How often to check game cameras?

[yakimanoob]

Hey folks,

I searched for this topic and didn't come up with much on this forum (although some other forums have covered it of course).  I'm curious what everyone's approaches are to how often you check your game cams (particularly for elk).  How often do you check them?  Does it depending on the season? Area? Whether you're hunting a bull vs spike vs cow? What factors into your decisions on how often to check?

Lets assume it's a traditional cam that requires you to pull a memory card. 

I ask, of course, because I have a cam out in 360 that I put up a few weeks ago and I'm naturally itching to see if the elk have been using that path.  I saw a big group with about 8 spikes in it a couple miles from where I hung my cam so I know they're in the area. 

Looking forward to your thoughts,

[bobcat]

With elk I would check often, because they like to rub up against the cameras and/or lick them. Many times I have found a camera either moved halfway around a tree, or the lens covered in elk slobber. So you either miss out on a lot of potential pictures, or you get blurry pictures. So I would check weekly if possible.

[yakimanoob]

Hmmm wouldn't have thought about that. I'll probably check it this weekend.

Does checking weekly raise any concerns about disturbing the elk from the area?

[treeclimber2852]

I'd be checking mine with the season less than two weeks out...but there's a fire and although my cameras appear to be out of harm's way- I won't be getting back in that area until the snow flies.  Probably be a lot of great pics though.  And this is why you have a plan B, C, D, E, F etc. 

[branches]

We would check our cameras about every two weeks. The elk do not seem to care as long as we are in and out in a short time. We have had the same elk on camera just before we changed out the SD card and the new SD card would have that same elk on camera within just a few hours after we left the area. I think us checking the cameras around mid day was also a plus.

[emac]

I check mine every 2 weeks and then about weekly as the season approaches. Doesnt seem to bother and of tje animals patterns

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