Mule Deer

Unit 13B is famous for producing large antlered "trophy" class mule deer bucks. The mule deer population is managed under alternative management guidelines, which focuses on the harvest of older age class, mature bucks. Despite low deer densities throughout the unit, good numbers of deer can typically be found in the higher elevations, generally over 4,000 feet.

It is extremely difficult to draw a permit/tag in this unit. Increased popularity and a quality hunting experience will continue to make draw odds less than 2%. Those lucky enough to draw a permit/tag enjoy a hunt success of nearly 70%, and typically harvest deer with antler spreads averaging 28 inches.

There are few access issues in this unit, as over 90% of the lands are federally or state owned. The area is one of the most unpopulated in Arizona, and hunters should be prepared to camp in remote areas with no services available, bringing shelter and plenty of food, water, extra fuel, and extra spare tires. The closest full service communities to the unit are Mesquite, Nevada and St. George, Utah, both on Interstate 15.

Weather in the unit during the deer hunt is generally unpredictable; it can be anything from relatively warm and dry to snowing. Hunters should be prepared for inclement weather. Many of the roads in the unit become extremely muddy if wet, and can only be negotiated with 4WD vehicles.

In the northern portion of the unit, from approximately Hidden Canyon north, hunters can find deer in the Virgin, Black Rock, Wolf Hole, and Seegmiller mountain areas as well as in the Tweedie point area, and near Poverty Mountain and Poverty Knoll areas. Hunters should not ignore the relatively flat sagebrush/pinyon/juniper areas adjacent to these areas.

In the southern portion of the unit, from approximately Hidden Canyon south, hunters can find deer in the "Parashant" area of Mount Dellenbaugh and Snap point and all points in between. Other areas include Grassy Mountain, the Hidden Rim and Whitmore Point.