The Kaibab: Arizona Units 12A East, 12A West & 12B

Hunting the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona is a premier experience for big game hunters. Arizona Hunting Units 12A East, 12A West and 12B are known especially for world-class mule deer. Located near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, the Kaibab offers rugged terrain, dense forests, and open meadows where hunters can spot trophy-quality bucks. Seasons align with the rut, enhancing opportunities to hunt mature mule deer with impressive antler growth. With limited tags and careful management, the Kaibab provides a high-quality hunting experience that promises a rewarding adventure in one of Arizona’s most iconic hunting areas.

We highly suggest that you hire a good outfitter if you draw a tag on The Kaibab!

There is so much more to a Kaibab mule deer hunt than just harvesting a giant trophy mule deer buck

Mule Deer Hunting on The Kaibab

Arizona Hunting Units 12A East, 12A West and 12B

Unit 12A West is your best bet for drawing a great mule deer tag in Arizona.

Many hunters think of the Arizona Strip first, but unless you have maximum points , you’ll likely never draw a tag for Unit 13A or 13B. In fact, no nonresident has drawn a rifle Strip tag in the past ten years without having the maximum number of points. We suggest giving up on dreams of mule deer hunting the Strip tag and, instead, apply for a West side late deer tag. We can help.

Units 12A East does require near max points, but the rewards are great.

If you’re lucky enough to draw an East side Kaibab tag are in store for an incredible Arizona mule deer hunt. The premium late season rut hunts in Unit 12A East have the highest success rates on trophy mule deer, but lots of huge bucks have been taken in the early rifle and archery hunts.

12A East can be tough to hunt though. It is rough, thickly vegetated, wilderness country that requires a lot of glassing. During the late season, you should get high and glass the lower country. On the summer archery hunts, you should hunt in the higher forest country. Find water and be patient. Let us know if you draw an Arizona Hunting Unit 12A-East Mule Deer tag. Apply here.

Book a Hunt OI Application Service
Dry Ground Mountain Lion Hunting in Arizona

Mountain Lion Hunting on The Kaibab

The Kaibab also has a great population of mountain lions. Lion hunters will experience the highest success on mountains lions by using the services of a quality houndsman but cats are taken every year in unit 12A East by deer hunters. Arizona mountain lion tags are available over the counter and it is a good idea to have one in your pocket just in case you see one while hunting.

Book a Mountain Lion Hunt
Merriam's Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey Hunting on The Kaibab

The Kaibab is home to the highest population of turkeys in Arizona.

Unit 12A East is one of the best places in the state to hunt turkeys in Arizona. Whether it’s the spring, fall, or archery seasons, hunters will enjoy a quality turkey hunting experience on the Kaibab.

ask us about our turkey hunts

We offer tons of great hunts!

If you’re tired of playing the application games and you want to hunt mule deer in the meantime, consider the OTC archery tags that Arizona offers, or check out our mule deer outfitter directory, and then get in touch with us.

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Outdoors International

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Outdoors International has a team of hand-selected outdoor experts to help you book your next adventure. Our job it is to help you in researching, booking and planning a great trip with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.

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My hunt was absolutely top notch.

The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.

Wade Zuver

The outfitter handled everything perfectly.

We were thankful that Outdoors International hooked us up with a great outfitter because they were able to find us an acceptable alternate on short notice. Overall the two year process to get this float in was seamless and worry free. Just like it should be.

Stan Masneri

Second time I’ve done this particular trip.

The steelhead run was awesome! The food was even better than the first time, which is hard to imagine, and our guide is the best there is! If catching big fish is your thing I highly recommend booking through Outdoors International.

Jim C.

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Outdoors International
Whether it’s hunting, fishing, wingshooting, or outdoor adventure travel, our goal for you is a safe, worry free, successful trip from start to finish. Our continued success depends on giving you good advice.

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