Quick Tips
- Archers should hunt at high elevations
- Stand hunting near water can be productive during dry weather
- Early rifle mule deer hunters should expect heavy hunting pressure
- Mature bucks become nocturnal and keep to thick cover by early rifle season
- Focus on travel corridors near water and avoid roads during early rifle season
- If significant snow and cold weather occur, the herd migrates to lower elevations
- Additional hunting opportunities exist for bison, elk, blue grouse and Kaibab squirrel
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-180" | 180"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 135"-150" | 155"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is part of the region known as the Kaibab among serious trophy deer hunters. The western part of the parent Unit 12A, this unit has long been a top destination for hunters seeking trophy-class mule deer.
12AW has high densities of mule deer that have great genetics for growing world-class antlers and many of them grow old enough to reach their potential. Record book bucks live in this unit and late season rifle hunters take the vast majority of top-end bucks that are harvested each year.
Terrain
This unit is part of the Kaibab Plateau and the famed Kaibab mule deer area, famous worldwide for tremendous bucks and is in the Kaibab National Forest. The unit is nearly all public land.
Roughly 700 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 3,000-9,200 feet
Small drainages begin on the plateau and become large canyons as they run west
Incredible scenic views overlook the Grand Canyon in the southwest corner
Vegetation
Higher elevations on the east are covered with stands of ponderosa pine, aspen, blue spruce and Douglas fir. Large parks in the higher elevations have grasses and provide summer habitat for wildlife. Burns have numerous aspen, forbs, and grasses attracting wildlife. At lower elevations stands of Gambel oak give way to pinyon/juniper forests with cliffrose, bitterbrush and sagebrush. The western reaches of the unit along Kanab Creek and Snake Gulch are rocky desert terrain with sagebrush and cliffrose.
Access
Forest Service roads crisscross the unit and access almost every ridge.
ATVs are helpful but not necessary
4x4 vehicles can travel on most roads in most conditions
Kanab Creek Wilderness Area is restricted to foot traffic
Camping and Lodging
Camping is permitted on Forest Service lands. Designated campgrounds offer limited facilities. Lodging can be found at Jacob Lake in the northern half of the unit, Kaibab Lodge along Highway 67 in the southeast and in Fredonia, which is about 15 miles north of the unit.
DeMotte Campground and Jacob Lake Campground are at high elevations and are convenient for early season hunting before deer migrate
Indian Hollow Campground sits at a low elevation and is convenient for rifle hunters
No camping is allowed within a quarter mile of water sources
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