How long do you still run cameras after season closes?

[DoubleRidge]

I've been buying and using Walmart/Duracell batteries because nothing else but Lithium is said to last very long. I'm only getting about 1 to a month and a half with them at best requiring constantly inspecting and replacing batteries through out the season for non-cell cameras. A pain except that my cell cameras that can notify me when batteries are getting low. Next year I'm going to shell out for lithium batteries. Any advice? I would use solar charged external batteries but most of my cameras are in the woods and I don't think they would receive enough sunlight to keep them charged. Are you using alkaline, lithium, or solar for power? Observations appreciated.

I've never tried solar power but have a coworker who has several. I had a similar concern about shaded areas and having enough direct sunlight. He said his cameras charge fine with indirect sunlight. Believe he said he's ran a few of his cellular solar powered cameras for a year straight without ever going to them. No issues. That got my attention and has me traveling down the solar power rabbit hole. And yes eliminating battery cost would be nice but not having to intrude into certain areas, especially during the season, would be great.

 

[BigJohnJTP]

Guess I'll try the Amazon AA batteries. Sounds like a great deal. Thanks! I hate arriving to pull a card and finding out the batteries were dead and wondering what I missed. Also - I gave the grandkids several AA powered flashlights over the years and they always seem to be leaving them on and killing those batteries too. The Amazon AA's will work in both. Although I may have solved that problem because I gave both of the boys rechargeable flashlights that use USB/phone/tablet style charging cables. Which they also often seem to be misplacing as well! Unfortunately for US most all the batteries, chargers, phones, tablets, laptops, trail cameras, etc. cause us to send billions of dollars to China.

 

[tellico4x4]

Until all the bucks are bald.

 

[redblood]

Guess I'll try the Amazon AA batteries. Sounds like a great deal. Thanks! I hate arriving to pull a card and finding out the batteries were dead and wondering what I missed. Also - I gave the grandkids several AA powered flashlights over the years and they always seem to be leaving them on and killing those batteries too. The Amazon AA's will work in both. Although I may have solved that problem because I gave both of the boys rechargeable flashlights that use USB/phone/tablet style charging cables. Which they also often seem to be misplacing as well! Unfortunately for US most all the batteries, chargers, phones, tablets, laptops, trail cameras, etc. cause us to send billions of dollars to China.

100 aa batteries for 22.00

Pretty good

 

[deerhunter10]

I've always had good luck out of energizer max.I don't run lithium either. I've had the worst luck out of Duracell. I know several people that run their camera with dg batteries don't know anyone who has used Amazon's or harbor freight.

 

[Speedwell-Hunter]

I run 3 cameras year around because I enjoy watching wildlife such as coyotes, fawns, and bobcats. I hope to see a mountain lion on camera some day. I know they are here despite what TWRA says.

Awesome buck ! He'd be a definite shooter for me.

LOL on the mountain line quip, we shall b waiting for the clip

 

[Andy S.]

Year around

Ditto! I reduce the number, but keep several out year-round.

 

[Buzzard Breath]

I've always had good luck out of energizer max.I don't run lithium either. I've had the worst luck out of Duracell. I know several people that run their camera with dg batteries don't know anyone who has used Amazon's or harbor freight.

I've used DG batteries for years. But, they've gone up in price over the last couple of years. I'm going to look into Amazon batteries for next year.

 

[DeerCamp]

I am currently running 12 cameras on 5 different properties.

I typically leave them out because they're also useful during turkey season, and by the time turkey season is over, antlers are starting to grow.

I think I'm going to do a total refresh this year, take them all down, clean them up and put them out in different spots