First game camera advice please

[davk]

I do the highest resolution it will go, shortest delay it will go, 3 photo.  More often than not, only 1 of the 3 photos gives a good shot of the animal.  Especially if you are looking at antler size.  Usually bad angle or blurry.  Also will catch a second animal trailing the 1st if they are moving.  Think of a buck trailing a doe.  Would never even consider running 1 photo.  I run 16GB cards, and have had thousands ... forget exactly but around 3000 pictures and there was plenty of space.  I wouldnt be overly hesitant to run 8gb ... especially if you plan on checking regularly.  I go 6+ months frequently.  I would look at your camera as far as card speeds.  I think mine suggest a class 4 or something.  I have ran a 5$ card reader that plugs into my phone for 3 years now with no issues.  Light, always have it in my bino harness.  Something I dont do, but its on the list, is to carry 1 backup card in case Im checking cams and are having issues and can switch cards.  I guess Id also suggest carrying a set of batteries.  I just put out a cam with 10% life left ... didnt have extras with me.  Kicking myself for that after driving a few hours and hiking in.  Little extra weight is worth it if you are out checking cards.  I try not to put any trail cams where I expect human traffic, but even in some crazy locations I get people.  I dont run any locks ... personal preference.  Extra cost and if they want it they will get it, the plastic tabs holding the cable on for most of the trail cams isnt going to stop a 5 year old with a 2$ pocketknife.

[Bango skank]

Better to go single photo / short delay over 3 shot burst / long delay

[yakimanoob]

Deleting all of the photos does not reformat the card. Reformatting the card on your computer may not work depending on how the computer decides to format it. Read the instructions for your camera and reformat it in the camera every time, not on a computer or a card reader. You will never have a problem unless the card is damaged, then you will know because the camera will give an error when attempting to format.
(It's always a good idea to format memory cards in the device that will be writing the image.)

There are subtle variances in the "Format" technique/code/process between different models.  I do NOT recommend formatting on any other device besides the camera in which you're using the card. 

Solid advice from JohnD and TommyH

If you have pets, set it up in your house and see how well it captures them in various modes.  IMHO, the choice between 3-shot bursts, single shot, etc is dependent on the performance of the individual camera's detection circuitry.  Single shot may work best for one camera, while burst might be best for another.  Only way to find out is to try it! 

HAVE FUN!!!!  And if you don't want to fall down the rabbit hole like the rest of us, get out now.  I can offer that camera a good home 

[buglebrush]

I've formatted cards in a couple of different laptops for a dozen different camera models.  Never ever had a problem with a laptop for formatting.   

[smithkl42]

I've formatted cards in a couple of different laptops for a dozen different camera models.  Never ever had a problem with a laptop for formatting.   

Formatting a card on my laptop has sometimes worked for me, and sometimes not. I've now adopted the conservative approach of always formatting a card in the camera when I put it in.

[b0bbyg]

My biggest issue with setups is making sure there is not some small limb or grass that waves too close to the camera.

I did get some good pic's but lots of pictures of flowers that were getting blown around that I had to go through to find them, not to mention you are out in the field swapping cards and see 300+ pics and are all excited. Then get home and have 300 views of nothing