Hunters discussing Unit 12AE in Arizona frequently highlight its challenging terrain and the need for thorough pre-season scouting due to its vast and varied landscape. The area is praised for a healthy elk population, but hunters note that drawing a tag can be highly competitive, thus requiring strategic planning around draw odds. It's advised to pay attention to the seasonality, with some hunters emphasizing the benefits of hunting during early archery or late rifle seasons for increased success rates. Overall, experienced hunters advocate for understanding key travel corridors of game and remaining patient and persistent, as these factors can significantly impact hunting outcomes.
Part of Kaibab, this unit is the smaller, eastern part of Unit 12A. Home to the state’s only migratory deer herd, 12A East has fewer deer per square mile than 12AW. Road access is easy and the unit is almost entirely public.
This high density mule deer herd has the right combination of genetics and feed to reach trophy size. Most of the trophy quality bucks are are taken during the late rifle rut hunt. Trophy bull bison are hard to find, but hunters manage to take some every year.