First Time Using A Trail Cam

[Shotgun84]

Hello, I was just wondering how long yall wait to check your cameras after you put them out. This is my first time putting one out and Im so excited to see what is on it I cant hardly wait to check it.

The other thing is I dont want to be in that area to much and definetely dont want to run the off deer while Im checking it so short of knowing exactly what time the deer are using that section of the trail when is the best time of day to check your cameras ?

Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Im trying to pattern a good buck for my uncle. He doesn't get to hunt much and I'm hoping to get eveything perfect for the first weekend of MZ. Im gonna surprise him with a new stand but I really want to make sure it's in the right spot. LOL

 

[Dbllunger]

For me personally, I like to let them sit for about two weeks or so. I generally try to check in the middle of the day and be as careful as possible about scent control. I know this is pretty basic and generic information but it is what works for me.

 

[BSK]

Shotgun84,

At this time of year (August through January) I basically run trail-cameras for a living. I check my cameras weekly. HOWEVER, I do follow some stringent rules about camera placement and checking procedures that help reduce my scent around the cameras greatly, and have dramatically increased how long I can run a camera at a given location before I see signs deer are avoiding the location.

1) I try to place cameras at the best locations that also have easy access. And by easy access I mean:

2) I check cameras from a vehicle, preferably an ATV or UTV. For whatever reason, even hunter-wary deer do not seem to react to the smell of a vehicle having been driven through an area anywhere near as much as a person having walked through. Riding right up to the cameras on an ATV has DRAMATICALLY reduced camera avoidance compared to walking to the cameras.

3) I keep boots and clothing as scent-free as possible when checking cameras. In fact, when it is cool enough, I wear a cheap plastic rain suit while checking cameras. These plastic rain suits keep hair, clothing fibers, and human scent from drifting off my body and falling all over the ground around the camera. The suit also keeps clothing fibers from catching on any grass, brush or briers I might rub against. These cheap plastic suits are also very easy to hose down and/or soak with scent-reducing products.

 

[Planking]

Excellent advice! I use the atv as well.

 

[Shotgun84]

Thanks dbllunger and BSK, I never would have guessed that using an ATV would be more effective but I'm going to give it a try. I also really like the rainsuit idea. Hopefully I can make myself stay out of there until after the juvenile hunt. I will post whatever pics I get.

 

[JCDEERMAN]

The only thing I have to add is try to face your camera North as much as possible. That way the sun doesn't foul any pictures up at any time of the day

 

[BSK]

The only thing I have to add is try to face your camera North as much as possible. That way the sun doesn't foul any pictures up at any time of the day

Excellent advice.

 

[old_man]

Excellent advice on setting the camera facing north.
A couple of shots from my Moultrie 880s.