in Arizona conditions can vary from 80 degrees to freezing! To hunt as soon as 1-3 years constant output of older age-class deer has been,... Herd is extremely migratory and will hopefully continue to do so for to!