The current population estimate is around 250 bighorn sheep. We consider 5B North to have 350+ potential on early archery hunts. Its going to be HOT, if all else fails and you put in little effort, you could come away with a new pair of rattle snake boots! A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. 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. Finally, enjoy the finest terrain, climate, and surroundings that nature has to offer, the Kaibab Plateau. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. Dreams have been realized, or shattered, on every hunt in this Unit since its inception. In the last couple of years, only a few elk have been spotted and harvested in the vicinity of Mile and a Half Lake south to Franks Lake, on the west side of the Kaibab Plateau. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. 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. Pronghorn are also found along the edge of the plateau in the pinyon-juniper transition zone. 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. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. 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. Very few services are available for gas and food. 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. Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. It excludes the Paria Plateau and any areas east of BLM road 1065. Sometimes the November and December hunts can be. This exotic game bird, native to the Middle East, was introduced into various areas in Arizona. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this 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. Does that sound confusing? During the hunting seasons, unit 12A is characterized by sudden and drastic weather changes. If old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the early hunt and good luck. 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. Most of the land we provide drop camps on are public land, however, we do offer hunts that have private land access for an additional cost. Arizona Game & Fish Department, Region II- 928-774-5045 Although these are a little tougher hunts, a trophy Arizona elk is definitely a likely possibility to harvest. 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. Yearly reported harvest figures fluctuate around 1 dozen lions with most of these animals taken by houndsmen during the winter months. Areas: Chukar are found throughout the Kanab Creek drainage and associated side canyons and in Paria Canyon and Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness Area. Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim 928-638-7888, view harvest thresholds and zone closures. Be prepared for a wide range of conditions including severe winter weather. The current yearly limit on lions harvested in Unit 12/Zone B stands at 14. 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. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Do you have landowner tags, lease land, or have an lodge? Areas: As stated earlier, concentrate your efforts in areas with large Ponderosa Pine trees and focus your observation skills on the forest floor. 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. Areas: As stated earlier, concentrate your efforts in areas with large Ponderosa Pine trees and focus your observation skills on the forest floor. Elk Hunting Arizona Elk 2a,2b,2c Ronin75 Oct 26, 2019 Help Support Long Range Hunting Forum Become a supporting member R Ronin75 Well-Known Member Joined Feb 29, 2012 Messages 570 Oct 26, 2019 #1 Anyone have experience hunting the above units for elk? Shooting from a vehicle and from the roadway is also prohibited. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. The deeply eroded terrain is characterized by many protruding rock formations, with the massive sandstone Vermilion Cliffs dominating the landscape. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. 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 Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags, as well as a printable paper application, on its website. 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. If there are any elk they migrate down from Utah and move south until the canyon stops them. At least it's at a discounted price. 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. This is a large area, so scouting will be beneficial. Unit 12A - first choice. Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriams Turkeys. Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. Majority of the deer harvested on the early hunt are younger bucks around 2 years of age. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging The most common technique for lion hunting in 12A is similar to that used throughout the Rim country in Arizona. Overview: The Unit 12A Mountain Lion population, based on harvest information and observed lion sign, appears to be healthy and robust. Also, before the hunt begins, study topo maps and enlist the aid of others who have hunted the area before. 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. Overview: Unit 12A is home to one of the most unique game animals in Arizona and perhaps the nation. I drew this hunt 15 years ago when it covered only unit 12A. Elk season dates can be found in the regulations. From the East: State Hwy 98 I am just curious ,my first thoughts were not many bulls but maybe big? Areas for hunting elk in this unit vary according to the time period in which the hunt occurs. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. Come prepared for all types of weather. Phone us at 928-713-4329 with any questions you may have. The Paria Plateau to the east has the lowest number of deer. Other Pertinent Climate Information It is recommended that hunters do not apply for this hunt in the draw but rather purchase the tags at a significant discount as left over tags. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. There are only a few conveniences provided along Hwy 89A in the small communities of Vermilion Cliffs, Cliff Dwellers, Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. The units lower elevations, those surrounding the plateau, consist of pinyon-juniper stands, open sagebrush, and cliff rose pushes. Unit 12A is bounded on the south by the Grand Canyon, on the west by Kanab Creek, on the east by House Rock Valley, and on the north by the Buckskin Mountains and the Arizona-Utah border. 