Included in these hunts are bull only, antlerless and even 275 any-elk tags. 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. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. Sometimes the November and December hunts can be. Areas: Concentrate your efforts on the southeast side of the Plateau in sub-unit 12AE. The large canyons and rocky areas that form the edges of the Kaibab and Paria plateaus are likely areas to locate lion sign. 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. Unit 12A - first choice. (double face palm). Got a Buffalo up there , why ont Elk ? 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. I did find some ancient droppings from over a year before but no elk. Areas: Any areas with concentrations of deer or sheep often have lions associated with them. A few, very few elk wander south from Utah now and then. Grouse often flush at close range in thick cover so be prepared for quick shooting. Game and fish would rather have hunters do it legally. 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. No off-road travel by motor vehicles is allowed. QUICK NAV: RESIDENCY STATUS: SHOW ODDS FOR: or SHOW UNIT: Arizona - Elk. *There are currently no Population Management Seasons for elk tags available for successfully drawn deer hunters in Units 12A East and/or West. 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. Dont be a statistic. These early hunts can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not easily located or glassed. 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. A total of 52 desert bighorn sheep were transplanted in the Paria Canyon-Vermillion Cliffs area in 1984 and 1985 from unit 15B near Lake Mead. Cold nights are the norm in all seasons, specially in non summer months. There is also a small herd that lives just south of Fredonia in the grassland/ low shrub density areas. But it is any elk so.At least you'll get to see a lot of the Grand Canyon. All three hunts are for any . Bureau of Land Management, AZ Strip Field Office 435 688-3200 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. Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. The hunter questionnaire link is located on the back of your tag. From the North: None Yearly reported harvest figures fluctuate around 1 dozen lions with most of these animals taken by houndsmen during the winter months. The Paria Plateau in eastern 12B has the lowest density of deer and is not part of the migratory herds from the Kaibab Plateau or the Paunsaugunt. Concentrate your efforts in areas with rim-rock and significant changes in elevation. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area 928 608-6200 Over-the-counter elk seasons are described in the 2014 pronghorn antelope and elk regulations. Some lions have been harvested incidental to these other activities. 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. Although this herd is only estimated to have around 100 animals, the herd appears to be fairly stable. Therefore, chances for success are very low. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. 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. 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. 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. As indicated by checkstation records, the average mature buck produced by the Kaibab is a 3-5 year old 23-25 four point. Grouse, like squirrels, appear to be most active early in the morning but walking throughout the day can result in flushed birds. But, if you plan to go regardless you should try to reach the AZGFD wildlife manager for that zone if at all possible and see if you can get some hints as to where to look. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. Major Cities and Towns in or Near Game Management Unit and Nearest Gas, Food, and Lodging Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. The hunter questionnaire link is located on the back of your tag. Hunters can report their mountain lion harvest in person, by telephone at 1-877-438-0447, or online. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. The bottom line you may have to wait almost a quarter of your life to get a tag to go hunting in . Listen, debate, learn, evolve and respect. Is it tough to draw, what is the hunting pressure like and elk density like. Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Chukar. I don't know if there is a worse hunt to be drawn for to be honest. I am just curious ,my first thoughts were not many bulls but maybe big? Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. 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. 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. During the fall hunt gas, food, and lodging can be found in Fredonia, Jacob Lake, and near DeMotte Park. Come join the discussion about safety, gear, tips, tricks, optics, gunsmithing, reviews, reports, accessories, classifieds, and more! The fall hunt is often characterized by warm to hot daytime temperatures and afternoon rains. These units are specifically managed for wildlife values other than elk, and an established elk population is not desirable. We do offer some one day scouting packages for Javelina, Mule Deer, Coues deer and elk in units 22, 23, 24B, 37A, 37B. JavaScript is disabled. All off-highway vehicles must display a current OHV decal and a street legal registration if operated on a county road. Birds can sometimes be found along the Paria River, but they generally occupy the upper benches along the cliffs, high above the river. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. 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. Are you an outfitter, hunting guide, game processor or local hotel? 