trail cams getting stolen all the time

[Maverick]

it seems that trail cams are getting stolen all the time.. It's pretty sad that hunters are messing with eachother this much. Can't we all just get along? How well do the lock boxes work? Is it just for looks? Looking into getting a trail cam but don't want one getting stolen. I guess it's all a risk putting them out on public land. I like the idea of putting on up in the tree hidden facing down on the trail cam taking pics. That way you can catch whoever stole your cam. I also like the thought of the cams that send a pic to your phone so you can catch someone in the act. And know when stuff is going on. Is it the guy who steals the camera to blame or the guy who is dumb enough to put the camera out on public land? (no offense to anyone) and I know they are getting stolen on private land as well. What do you guys think?

[h20hunter]

I have mine out in public land. I guess I'll be the dummy when it gets stolen. For now I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[Sumpnneedskillin]

I've always used some sort of locking device for mine.  I built my own for my Moultrie and bought one for my Trophy cam.  Both of them I used a Master Lock Python lock on them.  It keeps the honest people honest and the opportunist at bay.  If someone is determined to get it they'll find a way.  The nice thing about the python is you can pick just any decent sized tree and the lock will fit around it.

[trippledigitss]

This is one of the reasons I have not gotten one yet. I dont want to worry about it getting stolen or hassle with trying to secure it for nuclear war. I may just get an inexpensive one to put around mine or other private property then branch out to public areas after awhile. I've always wondered how well the locking devices worked. I guess the other choice is carry a 20ft extension ladder out to the woods with me....

[HornHoarder]

I operate 4 trail cams most of the year. On both private and public land. I have never had one stolen in the three years Ive been using them. Never used any locking device either. I use moultrie 5 megapixel cameras that are relatively inexpensive (about 80 bucks), so if one ever came up missing I wouldnt be out a whole lot.

[billythekidrock]

I operate 4 trail cams most of the year. On both private and public land. I have never had one stolen in the three years Ive been using them. Never used any locking device either. I use moultrie 5 megapixel cameras that are relatively inexpensive (about 80 bucks), so if one ever came up missing I wouldnt be out a whole lot.

That's about how I do it. I do have a couple $200 Bushnells with boxes/cables & locks, but my Moultries and Wildviews are not locked.

I used to put them out for a week and then take them down for months before I figured they were doing no good in the house. Now I have 7 cams and though I try to hide them, I am not afraid to put them close to roads on public land.

I know I will get burned eventually, but what good are they if I don't use them?

[buck man]

I too put out a out 10 cameras during archery season and the only camera I ha e had stolen were in private land and in a lock box! 90%  of my cams are Kn public land and so far so good. I find the more remote you are the less of a chance to get stolen. Did have an sd card stolen out of one this year on private land. My guess is the tresspasser got his pic taken and took the evidence   sure would like to catch one of these idiots!

[Rob]

I buy cheap used cameras so if they get stolen, no big deal - cost of doing business if you will.

Also, I print on them "please leave where found, Thanks!" so that if an honest hiker sees one and wonders what the heck it is, they leave it alone.  I have more than one photo of mushroom hunters checking out my camera and leaving them where they are.