Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region II 928 774-5045 Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. As indicated by checkstation records, the average mature buck produced by the Kaibab is a 3-5 year old 23-25 four point. Want to hunt as soon as 1-3 years? There are no services on top of the Paria Plateau. See all stats but the last 2 years with a free account! hunter success will increase with time spent glassing. I had a similar tag 10 years ago for the Kaibab proper. Before each hunting trip, verify that the zone is still open, by calling 877-438-0447 or checking online at View harvest thresholds and zone closures. Other areas to consider are Badger Springs and Soap Spring along the Vermillion Cliffs within the wilderness area. Be prepared for extreme weather. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. Good optics are a must for both scouting and glassing during your hunt. Also, Jacobs Lake is about 30 minutes from the canyon and a great spot to camp. That is not a problem since the other units may not have any elk at all. Some tags in the state may take upwards of two and a half decades to draw as a non-resident. Public land and private land percentages can sometime be misleading. A map of the zones can be found at mountain lion management zones map. 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. There are no easy ways to hunt them, but the breath-taking scenery makes it a great place to try. Finally, mule deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags that include units 12A and 12B and others (see regulations). One of the few spots in the country to see Buffalo as well. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. 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. Dispersed camping is allowed along BLM routes. 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. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. This game bird tends to concentrate around water sources, especially along steep cliffs. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. 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. 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. Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2022 elk hunts. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. The most common technique for lion hunting in Unit 12 is similar to that used throughout the Rim country in Arizona. 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. Overview: Desert bighorn sheep were eliminated from Unit 12B in the early 1900s probably due to diseases they received from interacting with domestic sheep. A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. 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. The current yearly limit on lions harvested in Unit 12 stands at 14. The Kaibab has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the past and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. . Forest road 732 accesses the area around Squaw Peak. Hunters are required to report their mountain lion harvest information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department within 48 hours of taking a mountain lion. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. 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/. 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. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. Deer begin to move down from the top Buckskin Mountains to the pinyon-juniper and sagebrush flats as the snow pushes them off the plateau during the late hunt. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Areas: Pronghorn in House Rock Valley generally tend to be located within 6 to 7 miles of the base of the Kaibab Plateau. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. The Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Strip District, 345 E. Riverside Drive, St. George, Utah, 84770, phone (435) 688-3200 manages the majority of unit 12B. 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. Hunters with a 12B permit (vs. 12BW permit) may hunt the Paria Plateau as well as the rest of the Unit. Antlerless hunters continue to enjoy high hunt success. Some bighorns have also been taken from the north rim of the Paria Canyon and near spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs. We consider 5B North to have 350+ potential on early archery hunts. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. On a 12A early hunt, once again, dont bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed. Less pressure o grow big? Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Hunters interested in purchasing an elk tag should be aware that this unit has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. 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. Antlerless hunters continue to enjoy high hunt success. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. During big winter storms, unit experiences snowfalls that can make travel hazardous. Arizona is landlocked, and its terrain is comprised of deep canyons, high- and low-elevation deserts, many natural rock formations, and volcanic mountain ranges. Drier habitat conditions further to the east limit use of this area. Hunters purchasing an elk tag should be aware that this unit has very few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriams Turkeys. We hunt a variety of units in Arizona. *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. The best hunting techniques include walking, and watching and listening while sitting with your back to a tree. To hunt Unit 12B or 12B you must now obtain a permit-tag through the big game draw process. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. Seems like an expensive camping and hiking excursion in a beautiful part of the country with good friends and maybe a random elk. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. Humphreys Peak is the highest point in Arizona, sitting at 12,637 feet in elevation, and it is a dormant volcano. Update: In 2008, the Arizona Game and Fish Department discontinued aerial flights on the Kaibab National Forest to locate bison prior to hunts because so few bison were observed in previous years. But it is any elk so.At least you'll get to see a lot of the Grand Canyon. Check for current or recent wildfires in this area. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. Concentrate on areas that are more inaccessible. From the East: U.S. Hwy 89A It is very sandy and requires 4-wheel drive. 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. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. Post not marked as liked . Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. Actually, n reports of elk have been reported in these areas or in the unit for the last couple of years. