I think dad is starting a trail cam soon.......

[backwoods_boy]

So i think i got my dad thinking about doing this whole trail cam thing.
it will be our first and we will try it out on our property just to see how it works.
do you guys have any good advice for him when buying and setting up a good trail cam setup.
any advice would be great guys thanks.

[croix]

Take the time to figure out which direction animals will be coming from and try to point the camera down the trail. My first setup got a lot of animal backsides because they were crossing the camera instead of coming towards or away. Also make sure the camera angle is correct (up/down) and there is nothing blocking the shot. Be aware of how the sun will hit the camera during all times of day - a bright afternoon sun directly in front of the cam can ruin some shots. Anything you can do to hold the animals in the field of view is helpful - bait when legal.

Use a scent eliminator after placing your camera.

I'm sure there are other great tips but these are a few off the top of my head.

[Triplebrow]

This topic has been beat to death. Do a little research in this section or use the search function at the top right.  PM michelle nelson, I believe she just had a similar post. You will find it boils down to how much you want to spend for quality pictures and trigger speed.  The trigger speed thing is easily compensated for by setting it up certain ways... not 2 feet away from a trail and 90 degrees to it.

[backwoods_boy]

[Antlershed]

Like was mentioned...pay attention to the sun. The sun hitting it in the morning can trigger the camera and you end up with a bunch of nothing. Also, if you have a well defined trail and it is brushy, set the camera so it is pointing down the trail not across it. This will help if you have a camera with a slower trigger. It also makes for better pics. I never put a camera out without at least a salt lick under it. Just something so the deer/elk will stop in front of the camera. I'm a believer in peanut butter now though. 

[Black Ghost]

I think setting it up on the property is smart, but I would suggest trying it out in the house.  Set it up, and leave it for a hour.  Check it out, and see how it works.  You will be able to test in the dark, and you can watch the trigger speed, etc.  Everything else is kinda trial and error.  I don't use any scent eliminator, I do watch for sunrises and contact with direct sunlight. 

[Antlershed]

I forgot to add that I do use scent eliminator. I spray the camera/bear box down right before I leave, as well as the tree around the camera and I will spray a little on the trail as i walk out. It may not be needed, but it sure doesn't hurt.

[stumprat]

Check out chasingame.com

[backwoods_boy]

Thanks guys!