The Trail cam decision game

[lamrith]

Looking at getting my 1st trail cams.  Like everyone $ is tight, but I am extremely limited budget, I will also be putting them up on public land and have to face the fact that one or more could get stolen by various lowlife scum.

Thinking just grab cheapest ones I can, and a couple of them to spread them out a bit?  I see used ones around from Moultrie in various models D40, D60..?

Do the armored cam cases actually work?

Any other tips, ideas other than hike in as far away from roads as possible?

[3nails]

 I'd rather have one good camera than three cheapos.

[bobcat]

I don't spend more than about $70 each on cameras, and of all the cameras I have (and have had) I have never bought any kind of security box. I did have one $40 Tasco stolen a couple years ago. But I have several cameras out in the woods, almost year around, and that's the only one I've had stolen, and that was only because I put it in a location that was too easy to get to. It was January so I just didn't think anybody would be out wandering around. Not locking up my cameras does limit the places where I feel comfortable leaving them. So that's up to you, and if my cameras were the $150 to $200 cameras, I'd think a lot harder about securing them.

I definitely wouldn't recommend the Moultrie D40. I've got a couple, but they are old, bulky, and go through D batteries quickly.

I'd recommend getting a few different kinds of cameras so you can find out for yourself what you like and what works best for you.

One I would recommend is the Primos Ultra 35. Natchez Shooters Supply has new units for $70 and refurbished for $60.

http://www.natchezss.com/primos-truth-cam-35-ultra-trail-game-camera-3mp.html

[3nails]

 Hey bobcat, is that Primos as easy to use as the older model? I'd consider getting one if it is.

[bobcat]

Hey bobcat, is that Primos as easy to use as the older model? I'd consider getting one if it is.

Yes, pretty much. It has the same type of slide switches, no buttons. Very easy to use and takes lots of pictures. Fast trigger, 5 shot burst, and doesn't miss anything that gets in front of it.

[trophyhunt]

I've had good luck with my primos 46 but I've heard others haven't. It sounds like the 35 is better.  I will never hang my cameras without a bear box, we had one last year stolen at least a mile off a trail in the back country.  They cut the plastic camera box and left the locked cable to the tree.  I have heard the bushnell bear box is cheap and easy to break into.  I bought the covert box but it only holds certain covert cameras, I bought a covert off amazon the other day for 189.00.  the box shipped was 59.00.  I have heard only good things about the covert's, but they are a bit expensive.  I just got tired of my cheap bushnells not working, I have two in my room that don't work, one is only one year old.  I would get a good bear box no matter what you buy, I will never hang a camera without it.  One of my boxes was hand made out of steel, it must weigh about 20 or 30 lbs, sucks packing in but I know my camera will be there every time I go to check it. 

[stringer]

I've been happy with the Bushnell 5mp, think it's been replaced with the 6mp now, on sale occasionally.  Had one 3 miles from nearest road, figured anyone walking that far would be an ethical hunter, but got taken anyway.  Must have needed it more than me. About the only way I see avoiding theft is placing it on a slightly used game trail, but then you miss a lot of traffic.  Lockbox is good for bears, don't think it will stop a two-footer.

[trophyhunt]

I've been happy with the Bushnell 5mp, think it's been replaced with the 6mp now, on sale occasionally.  Had one 3 miles from nearest road, figured anyone walking that far would be an ethical hunter, but got taken anyway.  Must have needed it more than me. About the only way I see avoiding theft is placing it on a slightly used game trail, but then you miss a lot of traffic.  Lockbox is good for bears, don't think it will stop a two-footer.

No one is getting into my bear box without a chainsaw, but the cheap boxes may or may not stop the two footed dirt bags. Either way, I'm not hanging a camera without one.

[Wolfdog2314]

Another reccomendation for the primos ultra 35. I run a few and have never had any problems. Some pics come out very sharp and clear, but some others aren't as well due to lighting or whatever. But u can still see what animal and how big it is.

[NOCK NOCK]

I weld my own metal boxes, easy to do, and designed stronger than store bought ones.
The best theft deterrent is to put them where they wont be seen by the average person walking in the woods.  A thief will need a ladder to steal mine, or have to drop the tree. I run 12 bushnells, have had a few minor problems with them, but mostly very happy with the cams and their customer service/easy of replacement.
They just offered me a 14mp aggressor no glow for $120....deal!  it takes incredible pics/vids, going to hang it at my best muley spot this weekend.

[huntnnw]

look on Dicks sporting goods site