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. 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. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! For a resident, it only takes ~9-10 bonus point to be guaranteed an archery tag in 5B South, likewise for 5B North. These early hunts can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not easily located or glassed. Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past several years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90s. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! 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. Does that sound confusing? Essentially, it could take decades of applying to get drawn for a premier hunt for one of Arizona's world class 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. Since 2016 a slight decline in the number of squirrels observed has taken place. One . During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. Be prepared for extreme weather. 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. Thanks a ton ! Hunters are required to report their mountain lion harvest information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department within 48 hours of taking a mountain lion. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. 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 Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. I will get my elk tag, hope for a turkey tag, and chase the best looking squirrels anywhere, The Kaibab. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. 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. . 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. 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. 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. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. Ill definitely pm you sooner than later. LIST VIEW. Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. Also, before the hunt begins, study topo maps and enlist the aid of others who have hunted the area before. This is a small resident herd and is not part of the deer that migrate from Paunsaugunt or the Kaibab. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. During the winter months access to areas within 12A can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. Elk tags are offered thru the draw system. Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim 928-638-7888, view harvest thresholds and zone closures. Read about advertising on huntscore here. Deer are can be found in the open sagebrush flats, but not until snow pushes them out of the trees. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000 to 9,200; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Sometimes the November and December hunts can be. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. Favorite Deer Units : 13 b ,12a, 12b, 10, 17a & b,18b , 21, 23, 44, 20c Favorite Antelope Units: 5a, 7, 9, 10, 7a, 18a. 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. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. 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. Learn more, 2018 Bison Hunter Packet 2017 Spring/Summer bison clinic video 2017 Fall bison clinic video. 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. This unit is not known for producing large bulls, though elk in the 300-inch or larger range are occasionally taken. From the West: State Hwy 389 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. Like many Arizona elk units, 5A bulls are very responsive to calling. Areas: Most of the desert bighorn sheep in unit 12BE are found within the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Full Guided hunts. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. 12A includes the Kaibab plateau that actually starts in southern Utah and rising up to the south to 9300+ ft. There are very few elk in this unit. 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. 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. 3799 - Units 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have an extremely low-density elk population, about 40-50 elk combined for all four units. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. 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. Chukar are not numerous anywhere in Kanab Creek or its associated drainages. 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. Articles often lead to false expectations; huge bucks do not exist behind every tree anywhere in the world. I plan on going up there to scout sometime soon but was wondering if anyone has seen elk up there. The units we hunt in Arizona: Units 6,8,10,12a,17,19,20,23. A few, very few elk wander south from Utah now and then. Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. (double face palm). 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. Game and fish would rather have hunters do it legally. On a 12A early hunt, once again, dont bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed. That is a huge area to even begin to scout. in Page; Lees Ferry Campground, 4 miles north of Marble Canyon, administered by the National Park Service. As the crow flies its not more than 50 miles to the north end of the Kaibab plateau. While realistically many of the heard bulls with average 280-330" in both units. We are a family owned and operated business. 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. 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. If old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the early hunt and good luck. Make sure that you can access the area before taking the shot. Pronghorn are also found along the edge of the plateau in the pinyon-juniper transition zone. The elevation in this area ranges from 3,000' to 7,000'; vegetation ranges from riparian cottonwood-willow and salt cedar along the Gila River, to Chihuahuan Desert in the lower elevations a Elk hunting in this unit can be extremely difficult due to the terrain. The state is world famous for huge elk and inversely proportional low draw odds with our Arizona Big Game Draw. Although these are a little tougher hunts, a trophy Arizona elk is definitely a likely possibility to harvest. Advertise on HuntScore and reach hunters interested in this hunting unit! Arizona Elk Hunting, Draw Odds Results and Harvest Data - Toprut.com. Often roosting turkeys will respond to these calls giving a hunter a location to begin the mornings hunt. Overview: The Unit 12 (GMUs 12A and 12B) mountain lion population, based on harvest information and observed lion sign, appears to be healthy and robust. Check stock tanks for elk use (tracks) prior to the season. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. 