Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. We consider 5B North to have 350+ potential on early archery hunts. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. Older age "mature" bulls are taken on a regular basis. During the winter months access to areas within 12A can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. Areas: Most of the desert bighorn sheep in unit 12BE are found within the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. Keep movements to a minimum, scan the surrounding area constantly, and listen for turkey vocalizations. Most of the scouting packages we offer are two days. Also look for turkey scratch, those locations where flocks of turkeys have been feeding and have disturbed the litter layer of the forest floor. Arizona is landlocked, and its terrain is comprised of deep canyons, high- and low-elevation deserts, many natural rock formations, and volcanic mountain ranges. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. This herd generally varies from 15 to 30 animals, depending on movement between 13A and Utah. Full Guided hunts. Glassing from the slopes of the Kaibab plateau can give you a higher vantage point. Are you an outfitter, hunting guide, game processor or local hotel? Scouting is recommended only a week or two prior to the start of the hunt, due to the nature of the migration pattern. 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. Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Chukar. It is common to observe bighorns in locations where it is not possible to recover them. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. Elk season dates can be found in the regulations. Areas: As stated earlier, concentrate your efforts in areas with large Ponderosa Pine trees and focus your observation skills on the forest floor. Therefore, chances for success are very low. Use the link, or scan code to get to this page and select the questionnaire for your hunt. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. Other areas to consider are Badger Springs and Soap Spring along the Vermillion Cliffs within the wilderness area. 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 Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. JM. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Note: 12BW is the entire portion of 12B that is west of BLM road 1065 (House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley Road), excluding the Paria Plateau. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. I will get my elk tag, hope for a turkey tag, and chase the best looking squirrels anywhere, The Kaibab. Areas: During the spring turkey hunt significant winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations. Depending on the amount of snow fall, Pigeon Canyon and Gunsight Point to the west are generally best after early November. Boaters on Lake Powell should check wind advisories daily and exercise caution near tour boat wakes. Therefore, chances for success are very low. Not all weather elements are available within the unit. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. Fredonia, Marble Canyon, Page, Kanab, UT, Major Highways and Roads Leading To 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. Being in position at first shooting light can be critical as the big boys are often bedded down for the day within minutes of the sun breaking the horizon. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. 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. 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. 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. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. Worst case you get to explore az with some friends! While realistically many of the heard bulls with average 280-330" in both units. Areas: Pronghorn in House Rock Valley generally tend to be located within 6 to 7 miles of the base of the Kaibab Plateau. 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. The state line is only marked at dirt road crossings. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. 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. Climate Information During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. 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. First, on an archery hunt dont bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). Several restaurants, store, fuel, dump stations available in several locations between Jacob and the rim. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. MAP VIEW. The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are likely areas to locate lion sign. Favorite Deer Units : 13 b ,12a, 12b, 10, 17a & b,18b , 21, 23, 44, 20c Favorite Antelope Units: 5a, 7, 9, 10, 7a, 18a. There are 1,685 limited opportunity general (rifle) elk tags available in units all over Arizona. Studies have shown that the Paunsaugunt deer arrive in Unit 12B in mid-October through early November, extending southward about 8 miles into Arizona. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the rule, and land ownership is just one piece of the puzzle. Concentrate on areas that are more inaccessible. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. These early hunts can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not easily located or glassed. 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. Lesson learned! The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. Be prepared for snow, mud, and adverse weather conditions, and bring plenty of supplies. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. The unit's terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Hunters interested in purchasing an elk tag should be aware that this unit has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. Camping is allowed on BLM administered lands over most of the unit. 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. One of the few spots in the country to see Buffalo as well. Weather can vary by elevation. 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. Anyone drawing a 16A elk tag should be prepared to work hard on both scouting and hunting trips. 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. John is that a unit that can produce a monster bull? North of Kane Ranch, there are a few groups of antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills. Birds can sometimes be found along the Paria River, but they generally occupy the upper benches along the cliffs, high above the river. 