First, on an archery hunt dont bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). 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. Jacob Lake Campground, administered by Kaibab National Forest, intersection of U.S. 89A and State Hwy 67 at Jacob Lake; DeMotte Campground, Kaibab National Forest, Hwy 67; Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim. Follow a few simple rules and your chance of success will increase exponentially. Forest road 732 accesses the area around Squaw Peak. AS a reminder: Dont stand really close to edge, the sandstone/ granite crumbles with very little weight or movement, you dont want to see the bottom or top, depending on which way your falling on the way down. A few, very few elk wander south from Utah now and then. most GC visitors will hit the south side where the Grand Canyon Village is at but the North is just as amazing with fewer crowds. 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. Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. I've made far worse mistakes for sure. Hunters who. Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. That is not a problem since the other units may not have any elk at all. 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. I think may try to look for antlers first. The elevation in this area ranges from approximately 1,650' on the plateau region to 8,028' on Mount Trumbull. Therefore, chances for success are very low. 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. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. JavaScript is disabled. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. Spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs are best accessed by horseback or hiking from Highway 89A 2 or 3 miles to the base of the cliffs. 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? The majority of the unit is public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The Kaibab has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the past and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come. Once the location of turkeys has been determined getting up early, hours before first light, is critical. Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. Elevations vary from 3,000' to more than 9,200', with a large plateau, the Kaibab, comprising a majority of the unit. 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. 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. Forest road 68G accesses Tule Mesa, and forest road 68 access the Pine Mountain Wilderness. Trumbull and or Grand Canyon Wilderness. The nature of early archery hunts dictates that most successful hunters will need to be physically fit enough to hike 3-5 miles a day in terrain ranging from 4800-7800 feet in elevation. Use common sense; dont take shortcuts as they often take a lot longer than the more sensible route. 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. Do you have landowner tags, lease land, or have an lodge? Northern half of the unit is ponderosa pine and mixed conifer forest, rolling hills, and high mountains. This bird was first documented in 12B in Paria Canyon, but has since been regularly observed along the Kanab Creek/ Snake Gulch drainage. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Elk seasons are described in the pronghorn antelope and elk regulations. 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. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. Areas: During the spring turkey hunt significant winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations. 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. Several restaurants, store, fuel, dump stations available in several locations between Jacob and the rim. Arizona Unit 8 Elk Hunting. The majority of elk in this unit are located on National Forest lands in the southern part of the unit. 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. Roads in the unit can become extremely muddy when wet and heavy rains frequently wash out the main roads, thus it is important to be prepared with suitable shelter, plenty of food, water and extra fuel. The north rim of the Paria Canyon is accessed from Big Water, Utah and also requires 4-wheel drive due to soft sand. . North of Kane Ranch, there are a few groups of antelope scattered throughout the rolling hills. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. According to Arizona Game and Fish, Hunt No. Look for areas with mixed conifer, aspens, and berry bushes in close proximity. The state is world famous for huge elk and inversely proportional low draw odds with our Arizona Big Game Draw. Is it tough to draw, what is the hunting pressure like and elk density like. BOOK YOUR HUNT. Areas: As stated earlier, concentrate your efforts in areas with large Ponderosa Pine trees and focus your observation skills on the forest floor. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. See how weather varies by elevation within a unit by selecting an elevation range. Got a Buffalo up there , why ont Elk ? Important Note: (See unit description under Unit Boundaries) 12BW includes the Buckskins to the north of the Kaibab and the west side winter range including Pigeon Canyon and Gunsight Point. Areas:Any areas with concentrations of deer often have lions associated with them. Elk in those areas are VERY few and far between, and if I were you, I wouldn't waste any more $$ on attempting to hunt it. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. The current yearly limit on lions harvested in Unit 12/Zone B stands at 14. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. Overview: The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! Since 2016 a slight decline in the number of squirrels observed has taken place. During the winter months access to areas within 12A can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. Excellent recruitment and low winter mortality for the past two years has lead to population levels similar to the early 90s. 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. Have fun, Maybe the trees will be in fall colors when your there, Beautiful colors that time of year. 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. Once a track is located the hounds are released and the lion is pursued until treed. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. 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. While realistically many of the heard bulls with average 280-330" in both units. (double face palm). One of the few spots in the country to see Buffalo as well. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. Elevation ranges from 4000 to 7000 feet with vegetation consisting primarily of pinion-juniper and sagebrush flats. Actually, n reports of elk have been reported in these areas or in the unit for the last couple of years. From the North: U.S. Hwy 89 The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are likely areas to locate lion sign. The Vermillion Cliffs and Paria Plateau in 12BE, the western side of Buckskin Mountain, and the Gunsight peninsula including Kanab Creek and Snake Gulch have seen harvests in recent years, and are good starting points. The squirrel is dark in color, has tufted ears, and has a large white bushy tail. Come prepared for all types of weather. Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2022 elk hunts. During the early 12B hunts, deer are typically concentrated in the pinyon-juniper and along meadow edges at higher elevations in the Buckskins, southwest toward Snake Gulch. G&F has enough problems with buffalo in that area and doesn't want ANY elk getting established in the Kaibab. 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. MAP VIEW. 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. So what do you think Bearfoot1? All off-highway vehicles must display a current OHV decal and a street legal registration if operated on a county road. 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. Check stock tanks for elk use (tracks) prior to the season. Hunters with a 12B permit (vs. 12BW permit) may hunt the Paria Plateau as well as the rest of the Unit. If you are fortunate enough to receive a coveted 12B deer or sheep tag, you might consider purchasing a mountain lion tag before heading to the Unit. . About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. 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. City of Page Chamber of Commerce 928 645-2741, Https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/, https://www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Questionnaires/. Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. Use common sense; dont take shortcuts as they often take a lot longer than the more sensible route. Fredonia, Marble Canyon, Page, Kanab, UT, Major Highways and Roads Leading To Learn More. Keep movements to a minimum, scan the surrounding area constantly, and listen for turkey vocalizations. These areas are open to foot and horseback travel only. Arizona Elk Hunting, Draw Odds Results and Harvest Data - Toprut.com. Therefore, chances for success are very low. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. 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. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. Units 12A East, 12AWest and 12B require near max points, but hunters lucky enough to draw an East side Kaibab tag are in store for an incredible mule deer hunt. From the South: None. There are no easy ways to hunt them, but the breath-taking scenery makes it a great place to try. During big winter storms, unit experiences snowfalls that can make travel hazardous. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. 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. So research first, pick better Units and the PointGuard. 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. Hunting in the bottom of the Paria Canyon requires hiking with wet feet in sandy terrain along the Paria River. I don't know if there is a worse hunt to be drawn for to be honest. 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. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. While calling can sometimes be productive, the most successful technique is more similar to archery hunting mule deer. Antlerless Hunting: After several years of antlerless hunting, many of the does on the plateau have become as hunter-wise as most bucks. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. On a 12A early hunt, once again, dont bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed. Chukars are generally found within the lower 8 or 9 miles of Paria Canyon, along the rim of the Paria Plateau, and at spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs. The Kaibab Plateau ranges from 6,000' to 9,200'; vegetation consists of ponderosa pine, mixed conifer, and aspen. 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. 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. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. 0. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Unlike the early hunt, the late hunt is managed for harvesting older aged deer, having high hunter success, and low density of hunters. From the West: U.S. Hwy 89A Antlerless Hunting: After several years of antlerless hunting, many of the does on the plateau have become as hunter-wise as most bucks. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. 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. in Page; Lees Ferry Campground, 4 miles north of Marble Canyon, administered by the National Park Service. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. 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. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission authorized over-the-counter (OTC) elk tags that include units 12A and 12B and others (see regulations). We consider 5B North to have 350+ potential on early archery hunts. Kaibab Natl Forest, North Kaibab District 928-643-7395 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. Thus it is important to be prepared with suitable shelter, plenty of food, water and lots of extra fuel. In the last few years, only a few elk or elk sign has been seen, mainly around Rock Canyon and the Pine Hollow habitat treatments. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". 