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. Antlerless hunters continue to enjoy high hunt success. Boaters on Lake Powell should check wind advisories daily and exercise caution near tour boat wakes. I had a similar tag 10 years ago for the Kaibab proper. Arizona Game and Fish Department, Region II 928 774-5045 During the fall hunt, turkey hunting is a totally different game. A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun. Elk seasons are described in the pronghorn antelope and elk regulations. Arizona Game & Fish Department, Region II- 928-774-5045 This is a small resident herd and is not part of the deer that migrate from Paunsaugunt or the Kaibab. Check for current or recent wildfires in this area. From the East: State Hwy 98 Finally, during the night, prior to a morning hunt drive the roads getting out occasionally and turkey calling. "Give 100% in everything you do, unless you are donating blood.". Arizona Wildlife Outfitters also offers some exceptional deer hunting on Mule Deer units 12A and 13B. This squirrel is most active early in the morning and just prior to dark and is always associated with Ponderosa Pines. Like mentioned above check the g&f site and give the manager a call. G&F has enough problems with buffalo in that area and doesn't want ANY elk getting established in the Kaibab. This unit is not known for producing large bulls, though elk in the 300-inch or larger range are occasionally taken. 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. Elk will be found from the Mogollon Rim south to Parker Creek. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter. Likewise, hunters who want to hunt the Paria Plateau must apply for a 12B permit. Make sure that you can access the area before taking the shot. 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. After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. 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. Also, several lions are sighted each year by hunters glassing canyons and watching waters. Note: The state line is only marked at dirt road crossings. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. During big winter storms, unit experiences snowfalls that can make travel hazardous. JavaScript is disabled. in Page; Lees Ferry Campground, 4 miles north of Marble Canyon, administered by the National Park Service. Your big game hunter questionnaire may no longer be mailed to you. The majority of Chukar observed along the rim of the Paria Plateau are in the vicinity of Bush Head, Powells Monument, and Fisher Point. 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. Motor vehicle travel is restricted to existing roads on all BLM land in the Unit. It is the hunters responsibility to know where they are and the state line is patrolled heavily by both Utah and Arizona law enforcement. Happens every year. Areas: During the spring turkey hunt significant winter snowfall can affect access and often dictates hunting locations. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim 928-638-7888, view harvest thresholds and zone closures. Areas of elk concentrations change somewhat year-to-year, depending on localized summer rainfall filling stock tanks and greening up vegetation. The vegetation in this area ranges from Great Basin desert scrub and desert grassland to pinyon-juniper and pine-oak woodlands. Learn more. Some bighorns have also been taken from the north rim of the Paria Canyon and near spring sources along the Vermilion Cliffs. Home. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Remember, we hunt for the experience. The average age of a buck harvested on the late hunts has climbed from just over two years of age to over 4 years of age in the past several years, yearling buck weights have stabilized at an acceptable level in recent years and as a result antler development has been excellent. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. Be prepared for extreme weather. 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. Once a track is located the hounds are released and the lion is pursued until treed. Be prepared for a wide range of conditions including severe winter weather. If outside of wilderness you may drive cross country to retrieve your animal. 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 Department reminds hunters that bison within these hunt areas are at low densities or may not be present during the hunt. Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. 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. Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. hunter success will increase with time spent glassing. I plan on going up there to scout sometime soon but was wondering if anyone has seen elk up there. During the winter months access to areas within 12A can be extremely limited, even nonexistent. 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 I draw a 12A deer tag I will be there around Labor Day. Thanks a ton ! 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. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Be patient, many long time grouse hunters often return to camp, after a long day of walking, with an empty vest. Kaibab Natl Forest, North Kaibab District 928-643-7395 The elk nonpermit-tags are not valid in all units statewide. 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. Please contact any department office for additional information or to purchase an elk OTC tag. Arizona Mule Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunts. Be prepared for remote camping as the only amenities during the spring hunt are at Jacob Lake and in Fredonia. 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. 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 Grand Canyon National Park is not open to hunting. A good bird dog can be of great assistance in retrieving downed birds. I think may try to look for antlers first. Harvesting birds should be viewed as a bonus. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. 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