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. Often roosting turkeys will respond to these calls giving a hunter a location to begin the mornings hunt. Four-wheel drive, chains, shovels, and winches can keep you hunting instead of being stuck for a day. Some say the great days of the Kaibab are past, others maintain things are as good or better than ever, and still others claim things will be great in the future. Please contact the USFS North Kaibab Ranger District for further information at the phone number listed below. Create a free account to read the rest of this terrain note! 661 leftover tags for a reason. 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. If you end up wanting to take a camping trip and see the Grand Canyon then 12A is a great spot. This includes the premier trophy units 1, 9, 10, 23, and 27. Page, Marble Canyon, Jacob Lake, Cliff Dwellers, Fredonia, Major Highways and Roads Leading To No motorized vehicles are allowed in BLM wilderness. Areas:Any areas with concentrations of deer often have lions associated with them. Beginning at U.S. Hwy 89A and the Kaibab National Forest boundary near mp 566; southerly and easterly along the forest boundary to Grand Canyon National Park; 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. 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. 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. Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. Favorite Deer Units : 13 b ,12a, 12b, 10, 17a & b,18b , 21, 23, 44, 20c Favorite Antelope Units: 5a, 7, 9, 10, 7a, 18a. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. 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. Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. 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. . Articles often lead to false expectations; huge bucks do not exist behind every tree anywhere in the world. After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. Camping is allowed in designated areas and within 30 of open roadways on Forest Service administered lands throughout the unit. Many come with visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. Bighorn have typically been harvested along the rim of the Paria Plateau near Bush Head, Powells Monument, and Fisher Point. Southern half of unit is south of Mogollon Rim and has some ponderosa pine forests in the higher elevatio Elk occur throughout unit from high elevation mixed conifer near the Mogollon Rim to the Sunset Mountains just south of Winslow. Lesson learned! From the South: None. 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. Elevations range from 6,500-9,000. 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. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. 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. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. Concentrate in areas dominated by this type of vegetation and look for turkey tracks in the snow, mud, dust, or around water sources. Overview: Antelope in Hunt Units 12A/12B are found primarily in House Rock Valley on the east side of the Kaibab Plateau in the grassland/desert scrub. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. The north rim of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand. Listen, debate, learn, evolve and respect. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Dont be a statistic. The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. Arizona Unit 8 Elk Hunting. The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. 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. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. This bird was first documented in 12B in Paria Canyon, but has since been regularly observed along the Kanab Creek/ Snake Gulch drainage. 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. 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. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. Hunters can report their mountain lion harvest in person, by telephone at 1-877-438-0447, or online. Learn more, 2018 Bison Hunter Packet 2017 Spring/Summer bison clinic video 2017 Fall bison clinic video. 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. 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. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Aberts Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. As the crow flies its not more than 50 miles to the north end of the Kaibab plateau. Deer are can be found in the open sagebrush flats, but not until snow pushes them out of the trees. The best hunting techniques include walking, and watching and listening while sitting with your back to a tree. Be sure to make note of the extreme temperatures as these often pose the greatest risk to hunters. Areas: During the spring turkey hunt significant winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. Elevations range from approximately 4,000 in Glen Canyon to 7,000 on the Paria Plateau. The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are likely areas to locate lion sign. But if you go, Good Luck!!!! There are several small herds that reside on the north side of Highway 89A in the grassland. We hunt a variety of units in Arizona. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. 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. 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. The current yearly limit on lions harvested in Unit 12 stands at 14. These areas are open to foot and horseback travel only. 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 the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off. 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. To locate lion sign, appears to be most active early in unit. First documented in 12B in Paria Canyon, but a particluar species may only 20. With visions of 32 wide racks with multiple points per side, still are. Topo maps and enlist the aid of others who have hunted the area before the Middle east was! 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Camping trip and see the grand Canyon then 12A is a large area, scouting... Per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn which the hunt.. Early in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff Monument, and winches can keep you instead...

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