Poll: Why Trail Cams Get Stolen

[Bean Counter]

Just curious why trail cameras are getting stolen  I'm thinking of making the plunge into camera ownership, but maybe some of you who have learned the hard way can pass on a lesson or two...

[seth30]

I have been using one for two years now, and no probs.  I dont place near roads, or trails used by humans

[bobcat]

I voted "other". It's because there are dishonest people in this world. If it's not yours, don't take it! Having said that, I've got six cameras out and most of them have been out for the last six months straight. None of them are locked, none are camouflaged. But I do have them in an area that doesn't get a lot of human activity. My main concern is here in a week when archery deer season opens. I'm thinking of pulling a couple of them, or at least moving them to less obvious trails.

[GoldTip]

I agree with wholeheartedly with Bobcats assessment, it's because there are POS thieves in this world, thats why camera's get stolen.

[huntnnw]

Brush footprints? I dont hunt in sand and silt ground you cant even see a boot track around here maybe  the occasional mole hill.. I voted other...the biggest reason I ve noticed them getting stolen around here is the cams being hung in high human traffic areas...semi urban woods lots and foothills where people hike,bike,hunters and kids playing around in the woods.

[runamuk]

because we live in a society where stealing is no longer considered a bad thing...its only bad if you get caught.....

at the core its a lack of manners

[christopheri]

I put other. It is the lack of morals and ethics. That is why game cams get stolen.

[rebal69972]

because we live in a society where stealing is no longer considered a bad thing...its only bad if you get caught.....

at the core its a lack of manners

 
 in other country's they cut off the hands of theifs in this country we slap there hands. 200 years ago we hung theifs.
 but we know the world we live in so for the cams i have had stolon i will take some of the blame. now my cams are chained and bolted (with 6" lag bolts) to the trees and i make sure they r a long way from anywhere another person will be or where people wouldn't want to go

[backyard bucks]

the last 4 years i have come across several cameras/tree stands each year. and with all of those i simple thumbs up or smile and wave for the pic.
i told a buddy about camera/self climber i came across in a local spot.. the first words out of his mouth was "why didn't you take it"!! i said are you kidding me... how do you like it when you have had your stands stolen? he understood at that point.
i myself have had more than 1 tree stand stolen from areas and I'm crossing my fingers my camera doesn't vanish. i think like others have said.. there is no consequences for actions anymore.. people figure why work for something that they can get for free.. sad!!!

so if you see someone on your camera's from north of spokane to lake stevens on the west side smiling for a pic it could of been me.. 

[backyard bucks]

one more thing to add..
i see where some have already said " it is because it is in a heavy traffic area or off a main trial"  WHY SHOULD THAT MATTER???
people should "should is the key" respect others property.. if not yours don't F@CKING TOUCH IT!

[huntnnw]

it doesn't matter...he asked why cams are stolen reasons. we all know the obvious,so I didn't state its not yours dont touch

[h20hunter]

I've been know to smile for a camera or two. Wouldn't dream of messing with one unless I noticed it was off kilter or something, then, maybe i'd take few minutes to square it up for the owner.

[Curly]

The reason for cams getting stolen is because of the reasons others have already stated..............there are a lot of dirtbags who have no respect for other people's property.

But, for the purpose of your poll, I selected "because they aren't locked".  I've heard of some that were locked but still got stolen, but most cams you hear about that are stolen are not locked.  If you have a good lock box and it is bolted to the tree and have a good quality lock, it would be real challenging to get the camera.

So, while the reason really is because there are dirtbags out in the woods, the theft may be able to be prevented by use of a good quality box and lock........

[jackmaster]

i voted for other as well because people cant keep their dick beaters off of other peoples stuff, but if your gonna put them out then put them in a place where other humans dont want to go or if they did go there they are probably the stand up types and wouldnt touch your stuff, i am the type of guy that if i see somethn like this in the woods i avoid the area all together because someone else in my mind has already laid ownership to those parts and have done there work for that area so i back the hell out of there and go find a new spot, but generally where i go i useally dont run into other people, good luck to ya...

[huntnnw]

think another reason that they are found is people have bait sites and people see the bait before the camera....I have found countless treestands due to cut limbs everywhere..look up and there is a stand. I always get rid of limbs and leave as many possible on tree so nobody sees them