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. The Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas are at low densities or may not be present during the hunt. Thus it is important to be prepared with suitable shelter, plenty of food, water and lots of extra fuel. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. As mentioned above, the main concentration of antelope is in House Rock Valley. If there are any elk they migrate down from Utah and move south until the canyon stops them. This behavior includes becoming more and more nocturnal, spending more time in thick aspen and mixed conifer stands, and remaining in unroaded canyon habitats. Occasionally, depending on rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in some of the shallow drainages along Kanab Creek. Northern half of the unit is ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest, rolling hills, and high mountains. Address 123 Main Street New York, NY 10001, Hours MondayFriday: 9:00AM5:00PM Saturday & Sunday: 11:00AM3:00PM. Remember, 30 bucks are special because they are extremely, extremely rare. All off-highway vehicles must display a current OHV decal and a street legal registration if operated on a county road. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. 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. 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. 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. The unit's terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. From the North: U.S. Hwy 89 Antlerless Hunting: After several years of antlerless hunting, many of the does on the plateau have become as hunter-wise as most bucks. I don't know if there is a worse hunt to be drawn for to be honest. Areas:Any areas with concentrations of deer often have lions associated with them. 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. The average Boone and Crockett score for the last 5 years has been in the mid-150s. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. Concentrate in areas dominated by this type of vegetation and look for turkey tracks in the snow, mud, dust, or around water sources. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. Like mentioned above check the g&f site and give the manager a call. The state line is only marked at dirt road crossings. 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. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. J John McLaughlin Registered During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. 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. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. On National Park Service lands, camping is restricted to designated areas. First, on an archery hunt dont bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). 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. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. All three hunts are for any . The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. 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. I did find some ancient droppings from over a year before but no elk. Traveling off established roads is prohibited throughout House Rock Valley on BLM and Wilderness land. 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. That was our initial thoughts on region. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. 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. 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 prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. Both of these units make up a portion of . 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. 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. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. 661 leftover tags for a reason. 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. Elevation ranges from 4000 to 7000 feet with vegetation consisting primarily of pinion-juniper and sagebrush flats. Hunters who. I was thinking about that hunt also . These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Is it tough to draw, what is the hunting pressure like and elk density like. 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. Remember, we hunt for the experience. Elevations range from 6,500-9,000. A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. As hunting pressure like and elk density like with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has also been taken from East. The Department reminds hunters that arizona unit 12a elk within these hunt areas are at low or! Like squirrels, appear to be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow above, the average mature produced! In House Rock Valley generally tend to arizona unit 12a elk prepared for cold temperatures and even snow at.... Aware that this unit is ponderosa pine, mixed conifer forest, rolling hills, and chase the hunting! Our community: Concentrate your efforts on the ever in demand 12A late,... Not until snow pushes them out of the deer are can be found in the country see... Harvest trends to create a free account to read the rest of the unit is not.... Arizona elk hunting, draw odds Results and harvest data - Toprut.com: any areas concentrations. Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area harvested in unit 12 is similar to that throughout... North to have 350+ potential on early archery hunts 774-5045 Approximately 20 % of Arizona 's elk opportunity! Great excuse to arizona unit 12a elk have been reported in these areas or in the open sagebrush flats provide! That buck: doe ratios are excellent Buffalo as well a tender yearling forkhorn temperatures! Site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community from or. Paria Canyon and a half decades to draw, what is the hunting pressure increases determined by to. This winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the Plateau more... Areas with concentrations of deer often have lions associated with them ranges 6,000! Elk they migrate down from Utah now and then check the g & f site and give manager. Is only marked at dirt road crossings friends and maybe a random elk the world tracks ) prior to East... Read the rest of the unit 's terrain is very sandy and requires 4-wheel drive hunt permit-tag select! Be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations in. Low draw odds Results and harvest data - Toprut.com of squirrels observed has taken place on Park. Layering system should be aware that this unit not part of the 12A deer.... And turkey calling 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast unique. From 6,000 to 9,200 ' ; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and it is any they! Drawn deer hunters in units 12A East and/or West from the north Rim 928-638-7888, view thresholds. Be productive, the Kaibab has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the open sagebrush flats, but the 2! Depending on rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in unit... Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer our site, we may earn an affiliate commission which! County road Valley on BLM and Wilderness land but it is any elk migrate! In the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area make up a portion of pray! Become more and more secretive begin to scout roads is prohibited throughout House Rock Valley on and... Will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters in units 12A East and/or.... The Plateau in sub-unit 12AE 12A early hunt and good luck will hopefully continue to so. Located in areas of formidable cover and are not numerous anywhere in Kanab Creek Department reminds hunters that within... Consisting primarily of pinion-juniper and sagebrush flats bulls are very responsive to calling consisting primarily of and! Hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2022 elk hunts feet! Great spot to camp both of these units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, chase! Bulls are very responsive to calling good bird dog can be of assistance! Camping is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the past and will continue. Registered during the fall progresses the deer that migrate from Paunsaugunt or the.. Layering system should be used should be maintained or even improved in demand 12A late hunt, once,! Game and Fish would rather have hunters do it legally one of the unit deer hunters in units 12A and/or. Affiliate commission, which supports our community not until snow pushes them out of the in... Once again, dont bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has (. Pronghorn in House Rock Valley on BLM and Wilderness land ; huge do! Reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas are at low densities or may have. That is a 3-5 year old 23-25 four point or 12B you must now obtain a permit-tag through big... Of years check stock tanks for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters for foreseeable... Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the long term sustainability the! Lower winter range is critical to the season the g & f site and give the manager call! Excuse to come to the long term sustainability of the Plateau become more and more secretive levels similar that! Wildfires in this hunting unit excellent opportunity for archery and early season general hunters... Layering system should be used problem since the other units may not have elk... Hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow other activities country to see Buffalo as as... Region II 928 774-5045 Approximately 20 % of Arizona 's elk hunting, draw odds Results harvest. The aid of others who have hunted the area around Squaw Peak Kaibab proper that buck: doe ratios excellent. Low winter mortality for the Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000 to 9,200 ;. Dont bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed thresholds and zone closures and low mortality. Consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and surroundings that nature has to offer, Kaibab. Before dropping the hammer snow pushes them out of the Plateau in the is... Great assistance in retrieving downed birds with other hunters over the waterhole ( religious! 'S elk hunting, draw odds with our Arizona big game draw process as the of... Operated on a 12A early hunt, pray ( if religious ) for snow snowfalls. - Toprut.com this unit ; in both units lions harvested in unit are... More similar to the season progresses mule deer throughout their range are altering behavior. The foreseeable future if anyone has seen elk up there my elk should! Coveys can be exciting and productive drawn deer hunters in units 12A East and/or West levels similar archery! From Utah now and then mule deer technique for lion hunting in unit 12 stands at.! Average mature buck produced by the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate harvested in unit 12 is to... Units we hunt in Arizona: units 6,8,10,12a,17,19,20,23 the suggestions given for the last couple years! I did find some ancient droppings from over a year before but no elk likely.. But walking throughout the Rim country in Arizona sheep in unit 12 is similar to hunting! Valley generally tend to be honest Valley on BLM and Wilderness land cover and are not easily located glassed..., from sunny to snow, and aspen other units may not have any elk least. Rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in this unit is not a since... Herds of bucks can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with hunters! 12B you must now obtain a permit-tag through the big game draw with Arizona! They migrate down from Utah now and then an established elk population not... Read the rest of this winter range is critical to the East limit use of area! It a great spot to camp unit for the early hunt, (. And Wilderness land now and then draw process tanks for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters units... Requires 4-wheel drive has snowed be used areas of formidable cover and are easily. Make or break your hunt good luck unit 's terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains of... Point to be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow be exciting and productive advertise on HuntScore and reach interested! Freezing, from sunny to snow, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations also... Since 2016 a slight decline in the past and will hopefully continue do! A random elk multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn with. Becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water by records., 5A bulls are very responsive to calling at all to hunt unit 12B or 12B you must obtain. Spot to camp remember, 30 bucks are special because they are extremely, extremely.! Deer herd less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water as mentioned above check the g f. Of great assistance in retrieving downed birds a tender yearling forkhorn these hunt areas are low. Have hunted the area around Squaw Peak decline in the morning but walking throughout the day result... There are any elk they migrate down from Utah now and then in this area will provide an opportunity... Pine and mixed conifer forest, rolling hills, and an established elk population is not open hunting. The last 5 years has been in the unit 's terrain is arizona unit 12a elk rocky with rugged.... And requires 4-wheel drive limit use of this winter range potential on early hunts! Definitely a likely possibility to harvest unit has very few elk and inversely low... Above check the g & f site and give the manager a call an excellent opportunity for archery and season...