I put one out a couple years ago in January, in a place I never would have done so during hunting season. I put a few apples on the ground in front if it, as that always helps in getting more, and better pictures. I checked it after one week and had quite a few elk pictures. After one more week I went to check it again and it was gone. Someone had decided they needed my camera more than I did. So...I would be careful where you put a camera even though it's after hunting season.
You mentioned predators- that's what I would focus on this time of year, especially since you only have one camera. I've been doing that now for the last three winters, and it's been really interesting to see what comes in to the bait. Coyotes, bobcats, possums, skunks, hawks, vultures, and once I got pictures of a cougar.