5 Tips for Beginners Scouting Wild Game with Trail Cameras

10 Point Whitetail Deer on Camera In November

Are you a new hunter looking to up your game with the help of trail cameras? Well, you've come to the right place! As any experienced hunter knows, there can be a lot of trial and error when it comes to using game cameras. But fear not, these devices can be your best friend in hunting season if you know how to use them effectively. In this blog post, we'll be unlocking the secrets of game cameras by sharing essential settings that can boost your chances of gathering better intel, while reducing wasted time and efforts. From picking the right camera to learning and adapting, we've got you covered. So, let's dive in and discover how scouting for hunting and setting up wildlife cameras can save you time and frustration, increase awareness of game patterns and behaviours and ultimately lead to more success in the field.

Picking a Camera: Quantity Over Quality

In the world of hunting, a trail camera, or a hunting camera, is your secret weapon for finding and learning about game animals. Picking the right camera, however, can be a bit overwhelming with all the various option available. The quality of your wildlife camera is important, but don't let high prices deter you from covering more ground. If you are brand new to Trail cameras and are purchasing your first one, we suggest finding at a price point where you can afford to buy a couple of them. Occasionally you can find deals or packages offering multiple cameras for a reasonable price. The ability to cover more areas not only allows you to locate hot spots faster, but also provides an opportunity to gather more intel on a specific area. Though higher resolution cameras can aid in identifying specific animals at a very detailed level, a standard resolution camera is usually sufficient 90% of the time. These provide clear enough images to recognize patterning animals and get a sense of species and traffic. Once you've established a good collection, you might consider investing in one or two higher quality cameras for areas you know will be hotbeds of activity. It's all about balancing quality and quantity, but at the end of the day the best camera is the one you got so make sure you are setting it up right, so that it can give you the best results.

Save Time with the Right Camera Settings

Setting your hunting camera right is integral to being efficient when capturing and reviewing images when scouting for hunting. The ideal settings not only save you time but also the frustration of sifting through thousands of irrelevant images. Begin by keeping the sensitivity low. If placed correctly, the trail camera will pick up any anticipated animal movement, eliminating unnecessary snaps of branches swaying in the wind. Speaking of branches, remove or trim any in view that may trigger the camera. Next, choose single image over burst mode. Often, one image reveals as much as three, particularly if it's just a deer's backside! So, unless necessary, stick to the single image setting. Lastly, consider using video. Although it demands more review time, video can provide vital information about animal travel paths and behavior. I will usually switch to video once that I have established a good spot for the camera. Knowing that there are good animals I wish to pursue will typically switch to video to be able to get a better idea of how those animals move and behave when they come into that area, are they relaxed are they timid, are they always coming from one direction. that level of intel can help you pick the best setup for a stand or blind.

These tips will ensure your trail camera works more efficiently, giving you more time to review giant bucks, and bulls rather than scanning thousands of images of leaves blowing in the sunset.

Camera Placement

When scouting wildlife, proper game camera placement is vital. Firstly, our number one tip when setting up a camera is aim it north to avoid undesired activations. The sun can trigger the camera when its low or shining of trees enhancing movement. Pointing the camera north will reduce unwanted camera triggering but also the quality of the images will be better as the sunlight will be reflecting off animals and back at the camera. Secondly, secure your camera roughly 4 to 5-feet high on your tree with no obstructing branches that might block the view or set off the camera. Use a stick to adjust the camera's angle if the ground is uneven. Wedging it behind that camera will allow you to tilt it up and down.

Data from Stealth Cam indicates that the average distance between a trail camera and its target is around 20 yards, which means hunters should position their cameras accordingly to get the best images possible.

Smart placements can significantly enhance your outcome. Focus on game trails and narrow pathways where animals tend to pass through for better odds of capturing them in film. Additionally, position your camera near feeding and watering zones as these are popular wildlife hangouts. However, ensure that the location of your cameras is in line with your hunting strategy. For instance, if your hunting strategy involves a tree stand or blind, your camera placement should be adjusted accordingly. This way, you can effectively track animal movement and concurrently map out your ideal hunting location.

By following these strategies, your game cameras can effectively function as your eyes in the forest, offering priceless insights into the behaviors and patterns of the animals you're pursuing.

Trail Camera Review

Learn and Adapt

Remember that scouting and hunting is a continuous process of learning and adapting. Regularly checking your hunting cameras can provide invaluable data to refine your strategy. While it is best not to be running around in areas causing disturbances where you plan to be hunting, it is always best to not let brand new set up cameras sit for too long without checking out their progress. Nothing is worse than setting up a new camera and coming back to find nothing on it, better that be a two-week period rather than a 3-month period. I would recommend check a new spot after about 2 to 3 weeks. Once you know you have some decent animals you would like to continue to monitor and you know your set up is producing good images and intel, leave the area alone for as much time as you can until you are ready to start preparing for the season.

Suppose you've set up a wildlife camera, only to find it capturing minimal activity after a few weeks. Don’t let it sit idle. Move it 30 yards over or adjust the direction. Look for signs of animal activity - are they traveling behind your camera or a few yards off? Reposition your camera accordingly. Just like the game you're pursuing; hunting strategies must be adaptable and ever evolving. The more you learn from your trail cameras, the more you'll perfect your placement and settings, eventually leading to a more successful hunting seasons and the ability to have more deliberate hunting strategies.

Lock it Up!

Securing your game cameras is a critical final step in the setup process. There's nothing more disheartening than trekking out to check your cameras, only to find them missing. Not only are you losing the physical camera and the time and fuel spent reaching the location, but also the valuable animal intel you've diligently gathered. This is why investing in locks for your cameras is vital. These locks are generally inexpensive and can save you from unnecessary disappointment and loss. The idea here is not just to prevent theft but also to secure the camera against wildlife meddling. Remember, the information your cameras collect can be the key to a successful hunting season. Thus, the importance of securing your cameras can't be understated. Ensuring that your cameras are locked up and safe is just as crucial as picking the right camera, setting it correctly, and positioning it well. This way, you can relax knowing your efforts won't be wasted, and your valuable data is safely stored, ready to be retrieved when needed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering the use of game cameras can significantly enhance your hunting experience. For both seasoned hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike, these tips can make scouting for game much more efficient and rewarding. Picking the right camera, optimizing your settings, strategizing on camera placement, continuously learning, and adapting, and ensuring your devices are secured, are all critical steps in getting the most out of your trail cameras. And remember, while hunting can be a waiting game, having the right trail camera setup can provide you with an unprecedented view into the secret world of wildlife, enabling you to better plan your hunts and get the most out of your time in the field. As you grow more proficient in using your game cameras, you'll likely find that they don't just enhance your hunting; they add a whole new dimension to your outdoor experiences. Happy scouting! #scoutingfordeer #trailcameras #gamecameras #wildgame #hunting