The lion population in Unit 12 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. Ill definitely pm you sooner than later. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. 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. The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. North of Kane Ranch, there are a few groups of antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills. Blue Grouse, Kaibab Squirrel, Merriams Turkey, Mountain Lion, Mule Deer. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Sometimes the November and December hunts can be. 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. Follow a few simple rules and your chance of success will increase exponentially. 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. That is not a problem since the other units may not have any elk at all. 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. I'm not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. Also, Jacobs Lake is about 30 minutes from the canyon and a great spot to camp. 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 12A winter deer range early in the morning looking for tracks. But it is any elk so.At least you'll get to see a lot of the Grand Canyon. Mistakes are painful or expensive or both. Several restaurants, store, fuel, dump stations available in several locations between Jacob and the rim. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". The current yearly limit on lions harvested in Unit 12/Zone B stands at 14. 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 Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas may not be present during the hunt. Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriams Turkeys. During the cooler months, elk will occasionally move south to the Kaibab from southern Utah. 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. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. Elevation ranges are based on weather stations in or near the unit. This may be a good place to introduce yourself and your site or include some credits. Occasionally, depending on rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in some of the shallow drainages along Kanab Creek. The best hunting techniques include walking, and watching and listening while sitting with your back to a tree. This area is very isolated and will require 4-wheel drive for the soft sandy roads. A relatively constant output of older age-class deer has been evident, throughout the history of the plateau. . Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. 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. From the North: U.S. Hwy 89 After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. Actually, n reports of elk have been reported in these areas or in the unit for the last couple of years. Dont be a statistic. Therefore, chances for success are very low. If you are fortunate enough to draw one of the most sought after deer tags in the United States come to the Kaibab with realistic expectations and remember, we hunt for the experience. If the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. Often roosting turkeys will respond to these calls giving a hunter a location to begin the mornings hunt. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. 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. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. While realistically many of the heard bulls with average 280-330" in both units. There are many stock tanks located throughout House Rock Valley and the antelope herds tend to center their activities on these water sources depending on the frequency of summer monsoons. 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. Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. 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. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Remember, 30 bucks are special because they are extremely, extremely rare. Thus it is important to be prepared with suitable shelter, plenty of food, water and lots of extra fuel. Full Guided hunts. Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab plateau, both on the east and west side of the plateau, are likely areas to locate lion sign. The north rim of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Create a free account to read the rest of this access note! The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. 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. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. 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. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. By this time of year the deer are visiting water in the dark. Traveling off established roads is prohibited throughout House Rock Valley on BLM and Wilderness land. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. The Alternative Deer Management Plan provides the guidelines for which decisions on hunt recommendations are made. 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. 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 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. *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. Climate Information During the winter months, access to areas within Unit 12 can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past two years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90s. You could hire a outfitter to get in there and pin down where the few elk are. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. 3799 - Units 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have an extremely low-density elk population, about 40-50 elk combined for all four units. Deer Hunting in Arizona's Game Management Unit 12A - HuntScore Get unlimited access to over ten years of historical drawing and harvest data for over 1,700+ hunt units. 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. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. Keep movements to a minimum, scan the surrounding area constantly, and listen for turkey vocalizations. Elevations vary from 3,000 to more than 9,200, with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 928 608-6200 Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. From the North: None Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Chukar. We hunt a variety of units in Arizona. Phone us at 928-713-4329 with any questions you may have. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. Hunters should note, the OTC elk tag is not a companion or corresponding tag and has its own hunting season dates, areas and other restrictions. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. If you end up wanting to take a camping trip and see the Grand Canyon then 12A is a great spot. Other Pertinent Climate Information The premium late season rut hunts in Unit 12A-East have the highest success rates on big mule deer, but lots of huge bucks have been taken in the early rifle and archery hunts. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. During the hunting seasons, unit 12A is characterized by sudden and drastic weather changes. 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. Once the location of turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical. Less pressure o grow big? Having extra spare tires would also be a good idea. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! 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 has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the past and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Most of the scouting packages we offer are two days. 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. 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. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Often roosting turkeys will respond to these calls giving a hunter a location to begin the mornings hunt. Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. Your big game hunter questionnaire may no longer be mailed to you. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. The population grew to about 160 bighorns within the first 8 years. As the crow flies its not more than 50 miles to the north end of the Kaibab plateau. 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. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Be prepared for snow, mud, and adverse weather conditions, and bring plenty of supplies. The most common technique for lion hunting in Unit 12 is similar to that used throughout the Rim country in Arizona. I think may try to look for antlers first. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. Trumbull and or Grand Canyon Wilderness. During big winter storms, unit experiences snowfalls that can make travel hazardous. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. Dreams have been realized, or shattered, on every hunt in this Unit since its inception. Permit numbers for the 12B hunt are very limited. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. Beginning at U.S. Hwy 89A and the Kaibab National Forest boundary near mp 566; southerly and easterly along the forest boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; northeasterly along the park boundary to Glen Canyon National Recreation area; easterly along the recreation area boundary to the Colorado River; northeasterly along the Colorado River to the Arizona-Utah state line; westerly along the state line to Kanab Creek; southerly along Kanab Creek to the Kaibab National Forest boundary; northerly, easterly, and southerly along this boundary to U.S. Hwy 89A near mp 566; except those portions that are sovereign tribal lands of the Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians. Cross country travel is not allowed on BLM lands. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. Https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/. 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. 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. Elk tags are offered thru the draw system. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. 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. Elk season dates can be found in the regulations. Notice: Archery deer hunters Unit 12B and 12B West are not an open area for over-the-counter tag holders since 2008. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. Overview: The Unit 12A Mountain Lion population, based on harvest information and observed lion sign, appears to be healthy and robust. Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Overview: Unit 12A is home to one of the most unique game animals in Arizona and perhaps the nation. Access to the Paria Plateau can be difficult and deer difficult to find so scouting before the hunt is extremely important. Like many Arizona elk units, 5A bulls are very responsive to calling. Unit 12A - first choice. 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. If outside of wilderness you may drive cross country to retrieve your animal. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. Worst case you get to explore az with some friends! Bighorn have typically been harvested along the rim of the Paria Plateau near Bush Head, Powells Monument, and Fisher Point. Learn more. On National Park Service lands, camping is restricted to designated areas. Cold nights are the norm in all seasons, specially in non summer months. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. It was an early October hunt and the rut would be winding down but not over. Use the link, or scan code to get to this page and select the questionnaire for your hunt. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. 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