Arizona Mule Deer

Unit 2A/2B/2C (Arizona Strip / Kaibab Plateau West)

Arizona Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

The combined 2A/2B/2C Arizona Strip mule deer hunt covers the Kaibab-west and Strip country northwest of the Colorado River. This is one of the West's premier trophy mule deer destinations. Tag numbers are tight and point requirements are serious — plan on a long wait. Buck quality is outstanding.

View Draw Odds Arizona Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 2A/2B/2C

Where to Find Mule Deer in the 2A/2B/2C Complex

Strip bucks use sage, PJ, and ponderosa at varying elevations.

Kaibab West Pines

The Kaibab Plateau's western slope holds the bulk of the famous Strip deer herd. Glass the timber/meadow transitions at dawn and dusk.

PJ Sage Breaks

Lower-elevation PJ and sage country produces a surprising number of mature bucks, particularly in drier years when high-country deer push down.

Water and Stock Tank Patterns

Scattered stock tanks and reliable springs concentrate deer in late October and early November hunt windows. Identify active water and pattern it.

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in the 2A/2B/2C Complex

Trophy-caliber bucks reward patient, effort-driven hunters.

Sunrise Glass on Big Country

Set up on high points overlooking several square miles of deer habitat and spend hours on glass. Cover ground with optics, not boots, until a target buck is located.

Rut Cruising Bucks

Late-season hunts coincide with pre-rut and rut activity. Bucks move across open terrain in daylight — glass cross-country travel corridors, not just feeding flats.

Commit to a Buck

Strip bucks often require multi-day stalks through rough terrain. Once you find a shooter, devote whatever time it takes rather than chasing the next sighting.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

The Arizona Strip combined hunt posts some of the West's best trophy-buck success. Success rates on mature bucks vary year-to-year but the unit consistently produces 180+ class deer, and 200+ bucks are taken most seasons. Horn quality is the entire appeal of the hunt.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Late Rifle Nov	50	257	9.3%	0
Rifle— General Rifle Oct	40	300	9.0%	0

Data from 2023 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

With ~527 applicants for ~90 tags over 3 years, the Strip is more available than the mythology suggests, but still a significant point-builder. Arizona's weighted-random draw rewards points heavily at this tier, the 20% pass-through gives trace odds to 0-point applicants, and the resident hunter-ed bonus provides an edge. Apply every year and track point breakdowns closely on the AZGFD Draw Portal.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Kaibab Camper Village and Jacob Lake Inn provide seasonal RV services.

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Camp Sites

Extensive Kaibab NF and BLM Arizona Strip dispersed camping.

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Trailer Access

Paved US 89A and AZ 67 provide trailer access. Interior roads vary.

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Water

Jacob Lake has potable water. Field water is limited — plan to haul in.

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Road Conditions

Main gravel roads are maintained. Spurs deteriorate with moisture.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate to difficult. Long days across broken terrain.

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Hunting Pressure

Low per square mile given the combined-hunt size, but concentrated near road corridors.

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Weather

October–November hunts mix mild days with freezing nights. Snow likely above 7,500 ft.

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Cell Service

Limited. Plan for no service in the interior.

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Nearest Town

Fredonia (north) and Jacob Lake (seasonal). Kanab, UT for full services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Arizona Strip still a trophy mule deer unit?

Yes. The Strip continues to produce 180+ class bucks regularly and multiple 200-class bucks most seasons. It remains among the top trophy mule deer destinations in North America.

How many bonus points for the 2A/2B/2C hunt?

Point requirements fluctuate by year and hunt period. With ~527 applicants for ~90 tags over the 3-year window, mid-to-upper point balances are typical for successful draws. Check the AZGFD Draw Portal annually for current-year breakdowns.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

GMU 2A — Unit Landing Page — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit boundaries, Strip mule deer habitat, Land ownership · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-26 Arizona Hunting Regulations — Arizona Game and Fish Department · supports: Combined 2A/2B/2C hunt structure, Season dates, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
BLM Arizona Strip District Office — Bureau of Land Management · supports: Arizona Strip public land access, Travel management, Road conditions · accessed 2026-04-17