This guided bison hunt is a challenging and rewarding experience that combines the pursuit of one of North America's most iconic animals with the rugged beauty of a high-elevation wilderness.
The outfitter for this hunt is one that we have worked with for many years! The main guide on this bison hunt spends a lot of time on the Kaibab and is specialized in the area. He has been hunting on this unit for over 50 years and has a deep knowledge of the Kaibab Plateau, bison behavior, and the best strategies to ensure a successful hunt. He also has 2 or more other guides and assistants helping cover the unit. They often use tracking techniques, identifying signs like trails, wallows, and droppings to locate herds. Hunting bison on Arizona's Kaibab Plateau presents a unique challenge due to the animals' behavior and the terrain. The bison are at low densities or may not be present during the hunt, leading to very low success rates. The bison live on the edge of the Grand Canyon National Park, and it is not open to hunting, which limits hunting opportunities even more. Hunters should be prepared for a long and slow hunt that is challenging in its own way. Transportation is typically provided, using ATVs, trucks, or on foot to navigate the terrain.
This hunt consists of hunting out of a blind strategically placed in areas where the Bison have proven to travel or frequent. The methods the outfitter uses have been proven time and time again. Following the outfitter's lead and trust him. While you're sitting in the blind the outfitter will have other resources out looking for bison by way of glassing and looking for tracks. This is a remote and pristine environment, adding to the adventure and the sense of connection to the natural world. Your outfitter/guide will start by briefing you on the hunt strategy, current bison movements, and the plan for the day. Expect to be sitting in a blind over a water hole, wallow, or travel corridor. Bison are highly mobile and can cover significant distances, requiring physical endurance and patience. If bison are spotted, a spot and stalk opportunity could happen. Stalking requires moving quietly through dense vegetation and across open terrain, often covering several miles a day.
The Kaibab Plateau, located in northern Arizona, encompasses approximately 1,152 square miles (2,980 square kilometers) of land above 6,000 feet (1,800 meters) in elevation. This expansive area features diverse terrain, including forests, meadows, and canyons, providing a unique habitat for wildlife such as bison and deer. The average elevation of the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona is approximately 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) above sea level. Low points are round 6,000 feet (1,828 meters) at the plateau's edges, and the high peaks reach over 9,200 feet (2,804 meters), such as near the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. This high-elevation terrain contributes to cooler temperatures, diverse vegetation, and unique habitats for wildlife, including bison and deer.
In the spring, the Kaibab Plateau in northern Arizona experiences a transition from winter's cold to milder conditions, with significant temperature variations due to its elevation. In March it's going to average around 48°F (9°C), with low's near 24°F (-4°C). There is also the potential for late-season snowfall. In April the average high will be around around 57°F (14°C), with low's near 30°F (-1°C). In May the average high will be around 67°F (19°C), with low's near 37°F (3°C). Springtime on the plateau brings warming temperatures and diminishing snowfall, leading to blooming wildflowers and increased wildlife activity. However, weather can be unpredictable; visitors should be prepared for sudden changes, including unexpected cold snaps or precipitation.
The number of bison sightings per day can vary based on factors such as herd movements, time of year, and specific locations within the plateau. While exact daily sighting numbers aren't specified, the presence of bison in these areas suggests that visitors have a reasonable chance of observing these animals during their visit.
When you're successful, the outfitter will assist you with everything. Bison are large animals, requiring significant effort to field dress, quarter, and transport the meat. Guides will assist with this process, ensuring the meat is handled properly. Transportation of the hide, horns, and meat back to the trailhead or base camp is also part of the service. Your guide will help prepare the hide and skull for taxidermy if desired, ensuring your trophy is preserved to your specifications.
Accommodations may range from rustic camps to comfortable lodges. Camps typically include heated tents or trailers, while lodges offer modern amenities. Meals are hearty and designed to keep you fueled for the physically demanding days, often featuring warm breakfasts, packed lunches, and dinners at camp.
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