.As our equipment evolves so do we, in our quest to be more proficient hunters. One evolution that has come about in recent years is the trail camera. When the season is over and you are beginning your own hibernation, resting up from another hard year the trail camera is still hard at work. In the field these little troopers are always out scouting around the clock and making our jobs just a little bit easier. Now, no doubt as hunters our job does include scouting and most of us, me included enjoy taking to the field if even just to scout. However; let’s face it no one can be out there all the time so game cams just make sense.
Tip #1 Take one cam off the beaten path to get pictures of that camera shy buck: The first thing a lot of people will do when trying to set a camera location is set up near game sign. However; if you want to see the bruisers that cruise the brush that no weekend adventurer wants to tread follow this tip. Put on your high boots and get ready to go through some gnarly cover. Big deer are creatures of solitude for the most part and want to be secluded. Of course, during the rut this all goes out the window, but for the most part this is true.
Tip # 2 Master the art of using funnels: Place your trail camera near funnels. Rivers, fences any type of barricades that will push deer in a certain direction are very useful. Remember deer are lazy and will most often take the path of least resistance. A fence with a missing beam that makes it easier to jump, or a fence with a missing strand of barbed wire making it possible for a deer to slide under it also help to create that funnel. You can make these modifications yourself, however: if it’s not your land check with the owner.
Tip #3 Don't be afraid to get the camera close to the trail: As long as there’s no audible noise or flash (however if its an info red camera you wont have to worry about visible flash) coming from your camera when taking the picture close is good. Remember it’s better to have that camera in the deer’s face than to have it so far away that you are unable to make out the pictures.
Tip # 4 The best way to view the pictures is by using a picture viewer.
Although, a picture viewer is not the only way. If you don't want to invest in an expensive viewer, just purchase an economical digital camera that accepts the same type of SD card as your trail cam. You can check your pictures in the field using this and delete the unwanted ones. It is also a good idea to always bring another card along, this way you can switch out the SD card and bring your pictures back with you.
Tip # 5 Baiting is never a bad idea (where it’s legal and if it’s not, then well it’s a very bad idea). If baiting is not allowed, then go to the next best thing; find out what your deer like to eat by research and experimenting. Then get your trail cam close to this food source for some great snap shots, as far as deer browse goes acorns are the old standby and make for some good results.
Good hunting and God bless,
Ryan Lilly
White oak acorns are preferred like the ones pictured here, reds work well also just not as well
Tip #1 Take one cam off the beaten path to get pictures of that camera shy buck: The first thing a lot of people will do when trying to set a camera location is set up near game sign. However; if you want to see the bruisers that cruise the brush that no weekend adventurer wants to tread follow this tip. Put on your high boots and get ready to go through some gnarly cover. Big deer are creatures of solitude for the most part and want to be secluded. Of course, during the rut this all goes out the window, but for the most part this is true.
Tip # 2 Master the art of using funnels: Place your trail camera near funnels. Rivers, fences any type of barricades that will push deer in a certain direction are very useful. Remember deer are lazy and will most often take the path of least resistance. A fence with a missing beam that makes it easier to jump, or a fence with a missing strand of barbed wire making it possible for a deer to slide under it also help to create that funnel. You can make these modifications yourself, however: if it’s not your land check with the owner.
Tip #3 Don't be afraid to get the camera close to the trail: As long as there’s no audible noise or flash (however if its an info red camera you wont have to worry about visible flash) coming from your camera when taking the picture close is good. Remember it’s better to have that camera in the deer’s face than to have it so far away that you are unable to make out the pictures.
Tip # 4 The best way to view the pictures is by using a picture viewer.
Although, a picture viewer is not the only way. If you don't want to invest in an expensive viewer, just purchase an economical digital camera that accepts the same type of SD card as your trail cam. You can check your pictures in the field using this and delete the unwanted ones. It is also a good idea to always bring another card along, this way you can switch out the SD card and bring your pictures back with you.
Tip # 5 Baiting is never a bad idea (where it’s legal and if it’s not, then well it’s a very bad idea). If baiting is not allowed, then go to the next best thing; find out what your deer like to eat by research and experimenting. Then get your trail cam close to this food source for some great snap shots, as far as deer browse goes acorns are the old standby and make for some good results.
Good hunting and God bless,
Ryan Lilly
White oak acorns are preferred like the ones pictured here, reds work well also just not as well
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