New to trail cameras question

[71Shovelhead]

As the subject says Im new to trail cameras. I have a couple question about settings. Are there setting that are mostly used such as  Photo, Video,Time laps, Hi low resolution, Photo burst, video length, photo delays? such as Photo, high res, 3 photo burst, with 10 sec delay etc... I will try different ones as time gos on, but at the distance I have to travel (drive) and the time it taks to walk in to my camera its going to be a long learing curve.

Thanks

[cougforester]

Depends on if you have any bait down or if you're on a trail. I set up mine for a 3 picture rapid burst with a 10 second reset if it's on a trail. 2 picture regular burst with a 30 second delay if it's set up over salt. I only do videos when I have a camera set up over an elk wallow where I can get to it every couple weeks to make sure there's memory space on the SD card.

My cameras within an hour drive of my place use a 16 GB card, over that is 32 GB to be sure that you don't run out of space. I always do max resolution, might as well have good pictures if you're going to have the cameras out. It is a steep learning curve, but quite rewarding when you get it down!

[Blacktail Sniper]

An easy and affordable way would be to set-up in your yard.  Then you can experiment with the various settings, both night and day over the course of a couple days.

By doing that, you can have a pretty good idea what each function has to offer before setting out in the timberlands "blind," especially if you plan on hanging them any distance from home.

Nothing more disappointing than the wait to see what you have "captured" on your camera, then find out the settings were wrong, or worse, there is a problem with the camera.

Found that with a brand new StealthCam recently.  Right out of the box, it couldn't take a night picture anywhere close to what was advertised.  Repackaged and back to the store it went next day, would have hated to have found that out after a long soak in the woods...

[Blacktail Sniper]

Just to be clear in case it sounded like I was saying just hang it out back and see what happens, I meant walking in front of it to trigger it (you can, a kid, or a dog if you have one).

That gives you an idea of the sensor range, quality of picture at each setting, how fast the trigger activates, etc.

[71Shovelhead]

Thanks for the replys. think I will try the backyard idea with the wife and pug. Should be fun. Initially it will be on a proven trail the branch from there. I like the burst and delay ideas too.

Thanks everyone for taking the time to reply

[bobcat]

I would set them for the highest number of pictures for each time triggered, and the shortest delay. The only exception to that would be if you're using bait.

[cougforester]

Bring a pair of hand trimmers to try to clip smaller branches that could trigger the camera. Learned my lesson way too many times to not warn everyone. It's a bummer when you have a camera on a two month soak to come back to 12k pictures of one branch waving around and your card is filled up in the first couple days

[71Shovelhead]

thanks Coug,
great advise, trimmers are now in my pack

[Elkcollector82]

As stated before.  Test it out at home. Some trail cams can be picky with what kind of as card you have in them. Like my bushnell’s only like 32gb scandisk. Were as my stealth cam will run anything I put in it. Then I mark the sd card that worked in each cam as a pair. So #1 sd card goes to #1 cam. That’s only needed ifbyoir running multiple cams. Which most likely you will be by spring time. Cause it’s addicting.

[cougforester]

thanks Coug,
great advise, trimmers are now in my pack

 

[Antlershed]

I will second everything that has already been said. Only thing to add is pay attention to which direction your camera is facing. A rising or setting sun directly in your camera lens/sensor will trigger the camera, and you will end up with hundreds of sunrise/sunset photos.

[71Shovelhead]

Just set up a squirrel feeder. Rumor in the cal de sac has it there are a couple "bookers" in the area. Time will tell. Set up is Hi resolution, three picture burst, 10 second delay. Security box, python cable, hi tech padlock, arborvitae camo, dummy cam, with our Pug on patrol... 

[71Shovelhead]

wife just checked out the set up and suggested Hardi plank or cedar fence camo next time. I went more rural camo for my first set up. What do you guys think? Maybe a poll is in order. what is best camo pattern?: Urban; Suburban; rural; wilderness

[71Shovelhead]

I'm very surprised by the amount of activity in our yard at night. In one night we have video of a raccoon, possum, rabbit and a RAT(which is no longer with us).  It’s no wonder why each morning our Pug spends an hour or so sniffing around his yard. I knew we had suburban wildlife but not to this extent. The next door neighbor was shocked he had no idea.

[yakimanoob]

I'm very surprised by the amount of activity in our yard at night. In one night we have video of a raccoon, possum, rabbit and a RAT(which is no longer with us).  It’s no wonder why each morning our Pug spends an hour or so sniffing around his yard. I knew we had suburban wildlife but not to this extent. The next door neighbor was shocked he had no idea.

I imagine most people would be pretty shocked at how many critters live in the urban/suburban areas.  Deer, coyote, racoon, possum, and rabbit all THRIVE in most suburban areas.  Not to mention a handful of different species of birds of prey. 

Now it's time for you to learn to post your photos on here . 

Have fun!