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. Older age "mature" bulls are taken on a regular basis. If you are considering hunting mountain lions in Unit 12 for the first time, consider hiring a good houndsman/guide to increase you likelihood of success. The short story is that at several west side springs where I expected to find rubs and wallows, there were none. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging 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. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. Elk are primarily found along the Black Hills that make up the Verde Rim from I-17 to the Bloody Basin road. 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. During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. Use temperature ranges to plan and prepare for your hunt. 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. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. 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. Although 12A/12B is not known for its record breaking antelope bucks, hunt success has typically been around 40% for archery and 100% for rifle. 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. The majority of Chukar observed along the rim of the Paria Plateau are in the vicinity of Bush Head, Powells Monument, and Fisher Point. Hunters interested in purchasing an elk tag should be aware that this unit has few elk and is considered a limited opportunity hunt. But if you go, Good Luck!!!! 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. Take care in species identification before dropping the hammer. Notice: Archery deer hunters Unit 12B and 12B West are not an open area for over-the-counter tag holders since 2008. 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. 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. 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. Other Pertinent Climate Information By this time of year the deer are visiting water in the dark. Four-wheel drive, chains, shovels, and winches can keep you hunting instead of being stuck for a day. Antlerless hunters continue to enjoy high hunt success. During the spring hunt be prepared for cold temperatures and even snow. Create a free account to read the rest of this elk hunting note! 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. As the crow flies its not more than 50 miles to the north end of the Kaibab plateau. During the winter months, access to areas within Unit 12 can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. Unit 12A continues to provide the turkey hunter and/or wildlife enthusiast a unique opportunity to observe Merriams Turkeys. Like many Arizona elk units, 5A bulls are very responsive to calling. They were good 330-350 bulls. The Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas may not be present during the hunt. 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. 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. Travel Management Plans have been completed for the entire Paria Plateau/Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, and are in the process for the western half of 12B including the buckskin mountains. These hunts take place in late November or early December. The bottom line you may have to wait almost a quarter of your life to get a tag to go hunting in . hunt in game management units 12A, 12B, 13A and 13B. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. It has also been introduced in the San Francisco Peaks area near Flagstaff. Just bad luck. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. Use the link, or scan code to get to this page and select the questionnaire for your hunt. That is not a problem since the other units may not have any elk at all. Approximately 20% of Arizona's elk hunting opportunity is found in this unit. Many hunters utilize horses and mules, snowmobiles, and other recreational vehicles to overcome these access limitations. Arizona is known for it's coveted and hard to acquire bull elk tags. 12BE is the entire portion of 12B that is east of BLM road 1065 (House Rock Valley/ Coyote Valley Road). To hunt Unit 12B or 12B you must now obtain a permit-tag through the big game draw process. Elk season dates can be found in the regulations. 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. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. Be prepared for remote camping as the only amenities during the spring hunt are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia. I plan on going up there to scout sometime soon but was wondering if anyone has seen elk up there. 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. 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. Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. These areas are open to foot and horseback travel only. You could hire a outfitter to get in there and pin down where the few elk are. The bulls I saw near Bryce were while mule deer hunting. The population grew to about 160 bighorns within the first 8 years. If outside of wilderness you may drive cross country to retrieve your animal. A map of the zones can be found at Mountain Lion management zone map. Im not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. 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. Arizona is landlocked, and its terrain is comprised of deep canyons, high- and low-elevation deserts, many natural rock formations, and volcanic mountain ranges. Be prepared for remote camping as the only amenities during the spring hunt are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. The central part of the unit, the Buckskin Mountains, contains the highest deer densities and is best to hunt after mid-October. *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. Welcome to the board. I'm not at all familiar with the area but read on azgfd that the population is super low. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. This includes chasing, pursuing, or herding antelope with any type of vehicle. Be prepared for extreme weather. Elk summer in the higher elevations, and as snow depths increase, they move north to lower elevations. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. Sir, Cut your losses and stay home, worst unit almost in whole state. A unit may have 80% public land, but a particluar species may only occupy 20% on the entire area.