Mule Deer

The world famous, or infamous, Kaibab Mule Deer herd. Books and countless articles have been written on the subject. Dreams have been realized, or shattered, on every hunt in this Unit since its inception. Huge bucks, forkhorns, and even does have been the objects of desire for hunters in this unit. Many come with visions of 32" wide racks with multiple points per side, still others are happy with a tender yearling forkhorn. The Kaibab has supplied many happy hunting experiences in the past and will hopefully continue to do so for generations to come. Some say the great days of the Kaibab are past, others maintain things are as good or better than ever, and still others claim things will be great in the future.

Data currently indicates that buck: doe ratios, a very important management statistic, have rebounded as of late and are significantly higher than the statewide average. Under alternative management these favorable ratios should be maintained or even improved. 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. It appears as if current population levels are above what the 12AW winter range can support on a long term basis. The health and longevity of this winter range is critical to the long term sustainability of the 12A deer herd. Proactive management steps in the form of an Alternative Management Plan 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, and provide for greater hunt success. Current data indicates that buck:doe ratios are excellent. 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 increased dramatically in recent years and as a result antler development has been excellent. Keep in mind to accomplish these favorable parameters the population has been lowered and deer densities are dramatically lower than in the late 1980’s. Also remember that fixes are slow in coming with large populations of game animals and patience is a virtue not shared by many in this day and age. Finally, hope for rain and snow.

In the recent past several bucks taken on the Kaibab have been entered into the record books. Of note, the top of both the typical and non-typical archery books were filled with 12A velvet antlered mule deer. A relatively constant output of "trophy" quality deer has been evident, throughout the history of the plateau, as demonstrated by a recent analysis of the Arizona Record book. Hunt success figures have fluctuated around the 40-50% range for the last decade, some of the highest hunt success for mule deer in the state. With conditions improving in the burned area of 12AW the outlook for the Kaibab deer herd is indeed very optimistic.

Articles often lead to false expectations; huge bucks do not exist behind every tree anywhere in the world. As indicated by checkstation records, the "average" mature buck produced by the Kaibab is a 3-5 year old 23-25" four point. Remember, 30" bucks are special because they are extremely, extremely rare. 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 and remember, we hunt for the experience. Enjoy the natural splendor of the Kaibab Plateau, revel in your good fortune at having a tag, relish the fact that a huge deer is a possibility, but most of all be a responsible sportsman and represent our sport in the best manner possible.

First, on an archery hunt don't bother with pinyon/juniper areas unless it has snowed (not likely). Concentrate your efforts in areas with waterholes (not necessarily on the water), as the plateau is often dry at this time of the year. Getting off the road and into the canyons will improve your observations of mule deer bucks, especially mature ones. Tree stands up or down canyon from waters can be excellent and reduce the inevitable territorial dispute with other hunters over the waterhole. Walking and stalking in areas determined by scouting to hold bachelor herds of bucks can be exciting and productive. Salt licks are a great attractant for deer and provide the same opportunity as waterholes. Finally, mule deer throughout their range are altering their behavior as hunting pressure increases. As the season progresses mule deer bucks on the plateau become more and more secretive. This behavior includes becoming more and more nocturnal, spending more time in thick aspen and mixed conifer stands, and remaining in unroaded canyon habitats. Adjust your hunting strategies accordingly and have fun.

On a 12A early hunt, once again, don't bother with pinyon/juniper habitat types unless it has snowed. Remember this deer herd is extremely migratory and will remain at higher elevations until significant snowfall pushes them off. As the fall progresses the deer become more and more secretive. 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. Waterhole hunting becomes less productive as frost begins to supply the need for water. By this time of year the deer are visiting water in the dark. Hunt the travel corridors up or down from water and you will improve your odds. Bachelor herds are typically broken up by this hunt and bucks can be relatively evenly distributed throughout the plateau. Concentrate on areas that are more inaccessible. These early hunts can be difficult because the deer are typically located in areas of formidable cover and are not easily located or glassed. Come prepared for all types of weather. Conditions can vary from 80 degrees to below freezing, from sunny to snow, and from pleasant to down right ugly. The prepared hunter is often the successful hunter.

On the ever in demand 12A late hunt, pray (if religious) for snow. Forage quality and snowfall will push the deer to the lower winter range. If old man winter has not yet shown his face follow the suggestions given for the early hunt and good luck. If frost has cured out the summer range forage and some cold weather has struck, concentrate your efforts in the pinyon/juniper areas and even farther out in the sage and open canyon country. This is the classic western mule deer hunt. Practice with a flat shooting rifle at longer distances before the hunt begins. Also, before the hunt begins, study topo maps and enlist the aid of others who have hunted the area before. Bring binoculars and spotting scopes. Find areas overlooking large open expanses and plan on sitting still for hours on end and glassing until you feel like your eyes are going to fall out. After an opening day of this activity plan on spending the next nine days in the same manner. If the deer are low and you glass enough it will pay off.

Being prepared on this hunt is even more crucial than on the early hunt. Good boots, parkas, and camping gear can make or break your hunt. Four-wheel drive, chains, shovels, and winches can keep you hunting instead of being stuck for a day. Use common sense; don't take shortcuts as they often take a lot longer than the more sensible route.

For those pursuing an antlerless hunting opportunity, the above techniques are applicable to your situation as well. Remember, if your not finding deer in the habitat your in, change gears and head to another habitat type.