Come prepared for all types of weather. Access to the Paria Plateau can be difficult and deer difficult to find so scouting before the hunt is extremely important. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. Cold nights are the norm in all seasons, specially in non summer months. 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. These hunts include the Arizona strip (Units 13A or 13B) or Kaibab (Units 12A East, 12A West and 12B) for mule deer. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. Studies have shown that the Paunsaugunt deer arrive in Unit 12B in mid-October through early November, extending southward about 8 miles into Arizona. Hunters obtaining an elk tag should be aware that this unit has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. A forum community dedicated to hunting and fishing enthusiasts in the Arizona area. Is it tough to draw, what is the hunting pressure like and elk density like. Areas: Pronghorn in House Rock Valley generally tend to be located within 6 to 7 miles of the base of the Kaibab Plateau. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! From the East: U.S. Hwy 89A Elevations vary from 3,000 to more than 9,200, with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of 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 best hunting techniques include walking, and watching and listening while sitting with your back to a tree. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Create a free account to read the rest of this elk hunting note! Rifle. Once the location of turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical. 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. Yearly reported harvest figures fluctuate around 1 dozen lions with most of these animals taken by houndsmen during the winter months. 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. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. Are you an outfitter, hunting guide, game processor or local hotel? During December, sheep are generally found at lower elevations on the talus slopes below the steep cliff faces. All three hunts are for any . The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. This behavior includes becoming more and more nocturnal, spending more time in thick aspen and mixed conifer stands, and remaining in unroaded canyon habitats. Look for areas with mixed conifer, aspens, and berry bushes in close proximity. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. John is that a unit that can produce a monster bull? 12A includes the Kaibab plateau that actually starts in southern Utah and rising up to the south to 9300+ ft. Hunters interested in purchasing an elk tag should be aware that this unit has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. After a snow storm a hunter will drive the roads found within the 12A winter deer range early in the morning looking for tracks. Our Arizona late-season elk hunts are a great hunt for hunters that want to experience bachelor herds of bull elk. 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. Antlerless hunters continue to enjoy high hunt success. 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. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. I did find some ancient droppings from over a year before but no elk. If old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the early hunt and good luck. 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. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". Anyone drawing a 16A elk tag should be prepared to work hard on both scouting and hunting trips. 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. Mature grouse average between 2 and 4 pounds of succulent white meat and provide delicious table fare. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. Got a Buffalo up there , why ont Elk ? The Paria Plateau to the east has the lowest number of deer. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. Also look for turkey scratch, those locations where flocks of turkeys have been feeding and have disturbed the litter layer of the forest floor. This area is very isolated and will require 4-wheel drive for the soft sandy roads. 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. New Detailed bison hunt information web page. 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. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. Camping is allowed in designated areas and within 30 of open roadways on Forest Service administered lands throughout the unit. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. Hunters with a 12B permit (vs. 12BW permit) may hunt the Paria Plateau as well as the rest of the Unit. 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. 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. Forest road 68G accesses Tule Mesa, and forest road 68 access the Pine Mountain Wilderness. Areas: Any areas with concentrations of deer or sheep often have lions associated with them. Thanks a ton ! Be prepared for extreme weather. Hunting in the bottom of the Paria Canyon requires hiking with wet feet in sandy terrain along the Paria River. You will find the majority of antelope south and east of the ranch and all the way out to the rim of Marble Canyon. Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past two years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90s. This is a small resident herd and is not part of the deer that migrate from Paunsaugunt or the Kaibab. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Arizona is landlocked, and its terrain is comprised of deep canyons, high- and low-elevation deserts, many natural rock formations, and volcanic mountain ranges. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging 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. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. Dont be a statistic. Elk in those areas are VERY few and far between, and if I were you, I wouldn't waste any more $$ on attempting to hunt it. Im not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. 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 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. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. 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. 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. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. Welcome to ahf! 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. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. It excludes the Paria Plateau and any areas east of BLM road 1065. hunter success will increase with time spent glassing. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. Arizona Elk Hunting, Draw Odds Results and Harvest Data - Toprut.com. At the time, the local WM told me that the local ranchers will "dispose" of any elk they find out there because elk compete with cattle for winter feed. 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. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. The Kaibab has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the past and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come. This exotic game bird, native to the Middle East, was introduced into various areas in Arizona. I am just curious ,my first thoughts were not many bulls but maybe big? This includes chasing, pursuing, or herding antelope with any type of vehicle. Although this herd is only estimated to have around 100 animals, the herd appears to be fairly stable. Once a track is located the hounds are released and the lion is pursued until treed. Elk are primarily found along the Black Hills that make up the Verde Rim from I-17 to the Bloody Basin road. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. So yes its possible, but not likely. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. 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. If I draw a 12A deer tag I will be there around Labor Day. During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. 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. 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. Units 12A East, 12AWest and 12B require near max points, but hunters lucky enough to draw an East side Kaibab tag are in store for an incredible mule deer hunt. 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. Be prepared for snow, mud, and adverse weather conditions, and bring plenty of supplies. These hunts take place in late November or early December. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. Very few deer reside in 12BW year round, making it difficult to hunt during the archery season in August and September. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. J John McLaughlin Registered The nature of early archery hunts dictates that most successful hunters will need to be physically fit enough to hike 3-5 miles a day in terrain ranging from 4800-7800 feet in elevation. Antlerless Hunting: After several years of antlerless hunting, many of the does on the plateau have become as hunter-wise as most bucks. Areas for hunting elk in this unit vary according to the time period in which the hunt occurs. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. BLM road 1065 runs north from U.S. Hwy 89A to U.S. Hwy 89 in Utah between the Buckskin Mountains and the Paria Plateau. 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. 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. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Great Buffalo viewing areas a couple miles north of park entry, If your Lucky. 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. All off-highway vehicles must display a current OHV decal and a street legal registration if operated on a county road. Listen, debate, learn, evolve and respect. Come prepared for all types of weather. Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. hunt in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B. This game bird tends to concentrate around water sources, especially along steep cliffs. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. 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. Most of the scouting packages we offer are two days. The central part of the unit, the Buckskin Mountains, contains the highest deer densities and is best to hunt after mid-October. And that 20% species distribution may lie 100% within private lands. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. 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. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Be prepared for extreme weather. So what do you think Bearfoot1? QUICK NAV: RESIDENCY STATUS: SHOW ODDS FOR: or SHOW UNIT: Arizona - Elk. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Concentrate on areas that are more inaccessible. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) It was an early October hunt and the rut would be winding down but not over. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. Contact Us Contact Us Thank you for your interest in our Deer and Elk Hunts. Remember, 30 bucks are special because they are extremely, extremely rare. 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. 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. 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. Elk use open grasslands and sparsely forested areas more than most people think, and since these areas usually have fewer roads it is much easier to escape hunting pressure in these areas. There are generally one or two herds on South Canyon Point; however this area is more difficult to access as there are few roads in the area. The Warm Springs and Nail Canyon areas in 12AW, the Cocks Combs area in 12AE, and the Paria Platea have seen harvests in recent years and are good starting points. Quick NAV: RESIDENCY STATUS: SHOW Odds for: or SHOW unit: Arizona - elk particluar may... Of deer two years has lead to population levels similar to archery hunting mule deer his face the. Processor or local hotel migratory and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come and.. Extremely important the Arizona area be safe and acquire positive target identification values other than elk, and plenty. 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