25 Best Trail Camera Tips

If you’re looking to capture the perfect trail camera shot, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best trail camera tips for getting great photos and videos! We’ll also cover how to set up your trail cameras for optimal results. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trail camera user, be sure to read on for the latest tips and tricks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting Up A Trail Camera

1.  Location

Choose the right location to set up your trail camera.  The right location could be the difference between getting valuable information on the routes and behaviors of the buck you want to get and not getting any good information.  Set up the camera so that the target area is 5-10 yards away from the camera.

 

 

 

 

2.  Height

Set the trail camera at the right height.  This depends on the animal you want to monitor. If it is a deer, then you want to place the trail camera at chest height. If it is to monitor other animals, then set it a little lower than the chest height.

 

 

 

 

3.  Camera Direction

It is important that you aim the camera in the right direction to gather the information you need. Take along a compass and use it to set your trail camera north or south.

 

 

 

 

4.  Trigger Speed

Set the right trigger speed on the trail camera.  With the right trigger speed set, the trail camera will begin taking shots as soon as the deer or other animals step into the frame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.  Batteries

Trail cameras use a lot of battery power. Make sure to purchase quality batteries that have a long duration.

 

 

 

 

6.  Memory Card

You don’t want to run out of storage while it was taking pictures.  Make sure the memory card has a lot of storage.

 

 

 

 

7.  Scent Control

Don’t forget to prevent your human scent from getting on the trail camera as much as possible.  Use gloves when setting up the trail camera and use scent-free soap when washing your hands. Also, be mindful of the clothes you wear. Keep them sealed in a scent-free bag until the day of setting up the camera.  Be mindful of cigarette and food odor.

 

 

 

 

8.  Set Up More Than One

To get more data, you may consider setting up more than one trail camera.  You can’t rely on one trail camera for all the data you need.  You will collect more data if you set up many trail cameras monitoring different directions that the animals may frequent.

 

 

 

 

9.  Level Camera

Make sure the trail camera is level.  You will benefit from clear and unobstructed images if the camera is level. Blurry or distorted pictures are the result of the trail cameras not being level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.  Check For Obstructions

Check for any obstructions you may have overlooked that could block the camera’s view. Obstructions like tree branches, leaves, and rocks may be in the line of sight of the camera.  Check and double-check for obstructions and remove them if you find some.

 

 

 

 

11.  Take Test Shots

After setting up the trail camera, take some test shots before you leave the area. The test shots will let you know if it is working properly.  The test shots will give you a good idea of the pictures the camera takes, how it works and if it is set up in the right location and pointing in the right direction. Remove any obstructions that are blocking the camera’s view or relocate the trail camera.

 

 

 

 

12.  Bait Pile

The best pictures will be taken when the deer is standing still at a spot. To get this great shot, set up a bait pile in front of the camera.

 

 

 

 

13.  Get Familiar With Camera

Before you set up the trail camera, you should get familiar with the camera.  Learn about its features and settings.

 

 

 

 

14.  Use T-Posts or Mounts

If you can’t find a good tree to mount the trail camera, use a tripod or another camera mount to set up the camera. You can also use a T-post or a stake-type camera mount to hold the camera if there are no trees to mount the camera.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.  Theft Prevention

There is a high possibility that if you don’t protect your trail camera from theft, you will not find it when you return on one of your trips. You can use a lock box or a heavy-duty camera box to protect the camera from theft or a bear destroying it.

 

 

 

 

16.  GPS Coordinates

If you are using a good number of trail cameras and have them well hidden with leaves, shrubs, and trees, there is a good chance that they may be covered by the time you return to the site. Mark the exact coordinates of each camera with a handheld GPS unit or a smartphone. Then load the coordinates into Google Earth and update them regularly.

 

 

 

 

17.  Google Earth

With the help of Google Earth, you can locate areas that have significant deer activity that you may be missing.  Use Google Earth as a scouting tool to monitor creeks, hills, plots, and other areas for buck territory.

 

 

 

 

18.  Photo Organization System

Develop a photo organization system if you take a lot of photos regularly. You have to develop a system to keep them organized based on the time and days they were taken.

 

 

 

 

19.  Be Patient

Don’t visit your trail cameras every week. This will alert deer to your presence and they will avoid the area. Instead, discipline yourself to visit the area every 3 to 4 weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20. Trail Camera Density

How many cameras you set up depends on a number of factors like the property’s acreage, habitat diversity, your preference, etc. However, the general rule of thumb states that there should be one camera for every 100 acres.

 

 

 

 

21.  Camera Storage

Store your trail camera in a cool, dry place when it is not in use.

 

 

 

 

22.  Clean Camera

To prevent dirt and grime build-up, clean your trail camera regularly.

 

 

 

 

23.  Check Batteries

Check the batteries regularly and replace them when they need to be replaced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24.  Format Memory Cards

Regularly format the memory card to keep them working well.

 

 

 

 

25.  Camera Movement

As seasons change, deer will start making changes to their routines and places to bed. Food sources may also start changing. You will have to move your cameras to new locations.

 

 

Trail Camera Accessories

1. Trail Camera Strap
The trail camera strap is used to strap the camera to the tree.

 

 

 

 

2.  Trail Camera Security Box
The trail camera security box prevents the trail camera from being stolen or destroyed by bears.

 

 

 

 

3. Trail Camera Holder
The trail camera holder holds the trail camera in place.

 

 

 

 

4. Trail Camera Solar Panel
The trail camera solar panel provides power for the trail panel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Bottom Line

If you use trail cameras for hunting, then you want to get the best photos of your target to get the data you need. We have discussed the best trail camera tips to help you collect the data you need to take home more bucks during the hunting season. You can read about the best trail cameras on the market today from this link.