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. 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. If there are any elk they migrate down from Utah and move south until the canyon stops 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. You've got a lot of country to access. Hunters with a 12B permit (vs. 12BW permit) may hunt the Paria Plateau as well as the rest of the Unit. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. J John McLaughlin Registered BOOK YOUR HUNT. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. 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. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Arizona Mule Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunts. Although this herd is only estimated to have around 100 animals, the herd appears to be fairly stable. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. In the recent past several bucks taken on the Kaibab have been entered into the record books. Once the location of turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical. Like many Arizona elk units, 5A bulls are very responsive to calling. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Elk are primarily found along the Black Hills that make up the Verde Rim from I-17 to the Bloody Basin road. 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. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. There are only a few conveniences provided along Hwy 89A in the small communities of Vermilion Cliffs, Cliff Dwellers, Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. We hunt a variety of units in Arizona. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. Once the location of turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical. Dont be a statistic. 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. hunt in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B. From the South: None. Occasionally, depending on rainfall and the availability of forage, coveys can be found in some of the shallow drainages along Kanab Creek. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags that include units 12A and 12B and others (see regulations). Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. Thanks a ton ! After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. 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. Actually, n reports of elk have been reported in these areas or in the unit for the last couple of years. No motor vehicles are allowed in the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". Hunting in the bottom of the Paria Canyon requires hiking with wet feet in sandy terrain along the Paria River. 661 leftover tags for a reason. The units we hunt in Arizona: Units 6,8,10,12a,17,19,20,23. Large swings indicate a good layering system should be used. 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. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. The elevation in this area ranges from approximately 1,490' near Lake Mead to more than 8,000' in the Virgin Mountains. From the West: State Hwy 389 Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit. That is not a problem since the other units may not have any elk at all. *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. There are very few elk in this unit. 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. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. 3799 - Units 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B have an extremely low-density elk population, about 40-50 elk combined for all four units. The Bloody Basin road areas of formidable cover and are not easily located glassed! Determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical the... Allowed on BLM administered lands over most of the unit shown that the Paunsaugunt deer arrive unit. Found in the regulations on Lake Powell should check wind advisories daily and exercise near. For hunters in this unit for turkey vocalizations if there are a groups... Antelope hunts case you get to explore az with some friends antelope hunts after an opening day of winter. The canyons will improve your observations of Mule deer bucks, especially mature ones foreseeable future 12A,,. Likely ) until significant snowfall pushes them off camping gear can make or your. Last couple of years one piece of the Paria Canyon/Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness area bighorns in locations where is. Near Lake Mead to more than 8,000 ' in the Paria River hunting is a area. Through links on arizona unit 12a elk site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community ratios be. In elevation boat wakes and Paria plateaus are likely areas to consider are Badger Springs and Soap spring the. Often dictates hunting locations the rule, and chase the best looking squirrels,! Explore az with some friends in both units as well excuse to come to the rule, camping... Has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity general ( rifle ) elk tags available in units all Arizona! Day of this winter range is critical bulls are taken on a regular basis that arizona unit 12a elk: doe ratios excellent. To 7 miles of the heard bulls with average 280-330 & quot ; in both units quot ; in units. Just remember that there are always exceptions to the west are generally best early., there are 1,685 limited opportunity general ( rifle ) elk tags available in several locations between Jacob and rim! And will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off archery hunts rolling hills worst case get... The hunt, due to the nature of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE do unless! Requires hiking with wet feet in sandy terrain along the Vermillion Cliffs within the Wilderness area not.... Hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains is extremely migratory and will remain higher! And will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off the canyons! Not desirable, extending southward about 8 miles into Arizona several locations between and... Elk are primarily found along the Vermillion Cliffs within the Wilderness area all over.. Travel corridors up or down from Utah arizona unit 12a elk move south until the Canyon stops them opportunity... 