When to put out the trail cam?

[iRem]

So my question is when is the most opportune time to put out my trail cam? I only have one cam left as the other one was stolen a couple of years ago. I don't have time to put it now but when would be the best time to put it out and what would be a great attractant to keep them/deer around prior to the early season? I have always used apples but they are not in season, so do I use sweet corn, salt, what would be some thing I could use when I do put it out? Would deer scent help at this time of year to attract and keep them around as well? Thoughts?
This is the deer that I am hoping to keep around this season as I found him late in the season last year!

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

Never take it down!

[bobcat]

I would probably start in mid-June, you should easily see antler growth by that time, and deer are very actively feeding at that time of the year. I would set up on a well used trail near, or in, a good feeding area. I'm not sure there's any kind of bait that will work. I have tried salt blocks in spring and summer and the deer never touched them. I've been using apples as soon as I can get them, usually late August.

[h20hunter]

All year....makes a good excuse to go for a hike to see what is up. Also...if there is a little snow on the ground you can learn a bit more about travel routes.

[pendoreilleadventures]

I am on the eastside of the state so I wait until the snow is gone may/early June. I like to use salt and corn. depending on the area corn can bring in a ton of bears. So sometimes i just stick with salt.

[iRem]

Do think scent or some type of attractant will work in addition to feed or stick with feed?

[h20hunter]

Stick with feed....

[pendoreilleadventures]

I know I have used scents earlier then rut and sometimes it seemed to do the opposite. I saw less deer.

[grundy53]

All year....makes a good excuse to go for a hike to see what is up. Also...if there is a little snow on the ground you can learn a bit more about travel routes.

[bobcat]

For just scent I've heard of guys using vanilla. That's for whitetail deer but I don't see why it wouldn't work for all species, and elk too. I just haven't got around to trying it.

Another one that's supposed to work really well is grape kool aid. Again, I have not tried it yet, but probably will this spring/summer.

[iRem]

For just scent I've heard of guys using vanilla. That's for whitetail deer but I don't see why it wouldn't work for all species, and elk too. I just haven't got around to trying it.

Another one that's supposed to work really well is grape kool aid. Again, I have not tried it yet, but probably will this spring/summer.

Grape Cool Aid! I'm gonna have to try it!

[h20hunter]

Be carefull with the scents and stuff....anything you put out could be labeled as baiting for bear. A little pack of cool aid powder and boo boo will smell it from a ways away. Same with salt and of course the apples...they love 'em.

[grundy53]

Be carefull with the scents and stuff....anything you put out could be labeled as baiting for bear. A little pack of cool aid powder and boo boo will smell it from a ways away. Same with salt and of course the apples...they love 'em.

Which is fine as long as you don't hunt bears over the bait sight.

[h20hunter]

Yep....I agree 100%.....just have to be aware of what the game department may infer.

[iRem]

Be carefull with the scents and stuff....anything you put out could be labeled as baiting for bear. A little pack of cool aid powder and boo boo will smell it from a ways away. Same with salt and of course the apples...they love 'em.

Yeah, I know of a couple of bears in the area! If I shoot a bear in the area how close or how far would I have to be in order for it not to be illegal? I know there's a lot of post on here about hunting over bait or even a gut pile but never paid any attention?