12A east Arizona Muzzleloader

[Matt1214]

Hi all,

Taking my dad on a muzzleloader hunt in a few weeks up in 12AE. He's a disabled vet and we are going DIY. Wondering if anyone has hunted the early rifle or the muzzleloader and has some general advice to get a starting point. He can't hike much since he is disabled, so we'll likely try to cover a ton of ground in the vehicle up top since the weather is warmer this year.

I hunted the late rifle 12bw last year, but never done anything except drive through 12ae. Any help or advice would be appreciated PM me or would love to chat over the phone with someone who has done this unit! Attaching my buck from last year, excited to have an opportunity to get back up on the Kaibab and get what may be my dads' last chance at a big buck!

 

[Hammnit]

I hunted the 12ae muzz hunt in 2020. It was hot dry and dusty for most of the hunt. All I saw were gobs of does and small bucks up on top in the pines. Then a big storm rolled in and it dumped snow. Overnight the class of bucks changed dramatically. I hunted the heads of the canyons just on the edge of the plateau. Depending on the weather, you can drive all over the place. There are roads out each of the points off the top which gives you great views of the tops of the draws and canyons. The best buck we saw walked right across the road that meanders along the edge of plateau. If you can't get out and hike much you still have a chance at a giant right from a road.

Good luck!

 

[PowellSixO]

Pray for snow. If not, they’ll be scattered from top to bottom, and quality bucks will be difficult to find. If it snows hold out for a good buck. If it doesn’t I personally wouldn’t pass a 180” class deer.

 

[PowellSixO]

My wife took this buck on Sunday. It was on the west side though.

 

[Matt1214]

My wife took this buck on Sunday. It was on the west side though. View attachment 783420View attachment 783421

How far down the plateau, or did you find this one up top?