Trail Cameras and Hunting

Location is everything when you’re hunting. But scouting for deer can be troublesome if the terrain is difficult to access and you’re short on time. Advancing technology in trail cameras is taking some of the guesswork out of tracking. Before heading out with your buddies make sure to pick up a trail camera.

Although not new to serious hunters, trail cameras experienced an uptick in the last decade as technological improvements have made capturing the patterns of mature deer more specific to their natural habits and your hunting preferences.

Location, location, location

This goes without saying but we’re saying it anyway: deer are creatures of habit. Placing your trail camera near a food source in the winter and a water source in the summer is a good rule of thumb. Still, you don’t want to plop your camera near just any food or water source. Check for tracks near the water or a mineral site.

So, you’ve found your location and you think you’re done. Not even close. First things first, a trail camera is only as good as your setup so make sure to take time setting it up properly. That begins with placing your camera at a height that is at least as tall as you are. Also, remember to place your camera so it’s facing an unblemished background. If you place your camera so it’s facing a heavily wooded area or one full of rocks, there’s a good chance your prey will be camouflaged – making it difficult to spot in your photos.

Finally, LEAVE IT alone! Your trail camera, that is. If you’re serious about learning the lay of the land, watch the wildlife through all four seasons by leaving your camera in place. Some of what you see may surprise you, or not, but you’ll be ready for it next time around.

Camera Features

Ok, on to some of the features you’ll want in your trail camera (they are like the features you want in a trail camera for home security)

Quality resolution – Use a camera specifically made to grab photos of deer and other wildlife. It must have high resolution. If the images are grainy and unreadable, you’ve just wasted your money.
Super charge – You want a camera that can withstand time and that’s motion activated.
Fast Trigger – You’ll want this for any detection area but especially when you’re tracking traveling mature bucks into or out of an area.

Conclusion

There is a lot of discussion about whether using a trail camera for hunting scares off your prey. With all the technological advancements made since the first game camera was introduced in the late 19th century, any concerns – as far as we’re concerned – are unfounded. Visiting your camera site too often may result in YOU scaring off your prey. So be careful and mindful when you do visit.

Not coincidentally, we are giving away one Bushnell Trail Camera in this month’s contest. Be sure you are on our mailing list so you are eligible for the drawing.

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