Wyoming Whitetail Deer Mule Deer

Unit 164 (Converse County South)

Wyoming Hunting Guide — Whitetail Deer, Mule Deer

Area 164 in southern Converse County covers a mixed terrain of North Platte River tributaries, sage-grass uplands, and scattered ranch land. Whitetail deer concentrate in the creek draws and river-adjacent habitat, while mule deer use the drier upland breaks. This unit provides both species draw odds — see the separate mule-deer entry for upland hunting details.

View Draw Odds Wyoming Hunting Guide

Whitetail Deer Hunting in Unit 164

Where to Find Whitetail Deer in Area 164

Whitetail deer in Area 164 concentrate in the creek drainages and North Platte tributary corridors that cross southern Converse County.

Tributary Creek Draws

The creek systems draining into the North Platte River system carry cottonwood and willow riparian vegetation that whitetail rely on. Deer bed in these draws during the day and move to adjacent rangeland and agricultural fields at low light. Focus scouting on any drainage with significant woody cover.

North Platte Tributaries

The main tributaries feeding the North Platte in this area are the best whitetail habitat. These drainages have more consistent water and larger cottonwood stands than the smaller side draws. Access to these corridors is often through private ranch land.

How to Hunt Whitetail Deer in Area 164

Area 164 whitetail hunting centers on the creek-draw corridors in a mixed whitetail/mule-deer unit where habitat type determines which species you encounter.

Creek-Bottom Focus

Stay near the creek-bottom riparian areas for whitetail. Set stands in the cottonwood draws on pinch points and trail intersections. The flat-bottomed draws in this unit allow elevated stand placement in cottonwood trees overlooking multiple entry and exit routes.

Field Edge Ambush

Where hay or crop ground exists adjacent to the draws, evening field-edge stands are productive. Position downwind of the primary food source with shooting lanes covering the transition from cover to open ground.

Terrain Reading

Reading the terrain to distinguish whitetail habitat (creek bottoms, cottonwood draws) from mule deer habitat (sage uplands, rocky breaks) is the key to targeted hunting in this mixed-species unit. Spending the first morning scouting from a vehicle before committing to a location is a good investment.

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Whitetail Deer Success Rates

Success rate data not yet available for this species in this unit.

Area 164 provides solid whitetail hunting in the creek-draw corridors for hunters who identify and access the right habitat. The unit's mixed terrain keeps overall hunting pressure distributed between whitetail and mule deer hunters.

Whitetail Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	80	60	100.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Whitetail tags in Area 164 are accessible for non-residents. The unit's mixed-terrain character means application pressure is split between whitetail and mule deer draws, keeping individual species tag availability manageable.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 164

Area 164 offers mule deer hunting on the sage-covered upland breaks and rocky terrain of southern Converse County. Bucks in the 130–160 class use the drier sage-grass flats and eroded badlands breaks, while whitetail occupy the lower creek drainages. The open terrain rewards hunters with quality optics and patience for long-range glassing.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Area 164

Mule deer in Area 164 occupy the drier upland terrain above the creek drainages — the sage flats, rocky breaks, and eroded badlands that whitetail avoid.

Sage-Grass Uplands

The broad sage-grass plains of southern Converse County are prime mule deer range. Bucks feed in the open sage during early morning and evening, often visible from long distances with quality optics. By mid-morning, they retreat to the shade and security of the rocky breaks and cut-bank draws for midday bedding.

Badlands Breaks

The eroded badlands terrain and rocky draws above the creek systems provide the best mule deer bedding habitat in this unit. Mature bucks use the commanding views from cut-bank edges to monitor their surroundings. Approaching these bedded bucks requires careful wind management and use of the terrain for concealment.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Area 164

Mule deer hunting in Area 164 is classic high-plains spot-and-stalk with quality optics as the primary tool.

Dawn Glassing

Position on an elevated vantage point before first light and glass the sage flats and draw edges for feeding bucks. Mule deer on the open high plains are visible from hundreds of yards — covering ground visually is more efficient than walking. Scan slowly and methodically with binoculars before moving to spotting scope for detail.

Mid-Morning Stalk

Once a feeding buck is located and begins moving to its midday bed, watch carefully where it beds and plan a downwind stalk using available terrain. Approach slowly, using draws and terrain folds to stay concealed. Close to within comfortable shooting range before the buck rises.

Badlands Penetration

In the badlands breaks terrain, still-hunt slowly into the draws during mid-morning. Glass carefully before entering each cut bank or draw head. Bucks in this terrain are almost invisible until they move — slow movement and frequent stops for observation are essential.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle35%

Mule deer success in Area 164 is good for hunters who invest time in locating deer before committing to a stalk. The open terrain makes locating deer manageable, and hunting pressure in this southern Converse County unit is moderate.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— General	40	101	39.6%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Mule deer tags in Area 164 draw with moderate competition. The unit's mixed-species character keeps application pressure distributed, and non-residents can typically draw with 1-3 preference points in recent years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are both whitetail and mule deer available in Area 164?

Yes — Area 164 has draw odds for both species. Whitetail concentrate in the creek-bottom riparian habitat while mule deer use the upland sage and breaks terrain. See the separate mule-deer entry for Area 164 for upland hunting details.

What is the nearest major road to Area 164?

US-18/US-20 through Converse County and Wyoming Highway 95 provide primary access to southern Converse County. Douglas is the county seat and the best base of operations for hunters in Area 164.

What caliber rifle is appropriate for mule deer in Area 164?

The open terrain in Area 164 may require shots from 100 to 400 yards. A flat-shooting caliber such as .270 Win, .308 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, or 7mm Rem Mag is appropriate. Range practice at 200-300 yards before the season is strongly recommended.

Is Area 164 accessible for non-resident DIY hunters?

Yes — Area 164 has scattered BLM public land accessible to DIY hunters. A 4WD truck and careful map reading with the BLM Surface Management layer are essential for navigating the private/public land boundary in southern Converse County.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

WGFD Hunt Planner — Wyoming Deer Hunting — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, License quotas · accessed 2026-04-18
WGFD Hunting Regulations — Wyoming Game and Fish Department · supports: License structure, Season proclamations · accessed 2026-04-18