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?

[h20hunter]

Good question with no set answer. We have had threads that debate it in the past. Only thing I can tell you is the areas I've had cams and baited I've waited 30 days from when the bait/feed/scent/salt was consumed or otherwise gone before hunting the general area for bear.

[iRem]

Good question with no set answer. We have had threads that debate it in the past. Only thing I can tell you is the areas I've had cams and baited I've waited 30 days from when the bait/feed/scent/salt was consumed or otherwise gone before hunting the general area for bear.

That make sense! May just have to wait until its gone and than pull back on little ol booboo!

[Southpole]

I leave mine out all year. It might shorten the life of the camera, but it's worth it and they're not as expensive as they used to be. You just never know what might show up on it and you're never going to get "that" picture if you don't have it out. C-post anyone?

[h20hunter]

I think a common sense approach to the difference in timing and hunting to make sure you are not given the impression you are hunting over bait. If I'm hunting deer over bait then I keep the bear tag at home. No tag in hand you can't tell me i'm hunting bear.

[grundy53]

Good question with no set answer. We have had threads that debate it in the past. Only thing I can tell you is the areas I've had cams and baited I've waited 30 days from when the bait/feed/scent/salt was consumed or otherwise gone before hunting the general area for bear.

quit putting out bait a month before bear season and  be far enough away so that you can reasonably say you are not hunting over bait. Like H2O said be aware of what might be inferred and counter that...

[iRem]

C-post anyone?

Lol

[D-Rock425]

 

[Button Nubbs]

I start early may. Start with salt. Move to apples

[Doublelunger]

Put out salt or a compressed block. I use stuff high in protein in the early season.  They will last a lot longer and keep the deer coming back.  Apples or feed will get gobbled up in a couple days.  I would put your camera up asap. No reason not to. I wouldn't mess with scents either.

[Turner89]

I keep mine out all year. This year I pulled them all in december, to try and save them from the weather.   I put them all back out within a month. My addiction is stronger than I realized :chuckle

[huntnnw]

no point in leaving cams out all year..I dont need my cams out in the elements being worn down for nothing and possibly stolen. My cams go out as soon as bucks and bulls are getting enough antler to see what they may become..usually June

[pope]

Today I put out my first cam ever. I am hunting foothill blacktails at a low enough elevation that I'm pretty sure they are residents. I'm trying to learn what trails are used during shooting hours when feed is thin like it will be by rifle/late buck season. As spring progresses and feed improves, bedding, movement and feed preferences change. Information gained during spring/summer may not be useful in early autumn and beyond, outside of learning what animals are in the area.