Unit 12B in Arizona presents a challenging yet rewarding landscape for hunters, providing unique opportunities for those drawn for early, late, or special hunts like the desert bighorn. While some hunters find success, especially in targeting smaller bucks or during the intense late rut, the unit often demands patience and strategic planning around migration patterns and weather conditions. The dry and crowded conditions, particularly in early rifle season, have led to mixed experiences, with experienced locals emphasizing the importance of being flexible and prepared to adapt to less-than-ideal scenarios. For those pursuing quality bucks, scouting areas like Buckskin Mountain and being mindful of migration from Utah can yield success, although luck and persistence remain crucial factors.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-180" | 190"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 140"-155" | 160"+ |
High
Low
Unit 12B lies between Unit 12AW and Utah. Most of the deer in this unit migrate from the Paunsaugunt unit in Utah and from the Kaibab Plateau. Some resident muleys live on the Paria Plateau. A good unit with big bucks, it’s divided into 12B and 12B West for rifle season. Antelope and desert bighorn sheep populations are stable in Unit 12B.
Unit 12B produces trophy class mule deer. The late season rifle deer tags are difficult to draw. Nonresidents usually need close to the maximum number of bonus points to draw a tag. Buck density depends on snowfall, which drives deer into the unit. Desert bighorn sheep live in remote cliffs and canyons.
Migratory winter area for deer from Utah and the Kaibab. The highest deer density is in the Buckskin Mountains. Rocky canyons and draws throughout unit also hold deer as well as the Paria Plateau, where limited numbers of bucks live on sandy terrain. Desert bighorn sheep live on rocky rims and cliffs and antelope mostly live in the open floors of Rock House Valley.
12B is nearly all public, so access is not a problem. To navigate through the soft, sandy soil on the remote Paria Plateau, you need a four-wheel-drive vehicle or an ATV. Much of the sheep country is extremely rugged, steep wilderness.
Hills and rocky canyons covered in pinyon/juniper and cliffrose with large sagebrush flats. The Paria Plateau is mostly soft sand with sagebrush and scattered trees. Grasses and desert scrubs cover the valley floors.
Unit 12B has resources for lodging in Page and Fredonia, Arizona, as well as the communities of Vermillion Cliffs, Cliff Dwellers, Marble Canyon and Jacob Lake. Camping is permitted on BLM-administered lands. Developed campgrounds are in Fredonia, Kanab, Wahweap Marina, Page and Marble Canyon.
Roughly 1,118 square miles
97.9% public land
Elevations from 4,000-7,000 feet
Nearly all public ground
ATVs are helpful in some of the rugged canyon country as well as the sandy soil
The Paria Canyon Vermillion Cliffs Wilderness area is restricted to foot traffic
Numerous campgrounds in towns
Plenty of options for lodging around the unit
No camping allowed within ¼ mile of water sources