The Kaibab Plateau is world-renowned for producing some of the largest Mule deer bucks not only in Arizona, but across the United States. Among serious trophy hunters, the Kaibab is widely considered one of the finest mule deer hunting destinations anywhere in the West.
With a long and distinguished history, the Kaibab has consistently produced exceptional bucks year after year. Its unique genetics have filled the Boone and Crockett Club record books with world-class deer featuring extras, cheaters, stickers, splits, and unmatched character.
Today, mule deer populations on the Kaibab are thriving. Hunters can expect to see multiple quality bucks each day, creating a true spot-and-judge experience. Success on these hunts comes down to patience, experience, and making the right decision when the moment presents itself—something our guides specialize in.
For those fortunate enough to draw a late-season Kaibab rifle tag, the reward is one of the ultimate Western mule deer hunting experiences—a rare opportunity to pursue truly exceptional bucks in one of the most iconic hunting areas in North America. Our team has been fortunate to guide many bucks over 200 inches.
Brian Coover with his big Late season Kaibab buck taken with Shadow Valley Outfitters
Late season Kaibab deer hunts are some of the most sought after tags in the West. Tags in units 12A east, 12A west, and 12b west are highly coveted and give hunters a chance at a true giant buck, but only if you know where to look.
Shadow Valley Outfitters team of guides has decades of experience guiding late season hunts on the Kaibab. Our team has been fortunate to guide many bucks over 200 inches. We take a very limited amount of hunters so we can focus on the quality of bucks we harvest instead of the quantity of bucks.
We have the same guides on earlier Kaibab hunts which gives them nearly 30 days in the unit prior the late season hunter arrival. We love hunting for the biggest bucks and will push our hunters to pursue bucks of the highest caliber. Many hunters will pass on bucks they would have never imagined passing, while pursuing a Kaibab monarch.
Brent Curtis with his archery Kaibab Mule Deer from 2020 taken with Shadow Valley Outfitters
Archery hunts on the Kaibab Plateau offer the first opportunity of the season to pursue some of the area’s best mule deer bucks, typically beginning in mid to late August.
During this time, bucks remain in bachelor groups and follow consistent daily patterns, creating an ideal window for early-season success. Our hunting approach includes a combination of:
These hunts provide a realistic opportunity to harvest a mature Arizona mule deer without the long wait often associated with late-season rifle tags.
We generally target bucks in the 180”+ class, with the potential for exceptional deer exceeding the 200-inch mark.
August on the Kaibab is a special time to be in the field. Hunters can expect to pursue deer across Arizona’s largest stands of aspen trees, along with beautiful mixed conifer forests on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon.
Guided Kaibab archery hunts offer more than just an opportunity at a trophy—they deliver a memorable, immersive hunting experience in one of the most iconic landscapes in the West.
Tim P with a fantastic Kaibab Muzzleloader buck
Muzzleloader hunts on the Kaibab Plateau are limited in number but offer exceptional trophy potential. With fewer tags issued, hunters experience low pressure and higher-quality opportunities.
At Shadow Valley Outfitters, we’ve taken multiple mule deer bucks in the 190”+ class and maintain a 100% opportunity rate on these hunts.
For those lucky enough to draw, this is a rare chance to pursue top-end bucks in one of Arizona’s premier mule deer units.
Pat Overson with his great typical taken with Shadow Valley Outfitters in 2021
Our entire operation on the Kaibab is based off team work and extensive scouting efforts. Our guides are in camp a week prior to each hunt to get the most up to date information as possible and to get our hunters in position to harvest the best buck possible. We have a very small and exclusive amount of guides that we trust to get the work done the right way. Our guides are with us year after year and we do not ever sub-guide.