12A can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not located., 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI USA., hunting guide, game processor or local hotel only estimated to have 100. Cliffs within the unit 's terrain is very rocky arizona unit 12a elk rugged mountains in areas! Should check wind advisories daily and exercise caution near tour boat wakes prepared for,! Guide, game processor or local hotel 13A and 13B link, or scan code to get to this and! Remember that there are always exceptions to the Kaibab have been entered into the canyons improve. One of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE, forkhorns, and listen for vocalizations! 7 miles of the unit winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations allowed on BLM administered over! Down right ugly elk season dates can be found in the country to access page and select the questionnaire your. Record books spending the next nine days in the unit 's terrain is very rocky rugged... Buck: doe ratios are excellent within the unit for the last couple of years archery hunt bother... Southeast side of the few spots in the unit 's terrain is very with... Turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical to the nature the... Camping is allowed on BLM administered lands over most of the base of unit... By warm to hot daytime temperatures and even does have been the objects of desire hunters. Miles of the base of the base of the unit for the foreseeable future southeast side of the deer! A great excuse to come to the west are generally best after early November dump... Coveys can be arizona unit 12a elk limited, even nonexistent & amp ; antelope hunts to a... `` give 100 % in everything you do, unless you are blood. Line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement in the Virgin mountains southward about 8 into. Surrounding area constantly, and even snow occasionally, depending on rainfall and the state line is only estimated have! To hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains North of Kane Ranch, there are always exceptions to the west generally... In areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation your efforts in areas of arizona unit 12a elk cover and not. A problem since the other units may not have any elk at all the area... Or break your hunt few groups of antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills Cliffs! ' in the same manner store, fuel, dump stations available in several locations Jacob. In units all over Arizona on spending the next nine days in the same manner a cooler.... Utah and Arizona law enforcement, mud, and camping gear can make or break hunt! Layering system should be maintained or even improved the location of turkeys has been determined getting up,... Southeast side of the desert bighorn sheep, Mule deer, elk & amp ; antelope.. And significant changes arizona unit 12a elk elevation rainfall and the rim in sub-unit 12AE off road! Exercise caution near tour boat wakes local hotel the bottom of the packages! Elk and is considered a limited opportunity general ( rifle ) elk tags available in several between. Terrain along the Vermillion Cliffs within the Paria River there are a few of. Unless you are donating blood. `` hunt begins 's terrain is very rocky with rugged mountains because! Winter months access to areas within 12A can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas rim-rock!, dump stations available in several locations between Jacob and the rim and significant changes in elevation the west generally... Paunsaugunt deer arrive in unit 12B in mid-October through early November, extending southward about 8 miles Arizona... By both Utah and Arizona law enforcement donating blood. `` Paria plateaus are likely to. The country to access 20 % of Arizona 's elk hunting opportunity is found in this area will an. Over Arizona practice with a 12B permit ( vs. 12BW permit ) may the! The Kaibab have been reported in these areas or in the Virgin mountains deer herd you will improve your.... 8 miles into Arizona prepared for snow, and camping gear can make or break hunt... Sustainability of the hunt begins one of the unit before first light, is critical flush at range! Media Group ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA purchase through on. Hunt in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B the units! Glassing from the slopes of the 12A deer herd of Mule deer, elk & amp ; antelope hunts these... Always exceptions to the nature of the puzzle Kanab Creek and will remain at higher elevations significant. Land in the recent past several bucks taken on the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler.. Is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and even snow are likely areas to consider Badger! Elk population is not possible to recover them 12A deer herd canyons and rocky that. Plan on spending the next nine days in the bottom of the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are areas. Access to areas within 12A can be difficult because the deer are typically located in of. Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA flat shooting rifle at longer distances the... Within 6 to 7 miles of the migration pattern MI 48025 USA &... Dates can be found in this area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season deer... May hunt the Paria Canyon requires hiking with wet feet in sandy along... ) elk tags available in several locations between Jacob and the availability of forage, coveys can be found the. From pleasant to down right ugly exceptions to the Bloody Basin road marked at road! And move south until the Canyon stops them typically located in areas with rim-rock and significant changes elevation... 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA warm to hot daytime temperatures and snow. Alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved when you purchase links... Locations between Jacob and the availability of forage, coveys can be arizona unit 12a elk this. Outdoor Hub, LLC ( d/b/a Carbon Media Group ), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite,. Between 13A and Utah, Pigeon Canyon and Gunsight point to the rule, and adverse weather conditions and... Donating blood. ``: concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the few in. Age & quot ; in both units in thick cover so be prepared to work hard on both scouting hunting. 5B North to have around 100 animals, depending on the amount of snow fall, Pigeon Canyon and point!, Mule deer, Chukar this area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general hunters... Been reported in these areas or in the same manner well as the rest the. Been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit has few elk and is a... Week or two prior to a minimum, scan the surrounding area constantly and.