Trail cam questions...?

[steeliedrew]

I'm planning on purchasing my first of several trail cams in a few weeks. I have a few questions about them.

1.) what do you look for in a trail cam? Megapixels? Infrared flash? sensitivity? With so many brands and models I'm at a loss with what to go with. Also, I'm not looking to break the bank due to the theft rate on them.

2.) what is the best method in securing them to a tree? Lock box with a chain or cable around the tree?

3.) how high can they be attached and still be sensitive enough for pics? I was thinking I could use a self climbing tree stand to install a trail cam at 15' or so off the ground and angle it down. That way any low life's would have to climb the tree to get it.

thanks,

Drew

[mtncook]

You only need infrared so 2 leggers will not see the flash.  The game animals will not be bothered by the white flash. Your idea of high placing is good but alot of work.  Just find a place where 2 leggers are not likely to travel.  I have not lost one yet and have had a few people look closely as the camera caught them.  All my locations are in the wilderness so that does limit alot of people.

mtncook

[huntnnw]

Ill disagree with the flash...the biggest buck I ever killed a 8+ yr old 190" whitetail never returned to an area where I hung a flash camera..he avoided it as I was able to watch him in the summer and see what he did. I also wouldnt hang a flash cam on trails..maybe a bait where the deer will become use to it over months.

The question is how are the cams being used in front of bait, trails etc...how much money are u willing to spend? I would only buy cams over 4mp low mp pics in not great lighting or to far away will result in grainy pics and hard to see what it is. I also will buy only cams that run on dbl A batts

[jrebel]

Do a search on trail cameras, there is a ton of great information out there.   Also I think Smossy just did a thread similar to this one that has some good information. 

Good Luck, they a fun.

[DOsborn]

I use to think that megapixels were important, but I have a old cuddeback expert with 3 megapixels that takes better pictures that some 5 megapixels cameras I have. Are you going to put it over bait or just on a trail with no bait? If you plan to just put on trail with no bait then look for a camera with a fast trigger speed, if your planning to put it over bait then trigger speed is not as important, I do like the multi picture option, some times the second or third picture you get are the best.
  I aways put my camera in a bear box, but if someone wants it they are going to get it. You best bet is to put your camera where people aren't, remember most people are lazy and don't venture to far from a trail or road. As far as flash goes, I like the white flash but it will capture someone's attention if they walk by, I have both and they both take good pictures.
I have herd of people putting their cameras up in trees but have never tryed it myself, I just try to go we're I know most would not. Remember if you are targeting preditors put you camera low on the tree, like about 2 feet from the ground, I have had cougars circle the camera and only got a ear or his back many times.
  Welcome to the addiction, enjoy,   Don

[Stizz]

Ill disagree with the flash...the biggest buck I ever killed a 8+ yr old 190" whitetail never returned to an area where I hung a flash camera..he avoided it as I was able to watch him in the summer and see what he did. I also wouldnt hang a flash cam on trails..maybe a bait where the deer will become use to it over months.

The question is how are the cams being used in front of bait, trails etc...how much money are u willing to spend? I would only buy cams over 4mp low mp pics in not great lighting or to far away will result in grainy pics and hard to see what it is. I also will buy only cams that run on dbl A batts

I agree. I spooked lots of animals when i used the flash. Scared an entire herd of elk with it once too, pretty funny to see the picture progression on that one!

[steeliedrew]

I just went through the 1st time buyers guide on the trail cam pro website. It looks like the bushnell trophy cam HD is a good fit for me and not too bad on price. I'm hoping to get a minimum of 2 to start with. I'll be getting lock boxes and and python locks for each.

One thing I read on that site is that it's a good idea to put zorb-it packs inside the camera case to illuminate moisture. does anybody do this?

[bobcat]

If the Bushnell is in your price range, you might also consider the Covert DLC "Red 40". It's been getting great reviews, many seem to much prefer it over the Bushnell's. it's on sale for $170 at Walnut Creek Archery:

http://www.walnutcreekarchery.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_6&products_id=2038

[Turner89]

I just went through the 1st time buyers guide on the trail cam pro website. It looks like the bushnell trophy cam HD is a good fit for me and not too bad on price. I'm hoping to get a minimum of 2 to start with. I'll be getting lock boxes and and python locks for each.

One thing I read on that site is that it's a good idea to put zorb-it packs inside the camera case to illuminate moisture. does anybody do this?

No I don't use them, but I think it's a good idea. Thanks

[duckmen1]

Inferred is better for many reasons, more magapixels makes them more clear, but on of the biggest factors I look for is trigger speed and battery life. Cuddyback is my favorite. Bushnell minies are good to.

[huntnnw]

people that say the flash doesnt scare animals hasnt watched from afar...back before IR and digital I was able to watch my flash cam from 200 yards with bait and everytime that flash went off all the deer bolted..and came back..the bigger bucks didnt care much for the flash cams.

With the MP...alot of times u will get pics of animals to far away or just out of the effective range of flash and with better pic resolutions your able to zoom in on the pic and see exactly what it was

[Todd_ID]

One thing to watch for with respect to the megapixel count is whether or not it is actual MP or effective MP.  Many 8MP cameras are 4 or 6MP cameras with digital enhancement that is supposed to boost them to an 8MP equivalent photo. Bologna!