Hunters discussing Area 164 in Nowater, Wyoming, have shared mixed experiences, reflecting both challenges and opportunities in this unit. The general sentiment is that while the unit boasts high public land access (around 89%), finding mule deer can be tricky due to their migration patterns and the predominance of antelope in certain regions. Many recommend focusing efforts on the east side of the unit, especially away from roads and employing extensive glassing to spot deer hidden in the sage. The area has been impacted by drought, which may affect game presence, and prospective hunters are advised to be prepared for extensive walking and research on accessible land, potentially seeking alternatives if conditions persist.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
High
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This area is east and southeast of Worland, with over 40,000 acres of Honeycombs and Cedar Mountain Wilderness Study Area, and a lot of BLM land. Mule deer can usually be found in the badlands and whitetails are typically in irrigated crops.For nonresidents, this area is part of Region M and tags drawn for this area are also valid in: 35, 36, 39, 40
Mature mule deer usually like the isolated badland areas of the unit. Whitetails can get big along the Bighorn River, but gaining access to private land can be hard.
Cedar Mountain WSA has a lot of rugged terrain with deep drainages heading toward the Bighorn River. The majority of the rest of this area is made up of rolling grassland, sagebrush flats and drainages that include Little and Big Cottonwood, Bad Kimball and Nowater Creeks.
To access the eastern side of Honeycombs WSA, travel east from Worland on U.S. Highway 16. Cedar Mountain WSA can be reached from the south by taking U.S. Highway 20/State Highway 789 from either Thermopolis or Worland. County and secondary roads gives good access to this unit. Travel on county and secondary roads can be hard in rain and snow, so four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Motorized vehicles are only allowed on existing routes.
Huge areas of sagebrush and grass are the most common vegetation here. Shrubs can usually be seen along drainages, with shrubs like greasewood and rabbitbrush, leaving most hillsides and ridge tops with junipers.
Hunters can camp on BLM land. Worland is the closest community that has a lot of lodging and restaurants options. Thermopolis also has accommodations.
Roughly 507 square miles
88.7% public land
Elevations from 5,000-7,800 feet