Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. In addition to the 48-hr reporting requirement, the hunter (or their designee) needs to present the mountain lion’s skull and hide with attached proof of sex to a designated Arizona Game and Fish Department employee for inspection within 10 days of taking the mountain lion. 10 day season with medium hunting pressure. 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. 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. First, on an archery hunt don’t bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past several years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90’s. Camping is allowed in designated areas and within 30’ of open roadways on Forest Service administered lands throughout the unit. Areas: During the spring turkey hunt significant winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations. The Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. We will use our many years of experience on the Kaibab along with our vast amount of scouting time and resources to make sure that you will be enjoying one of the highest quality options that is available for premium quality professionally guided and outfitted trophy mule deer hunts on the Kaibab Plateau. 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. The migratory mule deer numbers and resident mule deer densities and populations that are found in Kaibab Unit 12A east are generally much lower than the west side of the Kaibab but, the east side sometimes produces the highest scoring trophy mule deer bucks that are taken yearly on the Kaibab Plateau. If the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off. Arizona's Unit 12A is on the Kaibab Plateau, home to some of the best trophy mule deer hunting not only in the state of Arizona but anywhere. Kaibab Unit 12A East does not receive quite the numbers of migratory mule deer bucks that the west side of the Kaibab generally does on an annual basis. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. Areas: As stated earlier, concentrate your efforts in areas with large Ponderosa Pine trees and focus your observation skills on the forest floor. The late season rifle mule deer hunt in Kaibab Unit 12A East is where trophy mule deer hunters will have the highest chances of harvesting high scoring Kaibab mule deer bucks. Dream destinations include the Arizona Strip (units 13A and 13B) or Kaibab Plateau (units 12A East, 12A West, and 12B), but the drawing odds are long, sometimes in the low single digits, Ornoski said. Since 2016 a slight decline in the number of squirrels observed has taken place. Mule Deer (Archery Units 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B) This hunt takes place in late August into September. Ability to shoot at longer distances will increase success odds. The most common technique for lion hunting in Unit 12 is similar to that used throughout the “Rim” country in Arizona. 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 migratory mule deer numbers and resident mule deer densities and populations that are found in Kaibab Unit 12A east are generally much lower than the west side of the Kaibab but, the east side sometimes produces the highest scoring trophy mule deer … From the North: None 18a jj (4) icam0127. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. 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. From the West: U.S. Hwy 89A Kaibab Unit 12A East, or the east side Kaibab, is home to some tremendous trophy mule deer bucks and is home to some of the best trophy mule deer bucks in the state of Arizona. 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. 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. Use common sense; don’t take shortcuts as they often take a lot longer than the more sensible route. New Detailed bison hunt information web page. Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit. Elevations vary from 3,000′ to more than 9,200′, with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. The first was on monday and was the 24th buck I saw. 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. Long range shots very likely in the burned areas. Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. Elk tags are offered thru the draw system. img_4100. If you are fortunate enough to receive a coveted 12A or 12B deer tag you might consider purchasing a mountain lion tag before heading to the units. THE #1 TEAM OF GUIDES ON THE KAIBAB PLATEAU. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Estimated state population was unavailable, but you don't get harvest numbers like that without a significant presence. Unit 12A West is widely considered by many trophy mule deer hunters and trophy mule deer outfitters, specifically the late season rifle mule deer hunt in the rut that is offered here, to be one of the best trophy mule deer hunts available anywhere. This area will provide an excellent opportunity for archery and early season general deer hunters for the foreseeable future. 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. This season is 21 days long with a high density of deer. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. Remember, we hunt for the experience. OUT WEST - A Wyoming Backcountry Archery Elk Hunt. Once a track is located the hounds are released and the lion is pursued until “treed”. During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. Although many record book mule deer bucks have also been harvested in this Kaibab unit on both the early rifle and archery mule deer hunts, the premium late season rifle rut mule deer hunts in Unit 12 A East is where trophy mule deer hunters will experience the highest chances of success of tagging a giant Kaibab mule deer buck. Also look for turkey “scratch”, those locations where flocks of turkeys have been feeding and have disturbed the litter layer of the forest floor. ELK: 3A, 3C, 4A,4B,5A,5B-North,5B-South,6A,7,8,9,10,22,23. The migratory mule deer numbers and resident mule deer densities and populations that are found in Kaibab Unit 12A east are generally much lower than the west side of the Kaibab but, the east side sometimes produces the highest scoring trophy mule deer bucks that are taken yearly on the Kaibab Plateau. Your big game hunter questionnaire will no longer be mailed to you. Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube. On the early archery mule deer hunts in Kaibab Unit 12A East most hunters focus their hunting efforts in the higher elevation forested country of the Kaibab. It ranks as one of … Arizona Game & Fish Department, Region II- 928-774-5045 Fredonia, Marble Canyon, Page, Kanab, UT, Major Highways and Roads Leading To 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. Expect to hunt deer from 160 to 180+. Mature grouse average between 2 and 4 pounds of succulent white meat and provide delicious table fare. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. You never know just what kind of giant Kaibab mule deer buck might come in to visit the water hole you are hunting in Unit 12A East. On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. Over the next few weeks we will write in detail regarding all available deer options but this initial post will focus on the Kaibab units also known as 12A and 12B. Arizona - Unit 12A (East and West) The North Kaibab stirs the soul of every dedicated mule deer hunter - it is one of the most sought after hunting permits in the West. Mule Deer. Come prepared for all types of weather. This type of rough and remote country is exactly the recipe to grow giant mule deer bucks though and Kaibab Unit 12A east annually produces it’s fair share of giant mule deer bucks for the trophy mule deer hunters that are lucky enough to draw a tag in this unit. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. There is a lot of mule deer country in Kaibab Unit 12A east that does lend itself to glassing and spot and stalk mule deer hunting but, the majority of the best mule deer country in unit 12 A East is very rough, thickly vegetated, wilderness type country that can make hunting and locating trophy mule deer bucks very tough. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. Big Chino Outfitters. After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. DEER WHITETAIL: 5A,6A,6B,8,21,22,23,32,33. 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. Check the area around FR255 I believe it is. Hunting the West. img_0360. 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. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. Overview: The Unit 12 (GMU’s 12A and 12B) mountain lion population, based on harvest information and observed lion sign, appears to be healthy and robust. Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past several years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90’s. Kaibab Natl Forest, North Kaibab District – 928-643-7395 Top. I saw 36 bucks total with the Adams crew and felt that the hunt was worth every penny. Blue Grouse, Kaibab Squirrel, Merriam’s Turkey, Mountain Lion, Mule Deer. Therefore, chances for success are very low. During both the spring and fall hunts be safe and acquire positive target identification. 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. *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. Kaibab Unit 12A east hunters need to be prepared to see lower numbers of mule deer than are seen on the west side of the Kaibab but be prepared to possibly encounter the giant mule deer buck of a lifetime. Post by tommycaller » Fri Nov 07, 2008 11:31 pm I just got back from the West Kaibab last night and had a great time. 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. A map of the  zones can be found at mountain lion management zones map. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. 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. Grouse hunting is a great excuse to come to the Kaibab to enjoy a cooler climate. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. On a 12A early hunt, once again, don’t bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed. ... ↳ Mule Deer - General ↳ Archery/Bowhunting - Big Game ↳ Rifle Hunting - Big Game ↳ Muzzleloader Hunting - Big Game ↳ Shooting, Reloading, etc. Antler Canyon Outfitters offers hunts for; Elk, Mule Deer, Coues Whitetail Deer, and Antelope, with limited opportunity for bear and mountain lion. In fact, 2016's mule deer harvest — almost 10,000 bucks — was the highest ever recorded. Keep movements to a minimum, scan the surrounding area constantly, and listen for turkey vocalizations. Mule deer populations in unit 12A West are currently doing very well and the trophy mule deer hunters that are lucky enough to draw a late season west side Kaibab tag will get to enjoy the classic western mule deer hunt with possible Boone and Crockett mule deer buck potential and great numbers of mule deer being sighted daily. The squirrel is dark in color, has tufted ears, and has a large white bushy tail. Unit 12B can be a very tough mule deer unit to hunt but it does produce some absolute giant mule deer bucks that can rival or sometimes even beat the big non typical and typical mule deer bucks that are taken on the Arizona Strip and the Kaibab Plateau. ... Kaibab Mule Deer copy.jpg. Hunt both side of the road (FR22). Very few deer reside in 12BW year round, making it difficult to hunt during the archery season in September. We have experienced, professional guides that specialize in these species. Many come with visions of 32″ wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. Not hard to spot when you are on the edge. Jay Scott talks with veteran Arizona outfitter Duwane Adams about mule deer hutning Units 12A West and 12A East on the Kaibab Plateau. Enjoy the natural splendor of the Kaibab Plateau, revel in your good fortune at having a tag, but most of all be a responsible sportsman and represent our sport in the best manner possible. Overview: Unit 12A is home to one of the most unique game animals in Arizona and perhaps the nation. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Very high deer density however mature deer are hard to find this time of year. 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. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. 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. This hunt is a great hunt for the discriminate mule deer hunter with 190’ and above bucks typically available. Deer from the North Kaibab start migrating northward to merge with the Utah deer in early-November. Update: For the past few years, bison have been seen near Wall Lake, as well as along Forest Service Roads 219B, 223, 270, and 610. Lots of good places to camp and hunt. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. You will be hunting older age class bachelor bucks in velvet. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging This hunt can be a rut hunt depending on the weather and rainfall. img_0360. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. 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. Its reputation for huge, trophy quality bucks is both well-earned and almost mythical. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. $ 0.00 (208) 991-4868 Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past two years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90’s. Look for areas with mixed conifer, aspens, and berry bushes in close proximity. The Kaibab Squirrel is a subspecies of the Abert’s Squirrel which is found only on the Kaibab Plateau, Mount Logan, and Mount Trumbull. 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. img_3818. 12a west. 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